How to Sell and Resell Stock Photography

Good stock photography is made up of high quality photos of basic items such as bananas.

Stock photography is a specific type of imagery purchased by all types of advertisers, web designers and publications who need very basic photos. It is easier than ever to take high-quality stock photographs professional enough to sell and re-sell. With the sheer quantity of photos in the market, though, it is also more difficult than ever to break through the visual clutter. To sell and resell your stock photography, make them original and submit them to as many agencies as possible.

Instructions

1. Begin with original photos. Stock photography may be defined by its simplicity. Shoot photos that capture an item or person in a unique way. If you are doing a series of photos of fruit, for example, find the most compelling and attractive fruit stand you can find. Take a wide variety of shots from various focal lengths and angles while using light and depth of focus to make the photo interesting. Always take high-resolution images and select a targeted portfolio from your best shots.

2. Register with all the major stock photo companies. Unless you are a professional photographer, you will be limited to the stock photo agencies that target a broader consumer market. The largest stock photo companies include Istockphoto, Shutterstock, Dreamstime, BigStockPhoto and Fotolia. Most of the agencies do not require any commitment to exclusively use their company but there are some limitations such as the number of photos you can sell on each site. Check with each agency as the rules can change.

3. Categorize the photos with keywords, which buyers use to search for photographs. You earn a commission when someone buys a photograph you have uploaded, so helping viewers find your photos is essential. Add numerous and specific keywords to ensure your photos end up in front of viewers. Good keywords are simple and accurately reflect the content. Add as many keywords as allowed, considering that each buyer might be seeking something slightly different.

4. Track the sales of your photos on all sites. A photo is sold when it is downloaded by a buyer but can generally be resold repeatedly. Determine what type of photos are attracting the most buyers and add similar images to your online portfolio. Evaluate which photos are selling on one site but not on other sites. Get a feel for the characteristics of each site's popular photography and adjust your own portfolio on each site to accommodate the demand.

References

• A Photo Editor: List of Stock Photo Agencies

Resources

• DIY Photography: How To Make Money From Micro Stock Photography