Microstock Photography

Last Updated: May 1, 2013

Definition - What does Microstock Photography mean?

Microstock photography is a type of stock photography where amateur and hobbyist photographers submit photos for online distribution at a much lower cost than those sourced from typical stock photo vendors. Because microstock photography is low-cost and generally distributed on a royalty-free basis, it is an economical way for small publications or businesses - particularly online businesses - to add visual website elements. Microstock photography is also known as micropayment photography.

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Techopedia explains Microstock Photography

Stock photographs meet the need for graphic artwork and images without high-priced photographers. Because microstock photography is generally royalty-free, a licensed user or service member usually received multi-application privileges, in contrast to a rights-managed license, in which image usage limits are fixed. Microstock photography websites allow amateurs and hobbyists to submit photos - though not all are accepted - and receive a small fee each time a user or subscriber purchases a photo license. Shutterstock and iStockphoto are two key players in the field of microstock photography.