Getting into Stock photo agencies

[pjtank18]

So, I am interested in trying to sell some of my pictures via a stock agency...but I don't know how to go about it because I am an amateur (with some really great pictures). I know it is awfully hopeful to think that I could make some money off of my pictures, but I want to give it a try. Can anyone give me some advice on how to go about this endeavourer?

[jmadigan]

The online agencies like istockphoto have extensive instructions on how to submit a portfolio, what kinds of photos they want, and how to prepare them for submission. I'd suggest following the directions.

I submitted a portfolio (they just ask for 3 images as a sample) to istockphoto and got rejected, but they invited me to reapply right away. I'll be doing so this weekend.

[hpebley3]

I've been on iStockPhoto a couple months and echo what jmadigan says to review their extensive instructions. After that, just go for it. You do need to have a thick skin though; sometimes their rejections seem a bit capricious.

I've found the best success with having clean images to start with and doing a minimal amount of post-processing. Shoot at a low ISO to eliminate noise, have plenty of light for good exposure and make sure you're in focus. I shoot raw and about the only thing I do is a bit of saturation and sharpening. If exposure is off a bit, I'll do some histogram adjustment to darken my blacks and lighten my whites. I don't bother much with cropping because they're looking for good base images for others to use; let the user decide how they want it cropped.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[ELAY]

I debated posting this, because I didn't want to seem pessimistic, but since since the issues have been broached here's an interesting piece about the frustrating side of stock photography.

EL

[Isilwen]

Originally Posted by hpebley3

I've been on iStockPhoto a couple months and echo what jmadigan says to review their extensive instructions. After that, just go for it. You do need to have a thick skin though; sometimes their rejections seem a bit capricious.

I've found the best success with having clean images to start with and doing a minimal amount of post-processing. Shoot at a low ISO to eliminate noise, have plenty of light for good exposure and make sure you're in focus. I shoot raw and about the only thing I do is a bit of saturation and sharpening. If exposure is off a bit, I'll do some histogram adjustment to darken my blacks and lighten my whites. I don't bother much with cropping because they're looking for good base images for others to use; let the user decide how they want it cropped.

Hope that helps and good luck!

I second both of these replies. I haven't taken a chance at stock photography but my mom is on iStock (I believe, or one just like it) and have heard all about her experiences with their instructions and their critiques. It was very informative from a photographer's standpoint. Kind of like the ultimate of "Critique My Shot." The thing I heard most from her was about there being a clear focal point. Pictures that I believe have had clear focal points were rejected for that very reason. She's a food photographer... how can there not be a clear focal point??

[porterd2nz]

I'm just now starting to look at iStockPhoto. How many images do I need in my portfolio to get started? I'm not looking to make my living out of photography, but it would be good if I could offset the costs of pursuing it as a serious hobby.

[Sime]

Originally Posted by ELAY

I debated posting this, because I didn't want to seem pessimistic, but since since the issues have been broached here's an interesting piece about the frustrating side of stock photography.

EL

Interesting read, I have been considering trying to get on the "stock" bandwagon for some time... I submitted to Alamy and my submission CD went astray, since, they have opened up submission via upload but i've not been back... I have been told to sign up to shutterstock a few times by a good friend, I will, I guess... Anyone had any actual return from a stock agency?

Anyone?

[baseballboy828]

No one has to answer this if they don't want, but can someone say about how much they make a year on a given stock agency? Also, even if you don't feel comfortable giving an estimate on your profits, can you at least post a link to your portfolio on the stock site?

[mangia]

Well here is some material from my blog http://www.mangiaphoto.com/stock-agencies/

If you have any questions, please pm me

[Sime]

Hey mangia, thanks for the link...

"Current Payout $0.25 (US) per download. That means that at just 2000 downloads/month, you can earn $500 (US) per month!"....so I best not go buy anymore L Glass just yet, then... darn!...