I'm so confused!!!

[Jwest0623]

I want to get into stock photography. I have a ton of images and no idea where to start. I have been reading on here and other sites and I am completly lost. I want to be able to place images on more than one site and I can't afford to pay to do it right now. I don't understand all the legal jargin that goes with contracts and rights and copyrights. Does anyone know where I can find info on all this. I don't want to just start uploading to various websites without having any idea of the laws. HeLP please??? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[canoflan]

Couple things.

First, it shouldn't cost you anything to upload photos and join a site like istockphoto, etc....
Second, the only issues can be with photos of people whom you can see their faces, therefore, get a model release that you can download from the stock site you want to work with and ensure to send it in with each pic with that person in it.
Third, follow the rules for submitting exactly and do not make your pictures too, too sharp because they don't want them to look "digital."
Fourth, when you upload the photos, you are releasing exclusive rights to the photos and those that down load them can use them how they see fit, thus the reason the stock photo sites make money. Also, just because you upload the photos, doesn't mean you give up the right to sell them elsewhere, print them, etc.... You simply won't be the only one with your photo anymore if someone buys it from the stock site.

Frankly, the rules are pretty easy. Just take it a step at a time and do not let any initial rejections keep you from submitting. You should look at the most recently accepted photos on the sites to see what people are buying. Photos of people in action, etc... always do very well since most photos are downloaded for marketing campaigns and all marketing is directed to people.

I thought and investigated getting into stock photography at one time, but found that more money is earned in portraiture, etc.... and I like the idea of me being the only owner of my photos with exclusive rights to them.

Let us know how this goes and please continue to ask questions. That is how we all learn.

Canoflan

[snidow]

It kind of depends on what kind of stock you are referring to, places like istock and shutterstock are royalty free sites meaning someone downloads your photo for a buck, you get a quarter of that and they can use it how they want to with some exceptions. They can not make cards for example and sell them unless you approve it, for which you get paid a little more. Then there are the stock sites that handle rights managed images, these are getting hit hard but these newer micro sites but you sell your image for much more money and manage the right on how it's use.

I feel rights managed sites are very difficult to get into and the micro stock sites are getting more difficult as they have been hit hard with photographers submitting images.

[bondarnes]

I hope you have tough skin, because I am going to be brutally honest. I looked at your flikr site and there were less than a half dozen images that could be submitted for stock.

Stock images have to be technically correct and have impact. Most of what I saw would be classified as "snapshots". Sorry to be so honest, but stock photography is a serious and tough business. You have to keep meticulous records and edit your work judiciously. Even then your chances of financial success is pretty slim.

[canoflan]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I hope you have tough skin, because I am going to be brutally honest. I looked at your flikr site and there were less than a half dozen images that could be submitted for stock.

Stock images have to be technically correct and have impact. Most of what I saw would be classified as "snapshots". Sorry to be so honest, but stock photography is a serious and tough business. You have to keep meticulous records and edit your work judiciously. Even then your chances of financial success is pretty slim.

Agreed and good advice. Another way to look at it is if you cannot replicate the photos, or know how to replicate the photos, being accepted on the site you are thinking of working with, then you simply have to learn and practice more to get up to that level, or better yet past it.

[adirty1]

If you really want to do stock try your hand at food photography. get your hands on any food mag or google food mags pictures. Food is one of the top stock images right now.

something else to try is to write some of these smaller stock houses and ask them what they are looking for. I stay in contact with one or two reps and get a list every few months. last list I got had a lot of business type shots. people in the office working at the computer, or stressed out. CEO type shots and IT shots. but like don said they need to be publication ready.

I shoot most of my stock on vacation. I go to the nice hotels and shoot around and also travel the streets of the area trying to capture what the area is really like. It's always easier for some one that does not live in area to see things a little different and capture something in a light that other will never see it because the see it every day.

stock is like fine art you are not going to find a whole lot of people making a living off just that one thing.

good luck

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by canoflan

Second, the only issues can be with photos of people whom you can see their faces...,

No, not the only issue. You have to be careful with logos, trademarks, some architecture, and such.

[ttusa]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I hope you have tough skin, because I am going to be brutally honest. I looked at your flikr site and there were less than a half dozen images that could be submitted for stock.

Stock images have to be technically correct and have impact. Most of what I saw would be classified as "snapshots". Sorry to be so honest, but stock photography is a serious and tough business. You have to keep meticulous records and edit your work judiciously. Even then your chances of financial success is pretty slim.

Don is right about how strict stock agencies are. I got into a Rights Managed agency out of New Mexico this summer and have had some success already, but they hardly approve images, even when you edit your work very well. I would definitely suggest Rights Managed over Royalty Free stock agencies.

[canoflan]

At the end of the day, you have to make an effort and try it out. You will not know what will happen if you don't give it a go in some respect. Simply take the advice as "advice" and go where your passion is. You never know what may develop.

pat

[d2creative]

Go to each stock site that you are interested in and read their terms.
Each one will be different.
Some will require exclusive rights, meaning you will not be allowed to submit the same photos to other stock agencies. This usually applies to the bigger stock houses like Getty Images.
Then they usually require a certain number of test images be sent in. If those are accepted/approved then you will be allowed to start uploading.
Don't expect to make a lot of money unless you have a HUGE library of quality images.

[Jwest0623]

Thanks to everyone for your input! Yes I have thick skin but I haven't uploaded to my flickr albums in awhile. I have some new stuff that is much better. Thanks again for responding.