Stock photography usually revolves around a photo stock agency. The agency holds a collection of photographs on behalf of multiple photographers. Those photographs are available for sale to anyone who may need a photograph. The stock agency is simply a “go between” or third party who brings together buyers and sellers.
The Sellers
Professional or semi-professional photographers take photographs of objects or scenes which they think may sell. The photographs must be taken using a minimum standard and quality of camera. The preferred camera is usually a DSLR. The photographs must meet certain criteria for quality. Shaky, blurred photographs with poor composition or drab, badly lit scenes are not saleable. They are not acceptable to the stock agencies.
The Buyers
Buyers of photographs are surprisingly varied. They are generally professional people who are looking to buy top quality images. One of the more obvious buyers is the news press industry. Graphic designers, publishers, website designers, calendar makers, advertising agencies and even private individuals are just a small selection of potential buyers of images.
The Middle Man
Today, the photo stock agency is usually a website of categorised and searchable images which any one can browse.
The photographers upload their work to the stock agency who check the images for quality and suitability. The agency will add any acceptable images to their stock of photographs.
Potential buyers search the agencies stock of photos. Once a buyer has found an image which they wish to purchase, they then make payment via the stock agency. Their website then allows them to download the image.
Now that you know what is stock photography, we will go on to explain how you can get started as a stock photographer!
