How to Make Money Taking Pictures & Posting on the Internet
Microstock is a form of stock photography that anyone with a digital camera can try---it's a way to make money by taking pictures and posting them on the Internet. Not everyone will be accepted, but an aspiring photographer can rely on the quality of his or her current images and not just on prior experience. After digital photographs are accepted on a microstock site, the photographer will make a small amount of money each time someone purchases the image (typically used as commercial digital clip art). One download might bring in less than one dollar, but a popular picture can be sold hundreds of times.
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Instructions
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Obtain a quality digital camera that can take large, crystal-clear images. A cell-phone camera or digital camera designed for snap shots will not be suitable for taking microstock images. Most microstock sites will not accept images less than a pixel size of 2400 x1800; some will require a larger size.
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Investigate the microstock websites. There are a half of dozen or more reputable microstock websites in which to apply. Most will require the photographer first submit samples, and, if accepted, the photographer can submit images to the site for consideration. Learn what each site pays and what type of images they are looking for. Each site will have its own application process and image needs.
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Apply to the microstock website of your choice. When you apply, only submit samples of your best work. Most sites will require an applicant wait for a significant amount of time before reapplying after a rejected application. Only submit the types of images the site is looking for. Before submission enlarge the picture to 100 percent to see that it is clear, focused and not pixelated.
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Regularly submit new images for your portfolio on the microstock site at which you are accepted. Not all will be accepted, they will only accept images they feel are marketable and of the best quality. Photographers who submit images (that are accepted) on a regular basis tend to have greater sales than those who don't.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind why people buy microstock photography. It is often used by advertisers or webmasters. Just because a picture is spectacular does not mean it will do well in microstock.
Resources
- Photo Credit A. Johnson
