Shooting
Equipment:
The camera you use is up to you. I recommend an SLR as they are easy to use and versatile. I have used the Cannon Digital Rebel EOS for many years and it does the trick just fine. There is other equipment that you may find helpful as you progress as a microstock photographer, such as alternate lenses, a tripod, and lighting equipment for indoor shoots. However, using just the standard SLR camera will certainly get you started with no problem.
Image size and format:
Your camera will need to produce images in the size and file format required by the agencies. Although each agency vaires slightly, for the most part they all require images uploaded as JPEG's and be a minimum of 1600 x 1200 pixels (over 2 Mega Pixels).
What to shoot:
Know what Sells Best: In order to maximize your revenue from Microstock, you need to sell as many images as possible. In order to do this, you need to pay attention to what images and categories the agencies are selling the most of. Most of the websites will have an area dedicated to "Best Sellers" and the "Top Image Searches". I have listed a few of these on the Resources page under Best Selling Images. Keep in mind that what sells the most is not necessarily what you as a photographer like the best. You may have an image that you think is incredible, but if there isn't a market for it, it will not sell. Also, note that the best selling images are not always alligned to what images are being accepted most widely by the Microstock websites. It's a good idea to develop a system of tracking your images (an excel spreadsheet will do fine, although there is specific software out there if you want to invest the money) so that you can notice which of your images are being accepted, rejected, and ultimately selling. I have listed several software programs in the Resources section if you are looking for a more sophisticated tracking system.
Know about Releases: The other relevant piece to this subject is whether or not to shoot people. It's widely recognized that stock images with people are better sellers. However, keep in mind that you will need to address the issue of model releases (in both obtaining them and uploading them), and each agency has different requirements in this area. A typical Dreamstime Model Release can be found here. You also need to obtain property releases for certain images, as explained below.
Know what Subjects are Protected: Any images containing trademarks or copyrighted material will be rejected from the Microstock agencies upon upload. Unfortunately, the list of protected subjects can vary widely from site to site. In time, you will discover that you can automatically sense when you are shooting something that may be rejected for copyright issues. For example, many new Microstock photographers will shoot busy streets in city environments. However, that one street contains many forms of copyrighted material: store signs, car models, logos, public art, people's faces, etc. It is a good idea to have a general idea of the most common items that are protected before you go out and spend time and money on your photoshoots. Below is a general list.
In some cases you can obtain a property release from the owner of personal property to cover yourself. For example, pets and buildings (residences) would require a release from the owners. Unfortunately, not all the laws are consistent on this issue. Don't be surprised to find that some of the sites accept a particular image while others reject it for copyright reasons. To maximize your time and energy, I would suggest staying away from any images that MAY be protected unless you are willing to obtain a release.
Equipment:
The camera you use is up to you. I recommend an SLR as they are easy to use and versatile. I have used the Cannon Digital Rebel EOS for many years and it does the trick just fine. There is other equipment that you may find helpful as you progress as a microstock photographer, such as alternate lenses, a tripod, and lighting equipment for indoor shoots. However, using just the standard SLR camera will certainly get you started with no problem.
Image size and format:
Your camera will need to produce images in the size and file format required by the agencies. Although each agency vaires slightly, for the most part they all require images uploaded as JPEG's and be a minimum of 1600 x 1200 pixels (over 2 Mega Pixels).
What to shoot:
Know what Sells Best: In order to maximize your revenue from Microstock, you need to sell as many images as possible. In order to do this, you need to pay attention to what images and categories the agencies are selling the most of. Most of the websites will have an area dedicated to "Best Sellers" and the "Top Image Searches". I have listed a few of these on the Resources page under Best Selling Images. Keep in mind that what sells the most is not necessarily what you as a photographer like the best. You may have an image that you think is incredible, but if there isn't a market for it, it will not sell. Also, note that the best selling images are not always alligned to what images are being accepted most widely by the Microstock websites. It's a good idea to develop a system of tracking your images (an excel spreadsheet will do fine, although there is specific software out there if you want to invest the money) so that you can notice which of your images are being accepted, rejected, and ultimately selling. I have listed several software programs in the Resources section if you are looking for a more sophisticated tracking system.
Know about Releases: The other relevant piece to this subject is whether or not to shoot people. It's widely recognized that stock images with people are better sellers. However, keep in mind that you will need to address the issue of model releases (in both obtaining them and uploading them), and each agency has different requirements in this area. A typical Dreamstime Model Release can be found here. You also need to obtain property releases for certain images, as explained below.
Know what Subjects are Protected: Any images containing trademarks or copyrighted material will be rejected from the Microstock agencies upon upload. Unfortunately, the list of protected subjects can vary widely from site to site. In time, you will discover that you can automatically sense when you are shooting something that may be rejected for copyright issues. For example, many new Microstock photographers will shoot busy streets in city environments. However, that one street contains many forms of copyrighted material: store signs, car models, logos, public art, people's faces, etc. It is a good idea to have a general idea of the most common items that are protected before you go out and spend time and money on your photoshoots. Below is a general list.
- People (Recognizable faces)
- Company Names, Logos and Trademarks (the Nike symbol, etc)
- Recognizable Designs (Rubik's Cube, etc)
- Works of Art created by someone else
- Unique and Recognizable Architecture (Sydney Opera House, etc)
- Public Art (Sculptures, Fountains, etc)
In some cases you can obtain a property release from the owner of personal property to cover yourself. For example, pets and buildings (residences) would require a release from the owners. Unfortunately, not all the laws are consistent on this issue. Don't be surprised to find that some of the sites accept a particular image while others reject it for copyright reasons. To maximize your time and energy, I would suggest staying away from any images that MAY be protected unless you are willing to obtain a release.