If you’ve ever thought stock photography was only worth pennies, this conversation will change your mind. In this episode of The Sundae Best, I’m joined by photographer and educator Aubrey Westlund, founder of Stock Photo Besties.
Aubrey is a photographer and educator who’s been in the stock photography industry for nearly a decade. After 10 years as a full-time wedding photographer, stock became the unexpected path that helped her heal from burnout and fall back in love with her camera. Now, she teaches other photographers how to license the work they already have, build passive income, and create businesses that feel both sustainable and creatively fulfilling.
WHAT IS STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Aubrey defines stock photography as licensing your images to brands, businesses, or agencies for a set use and period of time—essentially “renting” your photos. While many photographers only think of low-paying microstock sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, Aubrey points out there’s an entire premium side of the industry that’s curated, exclusive, and much more profitable.
She’s not talking about uploading hundreds of random images and hoping for the best. Her approach is intentional: understanding what buyers/agencies want, creating work that fits those needs, and building a portfolio that generates income for years to come.
FROM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TO LICENSING IMAGES
Like many great business pivots, Aubrey’s journey into stock photography happened by accident. While still photographing weddings full-time, she was contacted by an agency building a curated stock collection. At first, she ignored the email—thinking it was a scam—but during a slow season, she decided to explore the opportunity.
She began submitting a few images at a time, learning what was accepted and what sold (and what didn’t). Over time, she expanded into additional agencies, discovered the differences between client needs, and began to see steady sales. Eventually, stock photography became a significant part of her business model—without requiring her to book more photoshoots.
WHAT TYPES OF STOCK IMAGES ACTUALLY SELL—AND WHICH DON’T
One of the biggest surprises for photographers new to stock photography? It’s not the grand, epic shots that license over and over—it’s the relatable, everyday images. Aubrey has found consistent success with:
- Simple, relatable lifestyle moments
- Detail shots like rings, florals, and table settings from weddings
- Seasonal and holiday themes
- Categories like health & wellness, business, relationships, technology, and sustainability
In her words, it’s about romanticizing the mundane: taking everyday moments and elevating them through artistry, light, and composition so they feel timeless and relatable.
HOW TO START SELLING STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY WITH JUST 20 MINUTES PER WEEK
Stock photography doesn’t have to take over your workflow. Aubrey recommends:
- Start with your backlog – Pull images from past weddings, sessions, or personal work that fit common licensing categories.
- Incorporate it into your editing – As you deliver galleries, flag images for potential licensing.
- Submit in small batches – Start with 20 photos to learn what each agency accepts.
- Understand releases – Have signed model/property releases ready for any identifiable people or private spaces.
She also suggests trying multi-uploader platforms like Cavan Images, which distribute your work to multiple agencies—including premium ones—so you get more exposure without extra admin work.
IS STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY WORTH YOUR TIME?
Stock photography is a long game. Aubrey saw her first sale after 4–6 months, but once the snowball started rolling, it never stopped. Many of her top-selling images today were uploaded years ago, and they continue to bring in income month after month.
Her advice: “It’s an investment for your future self.” Even 20 minutes a week adds up over time, and the earlier you start, the more your portfolio can grow and work for you.
STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY RESOURCES BY AUBREY
- Free Little Black Book of Stock Photo Agencies – Learn about agencies and how they differ.
- License It! Guide for Photographers – A $7 guide to building licensing into your business.
- Stock Photo Besties Membership – Community, education, and daily inspiration for stock photographers.
- Stock Photography Academy – Self-paced course to learn the ins and outs of licensing.
MEET OUR GUEST: AUBREY WESTLUND
Aubrey Westlund is a photographer and educator who’s been in the stock photography industry for nearly a decade. After 10 years as a full-time wedding photographer, stock became the unexpected path that helped her heal from burnout and fall back in love with her camera. Now, she teaches other photographers how to license the work they already have, build passive income, and create businesses that feel both sustainable and creatively fulfilling.
Connect with Aubrey Westlund:
- Website: aubreywestlund.com
- Instagram: @aubreywestlund
MEET YOUR HOST OF THE SUNDAE BEST
Logan Ferree – Colorado Wedding Photographer and Mentor
Hey there! I’m Logan Ferree, a Colorado-based wedding photographer, mentor, and host of The Sundae Best podcast. I’m passionate about helping fellow photographers grow successful businesses that attract dream clients and provide the freedom and flexibility we all crave.
After years of trial and error in my own business, I now share what works (and what doesn’t) to help you skip the struggle and fast-track your success. When I’m not photographing colorful, joy-filled weddings, you can find me mentoring photographers, recording podcast episodes, trying a new recipe, or exploring Colorado with my husband.
For more photography business insights and resources:
- Learn about 1:1 mentorships with me and explore business resources
- Follow me on Instagram: @the.sundae.best
- Visit our show website: thesundaebest.com
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