Online Picture Storage Issues

A full size image from an 8 megapixel Canon Rebel XT or similar high end digital SLR can easily require 6 megs of storage.  When setting up to sell such an picture, you will need to make a thumbnail, and a modest size copy to keep response times on your shopping cart pages reasonable. 

You have some decisions to make at that point; none of them terribly attractive.

You can keep only smaller copies of your pictures on your sever.  This will reduce the storage space required and you will be able to host several hundred (thousand?) pictures on an inexpensive hosting account.  The problem is buyers will not be able to do immediate downloads.  They will have to contact you for instructions on how to obtain their picture(s).  If you are technically unable to automate this process you will either be chained to your computer servicing orders, or subject customers to long delays. 

Amazon.com offers a service called S3 which may provide a solution.  S3 lets you use their servers for storage.  You get billed by the space you actually use.  You benefit from their uptime and backup grantees and the rates are really cheap.  Unfortunately, at the present time it takes serious technical expertise to take advantage of the S3 service. 

I am sure many startups are working on front end applications which will make this much easier.  When and if that happens it should be possible to affordably store hundreds of gigabytes online.

You may choose to limit the number of pictures you offer.  This may actually be a good choice for someone just starting out.  You can test and develop on an inexpensive hosting solution and see if you are actually able to sell anything.  As you gain a better idea of what sells and as more customers find you, you will have to the cash flow to hire technical talent to improve the quality and quantity of your offerings.