You just captured a shot you’re genuinely proud of, the light, the composition, the moment. But where do you share it? simple 500px .
500px It’s where photographers, real ones, go to showcase work at full resolution, get meaningful feedback, and even earn money from their craft. A platform built for people who care about photography, not just posting.
What Is 500px?
A global photo sharing network designed for quality over quantity. With 5M+ downloads, a 4.6 star average from over 184K reviews, and a partnership with Getty Images, it’s one of the few places where your work can actually be seen, and sold.
Who’s it for?
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Amateurs looking to improve (the feedback is brutally helpful).
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Pros monetizing their portfolios (Getty licensing is a real revenue stream).
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Anyone in between who’s tired of algorithms burying their best shots.
A Solid Alternative?
If you want something more casual but still photo focused, GuruShots (rated 4.2) offers gamified challenges, though it lacks 500px’s monetization and high res integrity.
Why 500px Stands Out
Your Photos Stay Crisp (No Compression Nonsense)
Unlike Instagram, which butchers image quality, 500px preserves every pixel. Upload a high res landscape, and it stays that way, no weird artifacts, no lost shadows.
Getty Images Partnership = Passive Income
One upload can lead to licensing deals. Getty’s team scouts 500px for standout work, offering photographers royalties when their images sell. No gatekeeping. No middlemen.
Free Photography School (EXIF Data Unlocked)
Ever wondered what settings a pro used for that jaw-dropping portrait? On 500px, EXIF data is public. Tap any photo to see shutter speed, aperture, ISO, then apply those lessons to your own shots.
Quests: Contests That Actually Matter
Forget “like for like” spam. Quests are themed challenges (e.g., “Urban Shadows,” “Minimalist Portraits”) with real prizes, gear, cash, even exhibitions. Winning one boosts visibility fast.
Feedback From Photographers, Not Random Scrollers
Comments here aren’t just “fire” or “Nice pic.” They’re technical: “Try a slower shutter next time“ or “The crop feels tight, was that intentional?“ If you want real growth, this is where it happens.
What Users Say
The Good:
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“Forces you to up your game.” (No lazy shots survive here.)
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“Getty picked 3 of my photos, now they earn me $200/month.” (Passive income is real.)
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“The only place where feedback improves my work.” (Instagram’s “Nice!” comments don’t help.)
The Gripes:
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“App chokes on RAW files.” (Stick to JPEG for faster uploads.)
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“Newcomers struggle for visibility.” (Early posts may flop, keep at it.)
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“Some features feel abandoned.” (The location map vanished post-acquisition.)
500px vs. Alternatives
Pexels: Free Exposure, Zero Payoff
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Pros:
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High search visibility, your photos can get picked for commercial use.
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Clean, no frills interface for browsing.
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Cons:
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No monetization. You get “exposure,” not royalties.
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No feedback loop. Comments are rare, critiques nonexistent.
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Best for: Hobbyists who don’t care about earning.
GuruShots: Photography as a Game
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Pros:
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Gamified challenges (climb leaderboards, win “badges”).
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Active voting system, engagement feels fast paced.
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Cons:
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Quality takes a backseat to popularity. Stunning shots lose to mass appeal snaps.
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No licensing opportunities. Just virtual trophies.
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Best for: Casual shooters who like competition but don’t need income.
Shutterstock Contributor: Bulk Sales, No Soul
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Pros:
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Direct sales pipeline. Upload, tag, earn, if your work fits stock trends.
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Analytics show exactly what sells.
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Cons:
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Zero community. No feedback, no growth, just transactions.
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Brutal rejections. “Overprocessed,” “low commercial value” emails sting.
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Best for: Volume shooters pumping out stock-friendly content.
If you want community + cash, 500px is the only platform that does both well.
How to Win on 500px (Not Just Post and Pray)
Polish Your Profile Like a Pro
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Bio: Skip the “I love sunsets” cliché. State your niche: “Street photographer documenting urban decay in Berlin.”
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Portfolio: Curate ruthlessly. 10 stellar shots > 50 mediocre ones.
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SEO Hack: Use location tags (e.g., “Tokyo nightscapes”), searches favor them.
500px Quests: How to Win (Not Just Enter)
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Strategy: Enter 2-3 weekly, enough to stay visible, not so many you burn out.
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Theme Alignment: Don’t force fit old work. Shoot for the Quest (e.g., “Golden Hour Portraits”).
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Judging Insight: Quests favor technical precision + storytelling. A sharp, boring shot loses to a slightly flawed but gripping image.
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Prize Reality: Gear, cash, features, real rewards, not just badges.
Reverse Engineer Success (EXIF Data Is Gold)
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Find top-rated photos in your niche. Study their:
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Settings (shutter speed, aperture).
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Timing (time of day, season).
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Post-processing (minimal? heavy?).
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Apply, then iterate. Your next upload should reflect what you learned.
Network Without the Cringe
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Avoid: “Great shot!” (meaningless) or emoji spam.
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Follow selectively: 10 photographers you admire > 100 randoms.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use 500px?
Ideal For:
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Photographers who want to improve. The feedback here hurts, then helps.
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Artists eyeing passive income. Getty deals happen, but only if your work is licensable.
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Niche shooters. Street, macro, astro, specialists thrive here.
Skip If:
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You chase viral likes. Instagram’s algorithm rewards trends; 500px rewards craft.
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You hate critique. Thin skinned? Stick to Flickr’s polite faves.
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You shoot only phone pics. While allowed, DSLR/mirrorless work dominates.
Conclusion :
500px won’t make you Insta-famous. It won’t flood you with hollow praise. But if you’re serious about photography, not just posting, it’s the only platform where better work = real rewards.
Next Step?
Stop treating your photos like disposable content. Try 500px, where they’re treated like art.
FAQ
How does 500px’s Getty partnership work for earning money?
Approved photos can be licensed through Getty Images, earning you royalties per download. Payouts vary based on usage, commercial sales pay more than editorial. Check your earnings dashboard on 500px or download 500px from Google Play Store for support email help+android[at]500px.com .
What’s the best way to get photos approved for licensing?
Focus on technically flawless, commercially viable shots (e.g., travel landmarks, lifestyle diversity). Avoid niche art or heavy filters. Pro tip: Study already-licensed photos in your niche.
Can I use 500px just for feedback, not monetization?
Absolutely. Many photographers use it purely for community critiques. Turn off licensing in your upload settings if you prefer.
How do I maximize visibility for my 500px portfolio?
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Post consistently (1-3 high quality shots weekly).
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Engage genuinely with others’ work,thoughtful comments attract reciprocal attention.
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Use precise tags (e.g., “urban night photography” > just “city”).
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Are 500px Quests worth the time investment?
Yes, if you align with themes. Winning boosts profile traffic and can lead to Getty scout attention. Skip generic themes; target those matching your style.