Want to make money from your digital photos? You can, thanks to microstock photography sites. But before you start, there are things you should know.

Stock photographs are licensed for publishing, advertising and more. Traditional stock photography distributors sell images for hundreds of dollars. Fees are based on the number of reproductions.

But the Internet has given rise to microstock photography sites. They sell images for a few dollars or less. iStockphoto, Fotolia and Shutterstock are popular microstock sites.

Ideally, photographers make more money by selling many low-cost images. Some dedicated photographers make thousands per month from microstock sales.

QUALITY IS IMPORTANT

A digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera will give you the best photos. But you can use any digital camera with a good image sensor. You want a camera good enough to avoid noise and compression artifacting in your images.

Noise is pixels of a different color in a solid color. It is most common in low-light situations. Some cameras are noisier than others. Higher ISO settings increase noise.

Compression artifacting is a loss of image detail. It comes from using too much compression. It can be attributed to editing software or camera settings.

Shoot in RAW format, if your camera offers this image setting. This yields the best quality photographs. RAW files are like digital negatives. They allow you to make more adjustments during the editing process. For example, you can change white balance and exposure.

After editing, save your images as high-quality JPEGs. Avoid editing JPEGs.

PHOTOS ARE REVIEWED

Microstock sites carefully review all photographs submitted. Take your time when making your first submission. If it is rejected, you may need to wait a month before reapplying.

Read the sites' training materials carefully to get started. You may be quizzed before you can submit photographs.

SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT

Certain subjects sell better than others. Business, lifestyle and food photographs are popular. Photos of flowers and pets will probably be rejected — unless they're unique.

Photographs that promote a concept such as healthy living sell well. And don't forget seasonal photographs. Take photographs that relate to holidays — and upload them well beforehand.

Review the popular photos on microstock sites to see what sells. You'll also get new ideas. But don't re-create another photographer's image. This could land you in trouble and your photos will be rejected.

If a person's face is visible in your photo, a model release is required. This also applies to self-portraits. A release gives you permission to use someone's likeness for commercial purposes.

Likewise, you'll need a release for identifiable buildings and houses.

You cannot include subjects protected by a copyright or trademark.