News

Bad news for underwater photographers hoping to sell their photos through the popular website 500px. In an email from company officials, photographers today found out that royalty rates will be cut—dramatically in some cases.

For those photographers who sell their images exclusively through the photo sharing and sales website, the royalties paid drops from 70% to 60%. But if you choose to sell your photos non-exclusively (Ie. trying to sell through other venues), royalties are cut by 57%. You would now earn just 30% of what your image sells for.

The previous royalty rate made 500px a favorite for photographers looking to earn a little extra cash. Now, many feel that the rate makes 500px’s Marketplace similar to all of the other companies in the industry.

“We need to make some changes to ensure we will continue to be a healthy business that can deliver for our clients and for our contributors,” reads the email sent out to 500px members. “We are changing the photographer royalty rate to ensure the sustained growth of 500px.”

Any feedback should be directed to the site’s Customer Excellence Team.