FAQ
Can I sell a photo of my dog for a dollar?
Yes. Here's everything else you might be wondering. Aimed at first-time sellers with one photo, not at people running a photography business.
Getting started
I'm not a photographer. Can I really sell just one photo?
Yes. The submit a photo form was built for exactly that. No portfolio, no profile, no application. You upload one photo, tell us where it was taken and what you'd like to do with it. We come back to you within a working day.
It's just a phone photo. Is that good enough?
Probably. Modern phone cameras produce files that are fine for web licensing and small to medium prints. The thing that matters most is that the photo is in focus, well exposed, and shows something recognisable. Sharp and ordinary beats blurry and pretty.
What file types and sizes are accepted?
JPEG, PNG, or WebP, up to 8 MB. Most phone and camera exports are JPEG and will work as-is. If your file is bigger than 8 MB, your phone's share sheet usually has a 'reduce size' option, or you can export a JPEG at quality 90 rather than the original.
Can I submit an AI-generated image?
No. PhotoSale is built around real photographs of real places, taken by people. We don't accept AI-generated images or photos that have been substantially altered by AI. Normal editing (crop, exposure, colour) is fine.
Should I worry about my photo's metadata?
Possibly. Photos taken on a phone often have GPS coordinates and timestamps embedded in the EXIF metadata. We don't strip that on submission. If the photo was taken at home or anywhere you'd rather not advertise, clear the location data before uploading. Most phones have a 'remove location' option in the share sheet.
What kinds of photos sell?
Real Australian places (a beach with the actual sign, a town, a recognisable street), local animals (your dog in front of the surf club, an emu in a paddock), local businesses, local food, local events. Anything that says 'this is here, in real life'. Generic sunsets compete with millions of generic sunsets. Specific local content does not.
What kinds don't sell?
Out-of-focus shots, photos that look like every other photo, photos with branded products or copyrighted artwork as the subject, and most generic landscape shots. We will tell you if we think a photo won't fit.
Money
How much do I get?
You set the price. A print can be listed for any amount you like, from a dollar upward. PhotoSale takes a small platform fee (currently 10%) when something sells; the rest is yours.
How do I get paid?
We use Stripe for payouts. Once you have a sale, you connect your bank account through a guided Stripe form (takes about two minutes). Payouts land in your account a few days after a sale.
Do I have to pay tax on the dollar?
If selling photos is a one-off hobby, the income is generally not assessable. If it becomes regular and commercial, it is. See our hobby or business article for the test the ATO actually applies.
Do I need an ABN?
Not for casual hobby sales. You do once you're carrying on an enterprise. Same article: hobby or business.
Do I need to register for GST?
Only if your annual turnover from the activity reaches A$75,000. A dollar for one photo is nowhere near that threshold.
Rights and credit
Do I keep the copyright?
Yes. Selling a print does not sell the copyright. Licensing a photo for someone to use does not sell the copyright either. Both are explained in who owns a photograph and licensing your photos.
Will my name be on it?
Yes. Australian law gives you a moral right to be attributed as the author. We credit you on the public listing and pass your name to anyone licensing the photo.
Can someone steal my photo from the site?
Any photo on the public internet can be copied. We don't add DRM. What you have is the copyright. If someone uses your photo without licence, copyright infringement under section 36 of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) gives you a basis to act. The exposure is the same on Instagram or anywhere else you publish.
Is the photo watermarked?
Yes. Submitted photos get a small 'photosale.net' watermark in the bottom-right corner before they're saved. It discourages casual copying without dominating the image. You keep the original on your device. When a sale or licence is agreed, you send the original (unwatermarked) file to the buyer directly, under the licence we agree.
What can I photograph?
Can I sell a photo of my dog?
Yes. Pets are not people. No release needed.
Can I sell a photo of my friend's car?
Yes. For editorial use (illustrating a magazine article on local life) it's fine. For commercial advertising use, most platforms want a property release just to be safe. Easiest path: ask your friend in writing.
Can I sell a photo of a stranger I took on the street?
For non-commercial editorial use, generally yes in Australia. For advertising, you usually need a model release: the issue is not 'right of publicity' (we don't really have one) but section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law, which catches use that implies endorsement. See photographing people.
Can I sell a photo of the Sydney Opera House or Uluru?
Generally yes for editorial use. Commercial use of well-known landmarks can run into trademark restrictions (the Opera House Trust holds registered marks) and cultural protocols (Uluru has restricted areas and culturally sensitive views). Stay editorial unless you have specific advice.
What about a photo with a brand logo in it?
Editorial use is generally fine. Commercial use (advertising) raises trade mark issues. Don't list a photo of a Coke bottle implying that it could be used in a Coke ad.
My kids are in the photo. Should I sell it?
We don't accept identifiable photos of minors into the marketplace, even with parental consent. The exposure for everyone involved is too high. See photographing children.
The platform
How long does review take?
Usually one working day. Sometimes faster.
What if you say no?
We tell you why. You can submit a different photo anytime.
Can I take it down later?
Yes. Email support@photosale.net and we'll remove the listing. Licences already granted continue under their terms.
I'm not sure what to write for a caption.
Two facts is enough. 'Sunset at Cottesloe Beach, January 2026.' If you can't think of any, send us the photo with no caption and we'll suggest something.
I'm worried no one will buy it.
Most listed photos don't sell. Some do. Listing is free. The worst case is no sale and no charge, and the photo sat there for a while.
I'm under 18. Can I still submit?
You can submit. Payouts require an account holder aged 18 or over (Stripe requirement). If you're younger, a parent or guardian can hold the payout account.
What's the absolute minimum I need to know before I press submit?
You took the photo. You hold the copyright. You're allowed to share it. Anything more nuanced (people in frame, brands visible, cultural sites) is covered in our knowledge base.
Still not sure?
Email support@photosale.net with the photo attached. We'll tell you whether it's a fit, what the legal questions are if any, and what we'd suggest doing with it. No pressure to list.