How to Become a Stock Photographer

With so many high quality affordable cameras on the market today, becoming a stock photographer is easier than ever. In no time, you can see your photography on online stock photography sites. And taking photos is fun...and addictive!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital Camera with at least 2.1 Megapixels
• 3 hi-res, high quality digital photos
• Image editing software

1. In order to be able to meet the requirements for most stock photography sites, you will need a camera of at least 2.1 megapixels or capable of image output of 1600x1200 pixels. You will also need to be able to show the photo site that you are able to provide them with high quality, high demand photos. The sites will ask you to submit a few photos representing your capability of providing images that meet their quality standards. So, first things first, you need to have some photos in your portfolio.

2. Photography is much easier for the novice these days, but even the most talented beginner could use some tips. There are many online tutorials and numerous excellent printed resources on the topic. Before submitting anything to a stock site, practice, practice and practice. You will notice your shots getting better and will gain confidence.

3. Once you have gotten very comfortable with your camera and it's functions, you will need to select several of your very best photos. Open each in an image-editing software program and make sure the entire photo is in focus (unless perspective blur is intended) and make sure there is no graininess.

4. When you are certain you have a handful of quality images suitable for stock, you will want to select a micro-stock photography site. iStock Photo is an excellent options. iStock.com has been around since 2001 and has become increasingly popular with photographers and buyers of stock photos as well.

5. You will need to sign up for iStock as a photographer. You will then need to read a manual outlining the policies and guidelines for stock photographers on iStock.com. Once you have read this manual and taken a quiz, you will need to submit three (3) of your very best photos for consideration as a contributing photographer. You will receive feedback if the images are not accepted, instructions on how to resubmit if necessary, or you will become a member of the iStock photographer network! You are now able to upload photos as you take them. Best of all, you can become earning money for the photos you take!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are constantly striving to improve your craft.
• Make sure you take care of your camera. Enough said...
• Experiment. Try to learn new techniques.
• Use the best mega pixel camera you can afford.
• READ the Stock Photographer Training Manual and be active in the forums.
• If you get photos rejected, don't take it personally. Stock photo sites get many images and can only take the very best. Just use the feedback to improve. Everyone gets images rejected at some point.

Resources

• Become a Stock Photographer
• iStock
• Stock Photography Learning Resources

[nikki1]

on 7/22/2009 Great article..

[smojica]

on 2/7/2009 I've been wanting to try this. Thanks for the tips! 5*

[dragginflyy]

on 2/4/2009 It takes quite a bit of time to determine what type of photos the stock sites are looking for. It also takes time to edit your photos and make sure they are noise free. Like the author pointed out, do not take it personally if you photos get rejected. Just keep working at it and at some point something will work.

[SarahRobinson]

on 2/2/2009 Excellent article! 5*

[AlishaV]

on 1/30/2009 I've heard a lot about stock photography, you make it sound very doable!