What Photos Do Stock Agencies Want?

Janet JohnsonForest Photo ClubDecember 2012

What are Stock Agencies?Online Sites – for buyers and sellers

Photographers upload photos to sell.Must enter keywords and be accepted.Advertisers and Graphic Designers buy.Photos may be used in magazine ads, as book covers, on web sites, to sell photo frames, in the junk mail that shows up in your mailbox, etc.

Stock Photography GuidelinesWhat’s special about it?

Must be CLEAN – clear focus, no noise, good exposure, good compositionReview your shot at 100%!Must be DESIRED – someone has to need it, usually for selling something.Remove Logos or brand namesIf it contains people, must have a MODEL RELEASE.

Where are Stock Photography Sites?Some Online Sites

iStockphoto.comHardest to get into; RGB JPG only; >=1600x1200 (2 MB)

Shutterstock.comRequires 10 photos accepted in first upload; >= 4 MB

Dreamstime.comEasier to get into; >= 3 MB

Fotolia.comEasier; < 30 MB

Getty Images – through flickr.com

Getty Images on flickr.com

What Sells on Stock Sites?Trends: Most Searched Keywords

AccessibilityAuthenticityAspirationPartnershipLoveInnovationTech

ComfortInteractionGreenCity LifeMulti-generationEnjoymentAdventure

Another Trend: Real People!

Shoot your family and friendsNot Staged – Not Looking at the CameraInteracting with each otherLeave Copy SpaceHave a Clear SubjectConceptual – Having a ThemeCreative, Humorous, Crazy – Be Unique!

What They Don’t Want!

Don’t need more FLOWERSDon’t need more SUNSETSDon’t need photos of your PETS

Poorly Focused PhotosCluttered Photos – Do Border Patrol!Photos with poor Exposure or Composition

My Rejected PhotosShutterstock.com

Often Needed TopicsSEASONAL – submit 3-4 months early!Christmas photos in September/OctoberSpring photos in January

LIFESTYLERetirementPeople smiling in restaurants/kitchensFood & Drink – simple, natural light, wide DoFHealth/Wellness – BIG SELLER!

BUSINESS PEOPLE – confidence/challenge

Shooting Objects

Tips for Getting StartedTry teaming up with someone, especially for people photos – one can hold the reflector

What do you have access to? Business people, retired people doing something active, family, multi-ethnic,…

Use vibrant colors – get someone to wear a red shirt, photograph a yellow camping tent

Put someone in an unusual place, e.g. Santa at the beach

Look at magazine ads for ideas and techniques

One great photo will outsell 25 mediocre ones

Look at iStock’s Training Manual

View iStock’s Training Manualhttp://www.istockphoto.com/help/sell-stock/training-manuals/photography

Where in the World? Shutterstock.com

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