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Question
Hello,
I am interested in becoming a "Stock" photographer.Having a catalog of nice photos to sell and rent.In the old days everything was "SLR" how is the outlook for digital photography in this area?Any help wold be appreciated.
Thanks
Tyler
You can still be SLR. That being said, however, digital means that the image can be sent over the internet, sent to the client, he may then resize it, etc. So, if you are interested in Stock Photography invest in a good book listing the various stock agencies and to whom to contact at that location. I have converted almost completely to digital. Get the best digital camera you can afford. Then work to develop your photographic vision. Go to museums and study the work depicted there, examine the lighting, the pose, the placement of objects within the frame just to mention a few ideas. This is not limited to photographic museums, fine art museums also will help to develop your vision of photography.
Best of luck in your future endeavors, don't be dismayed if you have a problem in selling your photographs at first. I would suggest that you keep your day job and be a weekend warrior in taking pictures for the stock. Wait until you are able to support yourself entirely through your photography before quitting the day job. Be patient, you will have to build up your reputation with whichever stock house you choose to be your agent.
Keep me posted.
Don
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Don, Thank you so much for your *incredibly* quick response. I'm impressed! :) What I've sold to date has been fine art photography ranging from $100 to $300 per image. The few "assignment" shoots I've done were quick, maybe 1/2 hour to 1 hour max for which I received about $50 (woo-hoo!). In the past I've quoted $500 for a 4-hour shoot plus expenses for limited use or $1,000 plus expenses for unlimited. (Which is probably off- Although my studies in college concentrated in photography, I've been a Web designer for the past ten years with fine art on the side, so I'm not up on photography rates and fees). I think you hit the nail on the head when you picked up on my calling the person who wants to buy my photos a "former" friend. This one-word description says a lot about how I should go about this, right? Thank you for offering to comment more. If you have additional thoughts after you've snoozed, feel free to get in touch: colleen@photographer.net - if not, I completely appreciate your time and again, thank you for getting back to me so quickly! You've been great! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Don Wood
Expertise
I have been a professional photographer for 35 years. Wedding, portraits, passports, copies, groups pix, reunions, etc. Specialty in photography of large groups. I also have worked in newspaper photography for most of my photographic years. I have built and maintained a b/w darkroom, and a color darkroom.
Experience
I have been a professional photographer for 35 years. I am transitioning to digital photography so I might be able to help in that field. I'm retired now but am still able to be helpful in the field. I have built a b/w, color darkroom, worked in a color lab, worked in the newspaper field both in darkroom and as a shooter.
Organizations
none
Publications
none
Education/Credentials
New York Institute of Photography
Awards and Honors
none
Past/Present Clients
none
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