Types of Stock Photograph that Sells

First, do not make the assumption that any type of stock photo will sell well. Some types of stock photography sell well while others are more difficult to sell. The first rule in order to make sure that you are able to sell your stock photo and not run into any legal problems is to make sure that you either have a model release or you do not shoot any faces that can be identified. If you need to obtain a model release, make sure you get it in writing.

Do not rely on a verbal agreement. You should also avoid shooting any company names or logos. Finally, focus on shooting photographs that could be potentially used in different formats or ways.

Types of stock photos that tend to sell well include people (with appropriate model release), landscapes, flowers and plants, business and industry, still life photos, travel, transportation, sports and leisure, house pets and weather.

It should be noted though that while landscapes, flowers, plants and pets tend to sell quite well, it’s a huge competition and the market is quite saturated. Some stock agencies do not accept this kind of images any longer.

Pricing and Licensing of Stock Photography

There are two basic types of stock photographs. They are royalty free or rights managed. Royalty free means that royalties do not need to be paid each time the user uses the image. In other words, the user can pay a one-time fee and then use the image under different circumstances.

For example, the user might pay a fee in order to use the image in different purposes or they may pay in order to receive a license that allows them to reproduce the image a specific number of times. Rights managed or licensed images refer to images in which the user must pay each time the image is used. In some cases there may be a time limit that restricts the amount of time that a buyer is able to retain exclusive use of the image. This allows the photographer to sell rights to the image once again after the initial buyer’s time has elapsed.

The exact fee rate is often based on a variety of factors including the length of time the image is used, distribution, exclusivity, location of use, etc. This type of option can be beneficial to the buyer because it allows them a larger print run for each image that royalty free licensing typically allows.

Type of Equipment Needed for Stock Photography

Many people getting started in stock photography are often concerned about whether they need specific types of equipment. One thing that should be understood is that high-quality equipment is always good but it can never replace experience and skill. If you are just getting started with stock photography it is a good idea to obtain a good quality entry level DSLR and then upgrade with lighting and lenses. With the right collection of lenses and lighting, even an average camera in the hands of a skilled photographer can produce amazing results.

Once you have begun to make some sales you might then think about growing into a more advanced camera or even expanding your collection of equipment to provide more options.

What is Concept photography?

Conceptual stock photography takes its cue from conceptual art. The goal behind concept photography is to elicit an emotion form the person or persons who view the photograph. The person may feel as though they are actually part of the photograph rather than an impartial observer. Whether they laugh or cry, emotion is evoked from the photograph.

In some cases, concept photography can also invoke memories that have been buried for some time. Concept photography can vary from an object to a person or even a group of persons. Overall; however, the goal behind concept photography is to focus less on the actual object or subject of the photograph and instead focus on the emotions the photograph is meant to arouse.

Why do People Want to Buy Conceptual Photography?

In the last few years conceptual stock photography has become quite lucrative. The reasons why people purchase conceptual stock photography can vary widely. Concept photography is frequently used in marketing in order to advertise products. A single concept photograph can be used in a variety of applications, depending on the marketing message that is placed behind it. Concept photography can also be used in desktop publishing projects as well, including greeting cards, etc.

What are the best Selling Concepts?

Due to the fact that many conceptual stock photographs are used for the purpose of marketing, one of the best selling concepts related to business. Business groups and teams tend to do quite well. In addition, conceptual photos of a large group of people also tend to sell quite well. The idea behind the group can vary from a group of children to a business team or even a scene depicting a party or celebration also tends to sell very well.

One of the reasons this type of concept photography tends to sell well is the fact that it is difficult to gather a large group of people together and get that perfect shot without someone having their eyes closed. If you can manage that, there is a good chance you have a concept photograph that will sell well.

Of course, emotional concept photographs can also sell well. Romance and love are two themes that always tend to do well, especially around Valentine’s Day and as wedding season begins to arrive.

Tips for Taking Concept Photography

One of the critical elements to taking concept photography is to make sure that you keep your eyes open for opportunities. You will also need to think out of the box and exercise more imagination that is commonly necessary with any other genre of photography. For example, you need to focus on the aspects that are unusual about the everyday in order to come up with a concept photograph that works.

Another technique is to associate words with the images you see. Do this first mentally before you actually shoot the photo. This will help to clarify the concept behind the photo. If you know going into the photo what you are planning to shoot it becomes much easier to define the concept rather than trying to do it after the fact.

Finally, do not be afraid to experiment with different angles and focal points with concept photography. Some of the best concept photographs are popular because of the different way in which they were taken. For example, close-ups of hands and even inanimate objects can be particularly beneficial when shooting conceptual stock photography.