Unveiling the Secrets of AI-Generated Stock Images

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Stock Photography Earnings for May 2023
3. Shutterstock
   • Image 1: A Remnant of the Pandemic
   • Image 2: Depicting Illicit Drug Use and the Opioid Epidemic
   • Image 3: LASIK and Glaucoma Surgery
   • Image 4: Rulers and Precision Accuracy
   • Image 5: Time Vanishing Away
   • Image 6: Trial Frame for Eye Exams
   • Total earnings on Shutterstock
4. Adobe Stock
   • Image 1: Depression and Mental Health
   • Image 2: Medications and Medicine
   • Image 3: Composite Image of Eye with Heads-Up Display Overlay
   • Image 4: Close-up of Wooden Block with Number 20
   • Image 5: Bunch of Flags for Memorial Day
   • Image 6: Prescription Drugs and Cost
   • Image 7: Portrait with Prescription Drugs in Focus
   • Image 8: Internal View of a Computer Hard Drive
   • Image 9: Opioids Written on a Chalkboard
   • AI Generated Photos
   • Total earnings on Adobe Stock
5. Envato Elements
   • Image 1: Calendar of April
   • Image 2: Gears with Business Written on Them
   • Image 3: Folders in a Cabinet
   • Image 4: Recycling in the Bin
   • Image 5: Looking at Cataract in ICD Coding Book
   • Image 6: Computer Code on Screens
   • Total earnings on Envato Elements
6. Dreamstime
   • Image 1: Clock Disintegrating
   • Image 2: Holding a Clock with a Melting Face
   • Total earnings on Dreamstime
7. Wirestock
   • Image 1: Playing with Letter Blocks
   • Image 2: Remote Learning for Pre-K
   • Image 3: Playing with Stacking Toys
   • Total earnings on Wirestock
8. Stock Photography Community on YouTube
9. Conclusion

Stock Photography Earnings for May 2023

In this article, we will Delve into the stock photography earnings for the month of May 2023. The stock photography market has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, and it's important to analyze the performance of various agencies to gain valuable insights. Throughout this article, we will explore the earnings from different platforms, such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Envato Elements, Dreamstime, and Wirestock. Let's dive into the details and uncover the highlights of May 2023.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the leading stock photography agencies, and it didn't disappoint in May. With 1688 images and 109 videos in my portfolio, it presented a significant opportunity for sales. Despite the Current state of the market, Shutterstock delivered notable results. Let's take a look at some of the standout images that contributed to my overall earnings.

Image 1: A Remnant of the Pandemic

One of the surprising successes this month was an image depicting the use of a thermometer to monitor temperature. Although initially associated with the pandemic, this image holds relevance beyond the current situation. As long as people are concerned about illness transmission and monitoring their health, this image will Continue to be in demand. It sold for $1.33, indicating its popularity among buyers.

Image 2: Depicting Illicit Drug Use and the Opioid Epidemic

Another image that made significant contributions to my earnings is one featuring my wife holding a bag of Blue pills, representing illicit drug use and the ongoing opioid epidemic. This image was sold for an impressive $30, which was a pleasant surprise. As a contributor, I have an extensive collection focusing on this topic, ensuring a steady stream of sales. However, due to the graphic nature of some of these images, I am unable to showcase them here.

Image 3: LASIK and Glaucoma Surgery

Moving on from pandemic-related and drug-related themes, my portfolio also includes images related to eye care and surgery. An image of my wife's eye with a heads-up display overlay, depicting laser surgery for LASIK or glaucoma, proved to be successful. This image sold for $26.06, indicating a demand for eye-related medical visuals.

Image 4: Rulers and Precision Accuracy

At times, the demand for straightforward visuals that represent measurements, precision, and accuracy is high. This is demonstrated by the sale of an image featuring rulers laid out on a white background. This close-up yet wide-angle view of the rulers sold for $2.96, emphasizing the relevance of measurement-related visuals in various contexts.

Image 5: Time Vanishing Away

The concept of time and its fleeting nature is a frequent motif in stock photography. An image of a clock on a chalkboard showing time vanishing away sold for $0.78. While not a high-earning image, it serves as a reminder of the universal fascination with the passage of time and its symbolism.

Image 6: Trial Frame for Eye Exams

Eye care continues to be a popular theme, especially when it comes to visuals related to eye exams. An image of a trial frame, used to Show patients their final prescription during an eye exam, sold for $26.06. This image Speaks to the demand for medical imagery and the necessity of quality visuals to complement such topics.

The total earnings from Shutterstock for May 2023 amounted to $93.03. Despite the challenging market conditions, I achieved satisfactory results with my portfolio on this platform. The images Mentioned above played a significant role in boosting my overall earnings. Now, let's shift our focus to another major stock photography agency, Adobe Stock.

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock, known for its vast contributor network and reliable performance, continued to deliver positive results in May 2023. With 1608 images and 59 videos in my portfolio, I had a substantial presence on this platform. While video sales were not prominent this month, the images proved to be highly marketable. Let's explore the noteworthy images that contributed to my earnings.

Image 1: Depression and Mental Health

Addressing evergreen topics that consistently sell, I contributed an image portraying anxiety, depression, and worry. The photo features me in a business suit, looking anxious and worried about the future. This image sold for $2.31, showcasing the ongoing demand for visuals depicting mental health challenges.

Image 2: Medications and Medicine

An image capturing the act of opening a pill bottle, accompanied by a subtle light flare, symbolizes the topic of medications and medicine. Such visuals are versatile and can be used in various contexts. This image sold for $1.95, indicating its appeal to buyers seeking relatable medical visuals.

Image 3: Composite Image of Eye with Heads-Up Display Overlay

Similar to the image featured on Shutterstock, a composite image of an eye with a heads-up display overlay proved successful on Adobe Stock as well. Sold for $0.36, this image appeals to buyers looking for visuals related to eye care, laser surgery, or ophthalmology.

Image 4: Close-up of Wooden Block with Number 20

Visuals that can represent diverse concepts are often in demand. An image featuring a close-up of a wooden block with the number 20 on a white background is versatile and applicable for various purposes, such as representing dates, birthdays, or anniversaries. This image sold for $0.36, demonstrating its value in multiple contexts.

Image 5: Bunch of Flags for Memorial Day

Timely visuals are always sought after, as they cater to specific events or celebrations. An image capturing a plethora of flags displayed at a community college during Memorial Day generated interest among buyers. This image, which I discussed in a previous video, sold for $0.99, highlighting its relevance around the Memorial Day period.

Image 6: Prescription Drugs and Cost

The high cost of prescription drugs, particularly in the United States, is an ongoing issue. An image featuring a pill bottle placed on top of $20 bills, with pills spilling out, resonated with buyers who relate to the financial burden of medications. This image sold for $0.99, reflecting the significance of addressing healthcare-related expenses in visuals.

Image 7: Portrait with Prescription Drugs in Focus

Another image that gained traction on Adobe Stock is a portrait featuring prescription drugs in focus. This composition captures the essence of medication usage and allows buyers to incorporate it into various medical or healthcare-related projects. The image sold for $0.99, indicating its appeal to a specific target audience.

Image 8: Internal View of a Computer Hard Drive

Technology-themed visuals often find their place in commercial projects or articles discussing computer hardware. An image showcasing the internals of a computer hard drive fulfilled the demand for such visuals. It sold for $0.99, reinforcing the need for accurate and high-quality depictions of technology-related subjects.

Image 9: Opioids Written on a Chalkboard

Addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, an image featuring the word "opioids" written on a chalkboard, surrounded by names of various opioids, found buyers who required visuals related to this topic. This image sold for $0.99, highlighting its relevance within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

In addition to the specific images mentioned above, I also generated earnings from 32 AI-generated photos on Adobe Stock, contributing a total of $26.65 to my May earnings. The versatility and marketability of AI-generated visuals make them a valuable addition to any portfolio.

The total earnings from Adobe Stock for May 2023 reached $122.52. This achievement reinforces the reliability of this platform and its consistent performance in the stock photography market. Now, let's shift our Attention to another major platform, Envato Elements.

Envato Elements

Envato Elements, with its extensive contributor network and diverse range of creative assets, presents an excellent opportunity for stock photographers. With 2979 images in my portfolio, Envato Elements remains one of my largest platforms. While no longer accepting new uploads due to their acquisition of Twenty20, it continues to generate revenue from my existing collection. Let's explore some of the notable images that contributed to my earnings on Envato Elements.

Image 1: Calendar of April

Capturing the essence of specific months or seasons is a popular theme in stock photography. An image featuring a calendar displaying the month of April sold for $6.13, showcasing its appeal in various creative projects.

Image 2: Gears with "Business" Written on Them

Visuals associated with business and productivity are widely sought after in the commercial world. An image portraying gears with the word "business" written on them found buyers who required illustrations for business-related concepts. This image generated earnings of $10.23, emphasizing its marketability.

Image 3: Folders in a Cabinet

Office-related visuals, such as images of folders and office policies, offer practical and relatable content for designers and marketers. An image featuring folders in a cabinet sold for $1.47, providing a useful visual asset for office-themed projects.

Image 4: Recycling in the Bin

As awareness of environmental issues continues to rise, visuals related to sustainability and recycling gain significance. An image capturing my daughter placing an item into a recycling bin garnered interest among buyers. This image, previously submitted for a Twenty20 challenge, earned $7.56, demonstrating its relevance in eco-conscious projects.

Image 5: Looking at Cataract in ICD Coding Book

Highlighting medical concepts and procedures is essential for healthcare-related projects. An image portraying me using a diopter lens to examine the word "cataract" in an ICD coding book catered to the demand for medical visuals. This image sold for $9.59, indicating its value in the medical field.

Image 6: Computer Code on Screens

Technology-enabled visuals are ever-present in today's digital landscape. An image featuring a screen displaying computer code, intricately capturing the essence of programming, catered to buyers seeking technology-themed visuals. This image sold for $9.04, emphasizing its value within the tech industry.

The total earnings from Envato Elements for May 2023 summed up to $216.14. Despite no longer uploading to this platform, my existing collection remains profitable, reaffirming the value of building a diverse portfolio across various platforms. Now, let's explore the performance of another platform, Dreamstime.

Dreamstime

Dreamstime, although not among the highest-earning platforms, still contributes to the overall revenue for stock photographers. With 661 images in my portfolio on Dreamstime, it serves as an additional source of income. Let's take a look at the images that generated earnings on Dreamstime in May 2023.

Image 1: Clock Disintegrating

An image symbolizing time wasted away by showcasing a disintegrating clock found buyers on Dreamstime. This visual, representing the fleeting nature of time, earned $0.35, demonstrating its relevance in various projects.

Image 2: Holding a Clock with a Melting Face

Continuing the theme of time passing, another image featuring me holding a clock with a melting face captivated buyers seeking visuals related to the concept of time slipping away. This image sold for $1.46, reinforcing its appeal in creative projects.

The total earnings from Dreamstime for May 2023 amounted to $1.81. While not the highest earner, Dreamstime provides an additional revenue stream for photographers who aim to diversify their income sources.

Wirestock

Wirestock offers a unique approach to stock photography by partnering with various agencies, including Getty, iStock, Adobe Stock, and Shutterstock. By uploading content to Wirestock, contributors gain exposure on multiple platforms simultaneously. While not one of the highest-earning platforms for me, it presents an opportunity to reach a broader customer base. Let's explore the images that generated earnings on Wirestock in May 2023.

Image 1: Playing with Letter Blocks

Visuals capturing moments of childhood engagement and education proved to be of interest to Wirestock customers. An image featuring my daughter playing with letter blocks earned $0.14, demonstrating its market appeal.

Image 2: Remote Learning for Pre-K

As remote learning became prevalent due to pandemic restrictions, visuals depicting this educational setting gained traction. An image portraying my daughter participating in remote learning for pre-K sold for $0.03, highlighting its relevance during a challenging time.

Image 3: Playing with Stacking Toys

Engaging visuals that represent playfulness and growth resonate with customers seeking relatable content. An image featuring my son and daughter playing with stacking toys generated a total of $0.70 in earnings, illustrating its market appeal.

In total, Wirestock contributed $0.95 to my earnings in May 2023. While not a significant source of income, it serves as an opportunity to reach a diverse set of buyers across multiple platforms.

Stock Photography Community on YouTube

Before concluding this earnings report, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of fellow stock photography contributors who provide valuable content and insights on YouTube. Joel from RandomHartz, Matt Fowler, and Jason Yoder offer educational and informative videos related to stock photography. By supporting each other and engaging with their content, we can collectively contribute to the growth and development of the stock photography community. I encourage you to check out their channels and explore the wealth of knowledge they have to offer.

Conclusion

In summary, May 2023 proved to be a decent month for stock photography earnings, considering the current state of the market. Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Envato Elements, Dreamstime, and Wirestock played a significant role in generating revenue. By diversifying my portfolio on these platforms, I was able to successfully monetize various themes, ranging from pandemic-related visuals and medical imagery to business concepts and technology themes. As a contributor, it is essential to adapt to market demands, understand customer preferences, and consistently produce high-quality visuals to maximize earnings.