How to Sell Stock Photography

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Take good stock photos in a high-resolution format.

   There are a number of books and online sources explaining how to do this, as well as how to determine which kinds of photos are most in demand.
   
   Stock photos are not snapshots, but are carefully composed and lit.
2. 2

   Step 2: Edit your photographs using computer software.

   Take care to save them where you can find them again and back them up. , This applies to nonprofessional models, including friends and family, as well as to professional models.
   
   You can download the release form from each stock agency or use a standard release form, which is available online or through photography stores and catalogs. , Compare your photographs with theirs to make sure they're of similar quality and subject matter.
   
   Check the payment schedule and how much traffic the web site gets.
   
   Determine how likely it is that you will sell your photos through a particular agency, and find out if the agency is looking for photos in specific categories. , Use as many as apply, but don't use keywords that have nothing to do with your image just because they're popular in searches.
   
   The more categories your photo appears in, the more likely it is to sell.
   
   You might want to find an online keyword tool to help you choose popular keywords. , Each agencies will have instructions for how to do this.
   
   You can use the form available from the agency, ActiveX/Java, or file transfer protocol.
   
   You can buy software that will allow you to upload your photos easily.
3. 3

   Step 3: Have your models sign releases.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check out stock agencies on the Internet.

5. 5

   Step 5: Attach keywords to your photos so an the agency can categorize them.

6. 6

   Step 6: Upload your photos.

Detailed Guide

About the Author