Do you think you know everything about cheap stock images? If you are in the stock photography industry, it pays to know a lot of things about stock images. It will help you determine where your downloaded images came from and whether they are authorized or not. Here are some of the things you need to know, whether you are a contributor or buyer, about stock photography.
1. Images that come out of your camera are not all good enough to be sold. Ever since the advent of photography, photographers modify their images by playing with their contrasts, curves and levels. In the old days, this means hours in the darkroom. At the present, all it takes is Photoshop. It is important that you take time to fix the blemishes and remove stray twigs to make the images look better. If the images look professional, they will be perceived as professional and their prices reasonable.
2. Real people love signing releases. They really do. It makes them feel beautiful. It makes them feel desired and loved. Most of all, it makes them feel like models. So, never feel embarrassed when you have to ask for a release. Although they may not always consent to sign, the worst they can say to you is no. Hence, do not hesitate to ask them as it opens up new avenues for licensing your cheap stock images.
3. Not all stock distributor contracts are the same. Read all contracts carefully as it will save you from legal issues in the future. You should also understand the terms stated in the contract as well as consider if it is in your best interest before agreeing to the proposed. Keep in mind that some contracts are more equitable than others. Many are negotiable, but you should ask questions to clarify things. Do not sign on anything you cannot understand.
4. Proficiency in editing is imperative. Photo-editing is as much as an art as photography itself. You need to be proficient in editing images in order to create some of the best. Did you know that National Geographic photographers shoot as many as 10,000 images? However, they only choose the best 30 images to be published. If you are submitting bulk images, you may need to professionally edit them to select the best images.
5. The thumbnail is the first thing a client sees. How many restaurants or stores in your local have crappy signs? Have you also wondered if they realize that a good-looking sign can make a difference with their sales? The same applies with cheap stock images. The first thing you notice is the thumbnail. So, when you are creating the image, make sure that the thumbnail pops. If it does not pop, it will not get any click.