Micro Stock is the name given to stock agencies that sell stock photos and illustrations very affordably. The name comes from the fact that photographers make very little per sale (compared to traditional methods), but they make up the difference in selling large quantities of images. Many photographers earn their entire income by selling images through online stock photography agencies. PDF

Most of the agencies listed on Microstock Forum have over 1 million images each, some with almost ten million images. All of these images are available with a Royalty-Free license. This license allows you to use print more postcards without going back and paying more money. You should read the license details on each website that you buy or sell stock photos with. Many agencies have a standard license which covers most uses and then an extended license to cover optional uses (often use on products or higher copy limits).

Selling photography and illustrations through stock image agencies is a great way to make money. Tens of thousands of amatuer and professional potographers around the world make a great side income this way. There are hundred of photographers that have made "microstock" their day job and earn enough to live by selling their images through multiple stock image agencies.