Stock Photography

Stock Photography is photography shot on speculation, in advance of being sold. Stock photography began as an outlet for the hundreds of thousands of photographs taken on assignment. Eventually, a market developed and flourished that had photo marketers forming stock agencies to market a wide selection of generic photographs. Having the images available as stock gives clients a lower cost (but evenly priced) option. It gives consumers a high-quality visual experience that they might otherwise miss. And, best of all, it gives the photographer the opportunity to earn income from photographs that otherwise would stay in a drawer or on a hard drive forever. Everybody wins!

As this business grew explosively, supply was steadily out-pacing demand, and the field became even more competitive. Quality has risen, and shooting specifically for stock has replaced the concept of using the stock agency as a place for surplus photographs.

Stock Photography - The Basics

Stock Photography - Articles

What Is It? - Great article giving a brief and understandable explanation of what this niche is about. Examples, Tips & Resources - Tips and examples of stock photography. 25 Tips - Use these tips to critique your photos, to identify and define your market, and to help you focus on the niche that your work reflects and brings value. "Must-Haves" - Here is a suggested list of 'must-have' considerations if you're researching this photography niche. You must clearly assess your strengths; accurately research your market; and know how to successfully specialize. Start Selling Your Photos Today - Ready, set, go... At lease a dozen tips and steps to start with what you have - today! This is a must read! Stock Photo Business Basics Basics Stock Photo Business - Need a thumbnail view of this business? Click here. Start Today! - Start where you are - and then get bigger and better. Stock Photo Galleries Stock Gallery - This gallery includes examples of children stock photos with comments on why the photos are good or not. Stock Gallery - This gallery includes examples of children stock photos also. These demonstrate how effective stock photos are when the children aren't staring into the camera. Interaction in stock photos also has value. Telling A Story - This gallery includes stock photos that demonstrate how photos can tell a story. Firefighter recruits are the subjects. Links on this website will take you to 'how-to' steps, information and resources. Not knowing is expensive in this field. This is a great place to start your research; to compare your work with others; and to find markets for your work. You might find that you have photos with great value. Getting them into the hands of those willing to pay you for your work is how this information will help you.

The Future of This Niche - Do You Fit? - Good article about the changin face of stock photography. Do you have a computer and an email account? Do you have basic computer skills? If yes, stock photography is for you. Determine what tools you need and how to use them effectively. More On The Future... - Stock photography is experiencing a change that is dramatic and industry changing. Some are refusing to prepare for the future. Still, others recognize that stock photography, like so many other industries, is changing. And, like so many other industries, those who understand the future of this photography niche will definitely fare much better. Industry Articles - Great articles about the nuances of the stock photo industry in the face of a rapidly changing world. Niche & Specialization Articles - Stock photography is found on the internet by searches in search engines. That's known my most. What may not be known and appreciated is that increasing numbers of internet searches for stock photography is with keyphrases not just keywords. Great article on how your photos are searched for and found online. More Niche Articles - Informative articles on targeting your market; on researching your market; and reasons why photobuyers buy. The Photojournalist - Good stock photography photojournalism is about telling stories. For this reason a good photographer shouldn’t remove anything from the scene – at the scene or with photoshop – no matter how distracting it is. Good stock photography photojournalism strives to document reality. Photos Are Words/Keywords - Tips for the sophisticated. This article explains the value of including the necessary keywords that your potential photobuyers are searching for online. If you optimize your photos, this is a valuable article for you. The Value of 'Reality' and Quality - In stock photography, spontaneous, real-life photographs have always captured the attention of the viewing public. Quality stock photography is planned. Being ready for 'reality' images, is part of the planning and preparation needed for success in the stock photo market. 'Real' Is Real - This photography niche requires quality shots of real life images. You can see this in almost all printed literature, these days. Even advertising photography is including 'reality' shots in their versions of stock. Tips On Researching Your Markets - This article explains why mass marketing is ineffective in this photography niche. Why Specializing Works - Most photographers are very general when shooting for the love of shooting. Stock, however, requires specialization in order to be successful. 'How-To' Steps to Target Your Market - Great article on how to target your market. This article includes effective 'how-to' steps for this niche. What It Is & What It Isn't - Good article to cut through all of the grand talk about this niche. Provides a clear understanding of the what this niche is. Confusion in this photography niche is very expensive. Start Today To Sell Your Photos - Here are a few steps to take to begin.

Many photographers spend part of their time shooting specifically for stock, taking advantage of the opportunities provide by being on location for an assignment. Other photographers specialize exclusively in shooting for stock. Stock can be a lucrative market for photographers, but given its competitive nature some rules to assist you in attaining success are worth keeping in mind:

• Your photographs have to stand out from the masses of photographs in the stock files.
• Unusual locations, stunning composition, and a sufficiently generic, undated image go a long way to ensuring repeated success.
• The more images you have on file the greater your chances of success.
• Specialization is a must.

Your ability to constantly refresh your stock images is critically significant. In fact, stock agencies worth their salt will insist on it. If you are your ‘sales' force, you, too, should insist on it! Keep shooting and showing your work!

It is not unusual for photographers with reasonably well developed stock portfolios to generate thousands of dollars from the resale of a single image. Quite a few images have generated tens of thousands of dollars in resale over the years.

It is much less risky to build a stock portfolio part time alongside an assignment practice, expanding more heavily into stock as you gain experience and become known.

1. Through an agency, or
2. Do it yourself

If you are good at managing your time, selling your own photography really isn’t that difficult. Many professionals, full-time and part-time, are very successful at selling stock.

There is no one ‘foolproof’ method for success.

However, before you can realize success, you must ‘specialize.’ That is, determine what are your photographic strengths and weaknesses and how to identify and focus on the photography niche(s) that fit for your style and experience.