Sometimes we get keen amateur coming to out Nottingham photography studio and one question they often ask is how they can start making a bit of extra cash.
One solution is to do some stock photography.
So, can anyone simply go, take photos and sell them on to those stock photography websites?
The typical answer that you’ll normally get is generally a shrug and a resounding exasperated sigh. Many wishful camera owners come in this market woefully unprepared and that sometimes rubs professional photographers the wrong way.
Let’s actually answer this question.
Let’s take a quick look at the major thoughts that go into taking stock photography. Here, it’s not really about your social media presence, it’s primarily about your skills as a photographer.
If you’re currently hoping that your mobile phone will be your weapon of choice, then no, your photos are not going to be good enough!
It’s not that mobile phones can’t take great photos, they definitely can. It’s mostly the concept that you are sending those photos to professionals in a field that has professionals.
You want to stand out from the thousand other images out there and the results that your mobile phone can give you when compared to a professional camera will definitely make you stand out… but not for the right reasons.
If you believe your work is done, it’s definitely not.
Suffice to say that the amazing photos you see in magazines are most of the time literally more than meet the eyes.
Start reading about professional photo editing software and see how they can make your great photos even better. This is a normal process; there are times that you want certain colours to pop more and there are times where you want to illicit a different emotion than what the pictures currently convey.
You could shoot everything you see as long as you’ve thought about it. Stock photographers are not just running left and right with a mind-set of quantity over quality.
They specifically decide their subjects.
You need to remember that the purpose of stock photography is to sell a product or service.
Can your pictures convey such need?
Are your photos conveying emotions?
Can your photos mean something?
Never forget the light.
In fact, you should always think about the light.
Light conveys ambiguity and it conveys emotion. An apple on a sunny day looks delicious while an apple at night might feel dark and mysterious. It might be a very simple tip but never forget the light.
If you’ve followed all of these steps then congratulation, you’re at least on the right track. Selling your photos online will require tremendous effort in a very competitive market but you have nothing to lose. Don’t put all of your eggs in the same basket, although websites such as iStockPhoto and ShutterStock are the most well-known, listing them all would require another article on its own. Make it your next step: start researching stock photography websites.
As a local business we pride ourselves on supporting our neighbours. We believe in sticking together! Double Image Photography has enjoyed a working relationship with Beeston Fields Golf Club for a number of years now, so we were delighted to be asked to photograph their newly refurbished clubhouse. We’re sharing some of those photographs with you this week so you can admire their stunning new interiors (and get a taste of their all new menu!)
Now for the handy links…
To find out more about Beeston Fields Golf Club and their brand new look, visit http://www.beestonfields.co.uk/. If you’d like to find out more about Double Image Photography’s commercial photography services, click here.
For all enquiries call 0115 925 2725, email info@doubleimagephotography.co.uk or visit us in the studio! We look forward to seeing you.
Every single one of us has experienced those first day nerves. September marks the end of summer and brings with it those long awaited first days, those days of uncertainty but also of promise and opportunity. These are times of excitement and should be celebrated! We at Double Image have some first day ideas to help you make the most of these fleeting moments.
First Day at School
When you drop your little one off at the school gates for the first time, you’ll never want to forget that feeling. A photograph of your child in their new school uniform will serve as a cherished keepsake, so you’ll always remember how cute they were.
First Day at University
You did it! After all of that hard work you’re packing up and moving into halls, enrolling on your course and raring to go. Settle in to your new digs by decorating and making your surroundings feel more personalised and cosy. Bring mementos from home – we recommend a treasured photograph in a lovely frame for your desk. A family portrait session before you fly the nest is a wonderful way to mark the milestone.
First Day at a New Job
We may be grownups but starting a new job can still be daunting. Whether it’s your first sojourn into the workplace or another step on the career ladder, it’s an exciting occasion. Why not adorn your new desk with a photograph of a loved one? If you have a pet, a photo of your furry friend can make for an adorable addition to any office.
If you’d like to know more, information on our portrait sessions can be found here. For enquiries call 0115 925 2725, email info@doubleimagephotography.co.uk or visit us in the studio! We look forward to seeing you.