Stock Photography any advice?

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Surprised nobody with experience chimed in here. Anyway, I have not done it but know some folks that have and my understanding is that it’s not worth the time, financially. Pretty much pennies. As well, there are literally hundreds of thousands (probably under estimating here) of images out there of almost anything that can be imagined that are just stunning. For something to catch some wind and make a few bucks, it needs to be not just amazing photographically but also unique or something that’s rarely seen. Again, just what I’ve heard, from basically asking the same question you are.
 
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The key with stock photography is that it requires real work - not just posting your existing photos. You need to be able to create images that stand out - using software, compositing, or simply making great photos. Often the images that sell are of common things - a bluebird rather than a rarity. You need to decide on your niche - what kind of images are you going to make that will stand out? Maybe it's food, maybe it's travel, or it might be something else. Build portfolios of solid images that help tell stories. Keywording is very important in stock photography because people need to be able to locate your image. The keywords need to include the obvious descriptive terms, but also emotional terms that align with buyer needs. All work needs releases as appropriate - people, property, intellectual capital, etc. As a result most stock photos involve models if people are included.

Don't expect meaningful results by just uploading images to a site. Expect your return to be commensurate with your time and effort toward stock - not including making the photos.
 
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Stock photography... you will sell more of the shots you don't expect and less of the ones you think are great. Very few buy a great image for stock. It needs to be just good enough to support what the users is selling without overpowering it.

It is more about current marketing trends and fashion than photography. The people who make money on it, do full on multi day style shoots. Actors and planning. Adobe Stock has some good videos on them and industry trends.

That all said, I do go on "stock" streaks. It is kind of fun. Get to know what is selling, or needed and look for things in every day life that are similar. It is another way to look at the world.
 
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Very useful steve but I guess you are in the US where the market is larger and possibly more sophisticated than here in the UK . Have you any experience with Shutter Stock?>
 
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Its the same in the UK, a mundane shot of 2 x guys in business suits shaking hands will sell way more than a technically perfect shot of the rarest lesser spotted whatever bird.

Making money from the Microstock agencies like Shutterstock is reliant on high volume sales and regularly uploading fresh content.

IMHO its better to work with a more specialist agency, Robert Harding for travel images for example. I've never shot wildlife so don't know of a specialist agency but there most likely is one somewhere. For the more general agencies maybe take a look at Getty?

Obviously the best option is to build up your own client base in the areas you specialise in/have technical knowledge of, but that's a whole new ball game :)
 
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