Looking to diversify your portfolio? Shooting stock photography can be a great way to introduce a new revenue stream for you, all while continuing to grow as a photographer. Before you get started, Our friends at Dissolve is sharing what you’ll need to know to be successful.
Do your research
Each stock platform has its own way of working with contributors and customers. You want to find the right one(s) for you. Answer these questions:
– Do you want to be exclusive anywhere?
– Are you only going to submit photos?
– What royalties do you expect to receive?
– What type of license do you want to offer?
Your answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options to find the right fit. Let’s explore an example. In this scenario, you may want to be exclusive, have the option to submit footage, with high royalty expectations, and a royalty-free license. If that’s you, then Dissolve may be the perfect option. Dissolve offers great perks to exclusives and has both photos and footage.
Find your style
Are you mainly going to shoot nature and landscapes? How about lifestyle? Or social documentary? Your style can always evolve, but identifying your style at the beginning is going to help you find focus as you begin shooting stock.
Once you’ve found your style, start looking for stock platforms that match the style. The closer you match, the more likely you are to have your content highlighted by the company. If you are a blogger you must read these photography tips for a blogger. It’s a detailed and comprehensive guide which will take your photography to next level.
Keep organized
Becoming a stock photographer doesn’t stop at just shooting photos. For each photo you plan to submit, you’ll need the following: description, keywords, releases, and location information so keeping your files organized is key.
There are a lot of tools that can help you with this. The Easy Release app is a great tool to have easy access to model and property releases. If you’re looking for more tools and information, you can always ask the stock platform you’re working with.
Be prepared
A major key to success is having your shot list prepared before you shoot. Stock libraries work differently in that customers want many angles and shot types to choose from. For example, if you’re shooting in a flower field, you’ll want to get a wide shot, a medium shot, and a close-up shot. Also, if you’re working with a model, remember to also take photos of the set without them.
You can also check an interesting article on how to learn photography on 9mousai.
Be creative
Stock doesn’t have to be boring. Many customers are looking for modern styles, interesting subjects, and creative concepts as they search for stock. Many stock themes like business, travel are so saturated so find ways that your photos can stand out from the rest.
At Dissolve, their vision is to transform stock footage from so-so to spectacular. Empowering today’s visual storytellers with exceptional stock footage and photography from the world’s most exciting and relevant shooters.
