Selling stock photography - how to profit quickly
Online marketers often talk about just how important it's to find what the market wants, then sell them what they want. In other words, find out what people really want, and then provide solution. Do we think this approach would work just as well with selling stock photography?
Let's say you've created photos that, although they make great visual eye candy and tell a unique photo story, no stock agency wants. (A simple reason might be that they may have too many of these type of images already). We can choose to see this as a learning experience and 'try a new approach,' or continue creating similar stock photography that we hope will be accepted, one day.
However, I am sure you would agree that it is better to work smarter than harder. This means that with stock photography you'll need to be flexible and 'bend your creativity' a little, perhaps shaping it towards a more profitable approach. The good news is that this is very do-able. After all, you're in charge of what camera sees and we decide on what pictures we want to take.
So, maybe it is obvious, but if you want to sell more stock photos, find out what the stock agencies want (and need). Believe me, if we ask, they will tell you.
Most, if not all, of stock agencies or micro stock agencies out there will have a 'needs list or wants list' at their website. Make that your first destination. Be diligent in your research and you'll be on road to success with selling stock photography.
Then we can create a theme of photographic work that is tailored exactly to stock photo agencies needs and wants and then submit these specific images to them. Obviously there'll be themes that we won't be able to shoot, but there'll be some that'll fit well with your own lifestyle, environment, location and photo style.
This should rapidly increase your chances of making photo sales.
A search on a few stock photo agencies web sites revealed that they are keen for their photographers to "... rovide something more unusual, or sought after... and it might make the most downloaded page."
In other words, do not create photographs 'the same' as every other photographer. Make sure your unique, individual style lets your images stand out, and at same time be conscious of what stock agency really needs.
Another simple way to realize selling stock photography success is by going to photo agency or stock libraries web sites and looking at what types of images they have, promote, use and sell... on a regular basis.
Look for type and styles of images that they prefer. Is there certain image themes that get downloaded (sold) often? What styles seem to sell regularly?
Check to see if there are images similar to what we create, or check downloads section... the micro stock sites will usually show we how many times an image has been downloaded... of course, more the better, that means it is more popular (more money for photographer). Just ask yourself this: "Could I create images similar to this.. "
Being honest with yourself and your abilities as a photographer is important... It is a big time decision to submit images to stock photo web sites... you really do need to ask yourself how likely will it be that I can make sales through this? And, is it best use of my images and time?
If we can stay open minded about what themes you shoot (especially with the great flexibility of shooting digital photography), and focus on tapping into 'what market wants' then you might find that your unique little approach to selling stock photography keeps photo buyers happy and you in profit. Go for it.
Copyright Martin Hurley 2007
