Does anyone sell their pictures?

[tommo]

I've looked at various stock image websites and have thought about uploading to them, but it seems like there are thousands of people uploading images all trying to make some money from their photo's.

Apart from wedding photography, does anyone actually make decent money from their photography on a part time basis?

 

[DiddyDave]

I get paid to take photos (commissions as it were), but I think you're asking that if I just shoot 'anything' am I then selling that image?

If that's what you mean, then nope

Got lots of pretty landscapes and some more arty ones too - all sitting on harddrives somewhere doing nothing at all - I did have about 100 on my website in case anyone wanted to buy any, but no-one did so I use the space for paid portfolios instead

Actually, thinking

...I don't know anyone selling images as stock at all & to me it's never looked like it's worth the effort

:shrug::shrug::shrug:

DD

 

[tommo]

I know what you mean about the effort - some only pay you pennies (or cents) for your pictures.

I am thinking of going to sprts events and taking pictures, then putting flyers on cars, handing them out to participants and getting traffic through a website and getting people to buy them. A few people already do this and some make careers out of it. I just want to make a bit of money on the side by taking great photo's that people want.

 

[pxl8]

Stock shots of things like landscapes, ducks, cityscapes, etc. are plentiful. More corporate type shots such as people working, etc. seem to do better but then you're looking at hiring models, sorting locations, etc. If you want to make a few quid a year then microstock might be an option other than that it really seems to be a specific area that needs a good investment of time, money and good business skills.

The other option is if you can specialise in one particular area - macro, food, etc. but the markets are fairly small and pretty well covered already so you'd need to bring something unique to the party to get a foot in the door.

 

[barsbyart]

Hi tommo.

I too have looked at loads of stock photo sites and vaguely wondered... BUT stock togging has always been hard work and slow returns and with all the 'new' sites around I'm sure it's even harder.

I don't think that anyone wanting stock images will bother trawling the internet. They will have their own favourite sites. So, how do you choose where to put your images?

Firstly (imo) use a stock agency that's been around a while and who can give you a list of their clients/buyers.

Secondly, don't use a site that charges you a fee for uploading a portfolio. Think of them as 'vanity publishers'.

Thirdly, a good stock agency will not take just anything from you. A good one will be selective.

I believe the Bureau of Freelance Photographers publishes a book listing stock agencies, etc. I'd look there first.