So Ya wanna shoot stock?

Stock photography is perceived by some as an instant moneymaker and a path to wealth, "it's easy and all you need is a camera" claims one ad. However, if you think there is no work involved after you take that million dollar seller, you are sadly mistaken.
Let me briefly outline a submission procedure step by step;

1) Research - hours surfing thru sites getting ideas and finding out which areas are "hot" (best selling images)

2) Shoot preparation - putting together essential elements for the shoot (wardrobe, backgrounds, lighting,etc)

3) The shoot - shooting enough to make sure you have the shot, then shoot variations

4) Image editing - select only the "best" images and color correct

5) Photoshop - remove unwanted items and details (logos, dust spots, distracting features, reduce noise if needed)

6) Keywords - you must add keywords if anyone is to find your image. This is an extremely important step and can mean the difference between a few sales and a lot of sales. I generally try for the maximum number allowed. (50 seems common)

7) Upload - This is when you upload your images to the stock sites for approval. Most stock sites offer several ways to do this.
FTP is the easiest for larger quantities or you can upload 1 to 3,5 or 10 images via the browser upload feature.

If you image has a visible human face you will have to have a "model release"

8) Categories - once uploaded, most sites require the second step of choosing a category. Then you finalize the submission.

9) Wait - depending upon the amount of images pending, you might be approved instantly or wait a week for the outcome.
Stock agencies will generally give you a reason for rejection if not accepted. Use this info so you don't repeat your mistake.
It might be something that you can correct and resubmit.

10) Start over - these are the steps you must follow for each and every image you submit.

As with anything in life, you get out what you put in. Stock photography is literally a numbers game. The more images you have, the more money you will make. A high percentage of would be stock photographers become discouraged with the
large amount of work and very little return. Persistence is the key! Continuos shooting and submitting is crucial to success.
Research can help you achieve images that sell more than others.

Ya wanna shoot stock? Then be prepared to put in some time and effort. If you do, then you could be making some good
money in 2 to 3 years.