Can I Sell Pictures of Unknown People on Shutterstock?

There is a common question that arises when photographers submit their works to Shutterstock: Can I sell pictures of unknown people on Shutterstock? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. However, with specific conditions and considerations in mind.

Editorial License and Public Places

Shutterstock allows photographers to sell pictures of unknown people as long as they are done under an editorial license. An editorial license means that the photos are used for news or informational purposes and are not intended for commercial gain. This includes capturing people in public places such as parades, working on the beach, or in streets. For instance, if you photograph a man with a parachute jumping out of a plane at a fair, you can submit this image as an editorial photo. However, obtaining a model release from the individual might be challenging but not impossible. Shutterstock's website provides a detailed guide on how to submit editorial images, including what qualifies and all the rules.

Need for Model Release for Identifiable Individuals

When you want to use a photo of a person on Shutterstock, you need to get a model release. If the person in the photo is not famous but identifiable, a model release is necessary. This ensures that the individual is aware and consents to their image being used. However, if the person is completely unknown and you have never interacted with them, you still need a model release to avoid potential legal issues.

Best Practices for Submitting Photographs

Your best bet is to either hire a model or use friends and family. This not only ensures compliance with Shutterstock's guidelines but also makes the process smoother. It's also important to understand that Shutterstock is highly strict when it comes to the recognition of individuals. For example, even clip art and silhouettes can be rejected if they appear to resemble recognizable individuals. Therefore, if there is any chance that the photo could be identifiable, you should obtain a model release.

Avoiding Rejection with Editorial Licensing

Photographs marked as EDITORIAL can still be sold on Shutterstock, but they cannot be used for commercial purposes. This means that they can be profitable as long as they are not used for monetization. Many users find this category beneficial as it provides a broad range of usage rights while avoiding commercial restrictions. It's worth noting that Shutterstock has around 40 of my images marked as editorial ones.

Conclusion

In summary, you can sell pictures of unknown people on Shutterstock, provided that the images are marked as editorial and you follow Shutterstock's guidelines and rules. Always ensure that you obtain the necessary permissions and releases to avoid potential legal issues. With the right approach, you can successfully submit and sell your photographs on the platform.