LSCOTTPHOTOS Stock photography for starters: Do you have a camera? Then you can make money! (Original Photos)

Are you interested in making money? Since you’ve joined steemit, I’m assuming you are! Are you interested in photography? Since you clicked this post, I’m assuming you are also! Then it’s time to try stepping into the world of stock photography.

What is stock photography?

Stock photography is basically a supply of photos, which are licensed for specific use. Businesses can buy the rights to use your image for a project. For example, a restaurant website may use an image like the one below to add a little bit of visual interest to an article.  

The business gets a high quality picture and the photographer gets paid. Everyone is happy! Sounds pretty neat right? So take some of those old photos floating around your memory disc and upload them to a stock photo website!    

Popular stock photo options

• Istockphoto 
• Shutterstock 
• Adobe stock  
• Fotolia 
• Getty Images 
• The list continues…   

I am the most familiar with Istockphoto as that is the company I work with. Visit each website and do a bit of research to choose which site feels best for you.  

Getting Started

1.  Set up an account. Just like you did for steemit (and probably thousands of other sites), go through the motions and give them your name, email, etc.  Istockphoto asks for an image of a driver’s license and I’ll admit, at first I was wary… but the website is very secure and giving them this information makes you even safer. Your photos and your money will be protected.   
2.  Apply. During the application process, you will upload three of your best photos for staff to evaluate so they can determine if you’ll be a good fit! In order to avoid any copyright issues or model releases, I used my best nature/wildlife shots and was immediately accepted! (P.S. These are real people looking at your pictures so make sure to give them some time. I waited at least two weeks to hear back from them but the wait was worth it!)  
3. Upload, upload, upload!  

With stock photography, the equation begins is pretty simple…   

More pictures = more money   

This is the basic premise. But remember that quantity does not always equal quality. With this in mind the equation morphs to…   

More good pictures = more money   

Okay, yes, obviously that makes sense... But what constitutes a “good picture?” That is up to the individual looking through your portfolio. An image you deem unworthy could very well be exactly what they were looking for! So don’t be afraid to upload and let them decide!   Finally the equation becomes…   

More good, unique pictures = more money   There are a lot of stock photographers and A LOT of stock pictures. So don’t try to copy what is already out there. Look through your lens with your eye and photograph what you see. Browse through popular stock photos and brainstorm what you can add to the community!  

*Stipulation: Now, there is a small snafu with uploading images… and it has to do with your rights (and the rights of others). You will learn all this information during the application process, but the basic rule of thumb is…  

If you can recognize it, you need to have rights to it.  

For example, if you upload a picture of an individual without their consent… well that can be a problem. So Istockphoto will require you to complete a model release with the model’s information and signature. Same goes for property.  

*Stipulation on the stipulation: Phew, now that we know we need model/property releases for some images, we can bend the rules just a bit through the editorial process. Editorial means you need to add the information about what is going on in the picture (Who, What, Where, Why, When). These pictures can then be used for non-commercial and non-promotional uses.    

Here’s an example  

"Madison, Wisconsin - September 9, 2012: Athletes bike the grueling uphill course of an IronMan Triathlon competition as spectators look on and cheer."

When I tried to upload a picture of my brother during his Ironman competition, it was rejected (even though I had a model release signed for him) because the other individuals were still recognizable. So I simply sent it to the editorial photography section! Now people can still use this photo and I can still earn money from it, just through non-commercial uses instead!  

Earn Money 

Keep taking and uploading pictures with the proper attribution to expand your portfolio. If you can make a name for yourself, like you’ve done here on steemit, you have a better chance at drawing in repeat customers!

A little trick I like to use is “One Pic Per Day.” Dedicate yourself to uploading at least one photograph each day. This will force you to make a habit of taking pictures (and geting creative when you don’t leave the house).    

Remember, passive income works even if you don’t, but it works better if you put in the effort. Upload more photos and better photos in order to increase your earnings.   

“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” –The Joker   

Happy Snapping!   

Upvote if this was informative!   

Check out my portfolio at http://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/alexascott if you’d like some ideas!   

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