Micro Stock Photography has put together a list of the world’s best microstock photo image banks. Below you will find a link to the stock photo agency along with information that will help you choose which microstock agency is right for you. Most microstock photo agencies are close in price but have different pricing structures. Some sell images using credits, some by subscription, and some do both. A few agencies allow you to purchase single images. Some sites also offer editorial and news related images. A couple microstock agencies offer the ability to order prints directly from them. Since microstock images are already very cheap, sites try to appeal to photo buyers with unique features and tools.
There are many microstock image agencies on the web. Some the best, which are listed to the right, and some not really worth listing. Micro Stock Photography has put together an even more extensive list of micro stock sites in the Micro Stock Site Directory section. Here you will not only find more microstock image banks, but also other helpful sites related to the micro stock photo industry.
ShutterstockThe largest subscription-based stock photo agency in the world. Millions of images online. With a subscription, the images cost pennies, not dollars. Also offer editorial photos. Ultra high quality images at super low prices.
iStockPhotoKnown as the first major micro stock site. Purchase images using credits. Pretty much the elite microstock site, but prices are a little more. Has a very feature rich website.
LuckyOliverNew site that is growing fast. Great website. Purchase tokens to buy photos for about $1. The site has a nice relaxed feel and a lot of great images.
BigStockPhotoOne of the big players in the microstock photo industry. You can buy as little as one credit. A large selection to choose from.
StockXpertExcellent quality stock images at micro prices. Download stock photos for less than $1 each by buying credits or get a better price and buy a subscription.