Stock photography offers photographers of all levels a great opportunity to monetize their captured moments. However, one thing might become a hurdle in the process; that it’s a highly competitive market where supply exceeds demand.
Photographers are looking for one way or another to successfully sell stock photos. When you start selling photos to archival agencies, there are so many variables that can be a poster child selling stock photos.
Good stock photos sell well and can make money. And what’s the point of good stock photography? It turns heads and helps the onlooker relate to the scene depicted within an image. If you’re an aspiring stock photographer looking to get started in this field, you have come to the right place.
Here are some useful tips and tricks for generating some bucks out of simple stock photography.
10 Secrets of Shooting Stock Images That Sell You Didn’t Know
1. Optimize Your Workflow With Presets
Ideally, a simple log picture is very simple. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in front of your computer, so it also applies to your workflow. Start by making the photos as good as possible while shooting. Then adjust simple presets that allow you to quickly adjust your photo’s preferences.
For example, if you usually use a bright marquee and draw a motif on a white background, a simple standard that adjusts white balance, contrast, and other settings can make your photo work much faster. The less time you have, the more time you can devote to shooting.
2. Find Local Savings Options
Taking pictures doesn’t necessarily mean you have to travel far or spend a lot of money. Find opportunities for stock photos near you. Stock photos can be anything.
From dogs walking in the woods to the horizon of a local town or city. Some photographers focus only on filming their area. This is a quick and easy way to expand your photos in areas you know better than most others.
3. Buy A Tent On A White Background Product Photo
A good tip when selling stock photos to beginners is to buy a tent. It is an inexpensive fabric (or plexiglass box) that allows you to fold photo objects. They come in a variety of sizes, from small ones suitable for everyday life to large tents to accommodate people.
If you are wondering how to draw a layer on a white background, this is your best bet.
The main advantage of these accessories is that you can make a simple studio at home without much cost and effort. You can put some lights around the tent to take clear, bright pictures. This type of photo is ideal for regular stock photography. Since you have control over the light and environment, once set, you can draw a lot of motifs very quickly.
4. Setting A Budget To Reduce Wasted Time And Investment
The downside of stock photography today is that anyone can do it. Several archive websites also accept smartphone photos. This has led to a decline in stock photo prices in recent years.
It has become even more important to set a budget for each shooting session.
Always consider the return on investment. The more you spend on each movie, the more photos you have to sell to get your money back. Set a budget and stick to it before you start shooting.
5. First, Buy Only The Photographic Equipment You Need
It’s as simple as stock photography, but you need some basic photography tools to get started. However, depending on your professional genre, you may need more specialized tools for stock photography.
To draw an insect, for example, you need a macro lens. Nature photographers need a telephoto lens at the opposite end of the spectrum.
This is one of the reasons why deciding what you want to specialize in is so important. You only need hardware to buy.
Make a list of the most important things and buy them only at the start. When you start making money by selling stock photos, you can add everything else.
6. What to Shoot
Before you start your photography business, you need to decide what to draw.
Is it a lifestyle photo? Are you going to specialize in travel photography? Or do you have to draw everyday objects? The more you specialize in one field, the better and more consistent it is.
One of the most common questions I get is how to take pictures for sale. I usually say they focus on one thing.
That doesn’t mean you have to stick to this genre of photography for your life, but like everything else, the more you do, the better. Focus on one area and start by expanding when you feel you’re making the right amount.
7. What You Sell Isn’t Always What You Like
Photography is a great hobby and you should always take pictures you like. Great if you decide to sell this photo as a stock photo. Would you like to make money from the pictures you took?
However, if you want to know how to take long-term photography, you have to think more like a photography company. This means you can sell what you like, not always shoot. One way to get a better idea of what’s on sale is to visit our stock photo library. Visit Adobe Stock to view the gallery.
8. Use The List Of Snapshots To Add Variety To Your Portfolio
So, there is a genre of stock photography you want to specialize in. But now, wondering how to take stock photography? The answer is simple.
Whatever you are shooting, there should be several parameters. That is a list of photos. The best way to compile your snapshot list is to identify some stock photography ideas.
For example, a photo may be a fruit photo. Then you can mix photos that cover the whole fruit: white background, slices, plates, slices. Here is a list of photos you can hide while taking pictures.
When writing different ideas, you will always have different scenarios for your photos. However, instead of using double images, it also helps to deal with different branches of the chosen genre.
9. Take The Time To Ask For Keywords For Your Photos
Some people made a lot of keyword mistakes because they are new to this. To help other photographers and yourself, you have to compile a list of useful tips on how to use keywords in your photos.
The essence of this key phrase is to think like a customer. Regardless of whether they are looking for emotions (affection, happiness, empathy) or personality traits (personality, simplicity, beauty), highlight the words your image can express. According to some experts, the perfect number of keywords is 20 to 25, but it should be relevant. Spam keywords can damage your photos.
10. Keep Your Brand And Logo Up To Date
I found it too late, so I had to spend hours in Photoshop. For photographs covered under a commercial license, make sure that there are no trademarks, trademarks, or related graphics.
For example, my car image was rejected because the carmaker and appearance are the intellectual property of the carmaker. The same applies to goat logos, famous fruit logos, etc. It’s interesting for some brands to add their logos to their post-production!
Selling Your Stock Photographs
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to capture some really nice stock visuals that you can sell for a profit. There are platforms built specifically for buying and selling stock images. Registering on these platforms gives you access to an extended audience, who visit such websites to download images for their brochures, blog post, etc. Although the platform takes a commission on each sale, your images sell much faster than if you try to sell them individually through a Facebook page. Check out these 7 cool platforms for selling stock photography in 2021.
The beauty of selling stock images is that you don’t have to forgo the rights of the image. Instead, you’ll sell out licenses that allow the use of an image for commercial and non-commercial purposes. The best part is that you can sell for one image multiple times over the internet. And you’ll get paid every time someone decides to purchase your stock image’s license.
Final Thoughts
To be a successful stock photographer, you always need to learn, develop and adjust stock photography. You need to take your time to evaluate your monthly sales. Learn from best-selling photos (and photos that don’t) and try to replicate your success.
For example, if you think that lifestyle photos sell better than food photos, focus on getting more lifestyle photos. Or try something else for your cooking photos. Ultimately, it’s actually more efficient and efficient at driving sales. However, for this, you need to devote time to learning and practicing.