Online stock photo collection business

Graphic designers, publishers, marketing teams, bloggers, tourism operators and small businesses needing images.

A fee each time an image is licensed, either through a marketplace that takes a commission or directly on your own site. Income grows as the collection grows.

• Photography and basic editing
• Keywords and captions so images can be found
• Patience to build a collection over time

• Model and property releases are usually needed for recognisable people or private property, check each marketplace's rules
• Some landmarks, artworks and brands have restrictions on commercial use, check before shooting
• Income builds slowly, so plan for months before regular sales
• Check when you need to register for GST and how marketplace income is reported to the ATO

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $3,000, depending on the camera and editing equipment you already have and what you need to add. Many people start with gear they own and build up gradually.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $50 to $1,000, depending on the size of your collection and how well your niche sells. Income builds slowly, so plan for months before regular sales. Allow at least around 5 hours a week.

Check whether you need model and property releases for recognisable people or private property, as each marketplace has its own rules. Also check restrictions on commercial use of some landmarks, artworks and brands, plus GST registration and how marketplace income is reported to the ATO.