Yesterday I wrote about Micro Stock Photography websites. These Internet based companies basically “sell” photos at deep discounts and give hobby photographers a chance to make money off their prize shots.
So exactly how does one go about selling his or her pictures to one of these micro stock photo agencies?
As I mentioned in my previous blog the concept of micro stock photography is rather complex, but getting initiated into the process is fairly simple.
The first thing you want to do is research popular micro stock photography agencies online. There are quite a few of them, and you can usually tell from navigating through each site which ones are better than others. The key is to start with just one or two until you get the hang of things. Then, once you have been at it for a while you can add a few more to your list.
Your next job is to carefully examine your pictures and choose your absolute best to submit. You might want to have a few extra eyes on hand to help you narrow your options. There are some agencies that require you submit 10-15 pictures for review when you initially apply for an account with them. Other companies require that you submit just three of your very best shots when you are just getting started. However, you’ll find that most agencies don’t have minimum requirements, in which case you can start by submitting just one photo.
Once you’ve submitted your pictures they will be reviewed, and either accepted or rejected. If they’re accepted, they’ll be available for clients to purchase. Though, technically they’re not officially buying your photos; rather they are simply licensing each shot for a specific use.
Typically, micro stock photography is used on various websites, though in some cases they can be licensed and used in advertisements, brochures and other marketing materials. Regardless of how they are used, you (the photographer) retain full copyrights to your photos. As such you can sell the same photos over and over again to additional clients.
A word of warning: Most micro stock photography agencies pay between 20 and 50 cents per picture license, or download. So if you only have a handful of shots accepted by a single agency it would be nearly impossible for you to afford that new car by selling your shots. However, if you are an outstanding photographer with several hundred pictures for sale you could certainly make a decent profit over time.
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