Everything You Need to Know About Stock Photography

Have you ever wondered where all of the eye-catching photos in your favourite blog posts and ads come from nowadays? While in some cases a professional photographer may be commissioned to do a job, many businesses now source their images from stock photography platforms. If you are keen to find out what stock photography is and how you can start growing your photography business with stock photography today, this blog post will cover all of this and more.

Stock photography involves capturing images and then licensing them for commercial use, primarily for marketing, advertising, and editorial content. Businesses and individuals widely utilise stock photos as a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to commissioning original photography, while also ensuring all necessary legal rights for usage are covered. No matter what the topic, users can search stock image websites for content of their choosing and download their chosen image within seconds, all from the comfort of their computer.

There are two main types of stock photography licenses: 

• Royalty-Free (RF) images are acquired with a one-time fee, granting broad, non-exclusive usage rights, meaning the image can be used multiple times by various licensees.

• Rights-Managed (RM) images come with more restricted usage terms, are often more expensive, and can offer exclusivity for specific applications, timeframes, or geographical regions.

Stock photography can be viewed as a two-sided marketplace. Here is a quick rundown of what it involves for different parties:

For the photographer, the process begins with creating images, which they anticipate to be in high demand. These are then uploaded to stock agencies, which rigorously review submissions for quality, technical standards, and commercial appeal. Once approved, the images become available for licensing, and the photographer earns a royalty each time one is downloaded. 

For the buyer, the process involves searching the agency's extensive databases to find specific images that fit their needs. They then purchase a license, either Royalty-Free (RF) or Rights-Managed (RM), depending on their intended use, and are then able to use the image according to the terms stipulated in that license. In some cases, it's as simple as downloading the image of their choosing and putting it to use!

If you think you have what it takes and you want to explore new ways to make money from photography, here is a checklist of what you need to consider before delving into stock photography as a photographer.

A strong stock photo is defined by several key elements, which are as follows: 

Excellent image quality - This includes sharpness, correct exposure, and thoughtful composition, ensuring it's visually appealing and technically sound.

Strong commercial appeal/interest - Stock photography aims to meet a visual need for businesses by clearly conveying a message or concept. Diversity is crucial, with images representing a wide range of demographics, situations, and ideas to serve a broad market.

Adherence to technical compliance - Photos must meet the specific resolution, noise, and focus requirements of stock agencies. Having a well-thought-out photography workflow can help you manage these steps with ease.

All legal matters considered - Adhering to details such as model and property releases is an absolute necessity whenever identifiable people or private property are featured in the image.

When considering where to sell your stock photography, several major microstock agencies serve as excellent starting points. These include:

• Shutterstock: Renowned for its popularity and extensive image library.

• Adobe Stock: Offers seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

• Getty Images/iStock: Getty Images operates as a premium platform, while iStock functions as its microstock counterpart.

• Alamy: Known for accepting a broader range of content, including editorial photography.

When choosing a platform, it's wise to consider their specific submission requirements, compare their royalty rates, and research the particular content needs they have to ensure your work is a good fit.

To succeed in stock photography, consistency is key; regularly uploading new content keeps your portfolio fresh and discoverable. However, prioritise quality over quantity, as only excellent images will stand out. A robust keyword strategy is crucial for discoverability, meaning accurate and comprehensive keywords are vital to help buyers find your work. Staying aware of current visual trends and market needs can significantly boost your sales. While optional, identifying and specialising in a specific area can help you carve out a unique space. 

Above all, patience is essential, as building a significant income in stock photography takes considerable time and effort.

All in all, stock photography is a perfect way to turn your favourite hobby into a money making venture. If Ted's can help you out in any way, whether that be photography tips to help you capture higher quality images, to deals on the latest camera gear to keep you ahead of the game, our staff are always happy to help.