A Google search returned 1.4 million results for "Stock Photography Agencies"!

So how do you possibly wade through all those stock photography agencies to find the right one for you, and is it worth it?

Absolutely! As I have said before, if you work hard, submit as many photographs as possible and follow the guidelines, why shouldn't your photos be used as much as anyone else's?

You may need to do a bit of research here, to find the stock photography agencies suited to your work or which fit your requirements, but as always, I am here to lend a hand.

Go online and search for the bigger stock photography agencies such as Alamy and Corbis and sift through until you find one or more agencies that you would like to deal with, and who pay well and on time.

At the end of the day, do some research, read any success stories and/or statistics on sales, sign up and start shooting.

Of all the stock photography agencies there are, a market leading "Micro" stock agency is Shutterstock. They are a rapidly expanding company who's popularity is growing amongst photographers (amateur and professional) and buyers alike.

A great benefit for joining is that they have a wonderful selection of photographs currently standing at just over 1,000,000 but unlike Corbis who have over 3.5 million, you have a much, much better chance of selling your photos. If you want to give them a try, and I recommend that you do, use the link below to learn more.

26.April.05 - Here is an update on Shutterstock - A week ago, one of my photographers signed up and has already sold 6 photos. I tested this and uploaded one photograph yesterday and sold one copy last night!

06.May.05 - Update - Loaded 48 pics to Shutterstock a week ago, 5 were rejected for various reasons but the others have sold 18 copies. I have now uploaded another 90 for review.

11.May.05 - This will be the last update as I have done enough "Guinnea Pigging" for now. Of the 90 uploaded, 1 was rejected and the next day 53 were sold.

11.March.06 - Almost one year on and after holding off last summer due to many weddings I attended (as photographer), I uploaded around another 380 images in October. I have now sold over 6,000 images and increasing each month.

30.Jun.06 - 900 Images online and close to 11,000 sold. The income has paid for a new EOS 5D and 24-70L 2.8. As fas as I am concerned, these images would have just sat there and done nothing for ever otherwise.

15.March.07 - 1,200 images online and 21,000 sold.

18.March.08 - Due to being incredibly busy, I have uploaded no images in the last year. The money coming in has stayed exactly the same...not joined yet?

The monthly income from this site alone (which is also the most popular site of all micro stock photography agencies) is around $600+. We have just been looking at buying a new 4 x 4 and these earnings at Shutterstock alone more than cover the monthly payments!

What could you do with that extra income? What if you uploaded 5,000 images over time?

You will earn up to 38 cents a download at Shutterstock and if you have enough online it all starts to add up into a nice steady "residual" income.

However, all photographs submitted that are accepted, will be automatically available for their "on demand" system where if sold, you earn up to $2.85 per image sold, it just gets better! ALSO, for selling a photo with an enhanced licence (optional but recommended) you receive $28 per image sold. I would suggest that you submit your photographs here (anything over 4MB files accepted as long as they meet the criteria), as well as buffering them up to bigger sizes for bigger agencies otherwise it could be money down the drain.

They have a great forum where you can discuss tactics and just about anything to give you reassurance and motivation. Just give their site the once over, and if you fancy submitting a bunch of your work, I bet you sell your first picture sooner than you think!

Your first 10 images uploaded need to have 7 or more accepted before you can begin so make sure they are all spot on and exactly what they ask for. Once accepted, just start submitting after again reading all of the guidelines and enjoy the experience. But beware as some of the regulars jokingly say, you may become a "Stataholic". The stats at Shutterstock are updated every 15 minutes, and it is actually quite exciting to see if any have sold in that time.

ShutterStock Application!