Like with most endeavors, there are things that can stand in your way when it comes to taking great stock photos. Some of these things you have limited control over, like which items the market in photography is interested in. Other things you have much more control over, like the overall quality of your pictures, and the subjects that they contain.
The subject of your image is important, but not perhaps the most important factor. Purchasers are looking for different things, and some will not be interested in your picture no matter how high quality it is, if it does not feature the right things. The important thing is to choose a subject that is relatively versatile, and make the picture technically competent.
People and isolated items are the best sellers when it comes to pictures. People doing any number of things can be used by designers, advertisers, and others who might buy your pictures. Isolated items are also very useful, and can include anything from fruit to computers. Ideally, photograph these items against a highly contrasting background with nothing else in the picture.
Uncluttered backgrounds allow the eye to focus where it should, which is on the subject of the image. People are not likely to purchase pictures with cluttered backgrounds, because this will not draw the focus to the item that they are trying to place front and center. Adding variety by using different backgrounds, however, and clothes on models, does not go amiss.
Doing some research into what makes a quality photo as well as practicing until your pictures come out more like you'd like, is important. Sharp, well-lit pictures without any of the common problems are more likely to sell. This means that you need to learn to take pictures that are not over or underexposed, that are well-lit with appropriate color brightness, and have good composition.
Taking a picture with sharp clean lines and good lighting is important if you want it to sell. Taking a good picture comes from the combination of experience and knowledge, combined with decent equipment. A camera is obviously required, though top of the line probably isn't. However, it should be better than the camera on your computer or cell phone.
Photo editing is a big part of the sales process. Photographs that are initially almost right can be made better, and some photographs can even be rescued from unuseability. You can manipulate red-eye, change the contrast and color scheme of your pictures, and more. Cropping is generally a good idea when there is a single subject (not a panorama) to your image. This draws the eye to the correct piece.
Learning how to take good stock photos includes both book-learning and hands-on skills. Reading about the techniques that professionals use is a good way to get started, but you will need to make sure that you have plenty of time to practice, if you want to get them right. Going out and taking photographs is a good way to learn 'on-the-job', as it is.
The subject of your image is important, but not perhaps the most important factor. Purchasers are looking for different things, and some will not be interested in your picture no matter how high quality it is, if it does not feature the right things. The important thing is to choose a subject that is relatively versatile, and make the picture technically competent.
People and isolated items are the best sellers when it comes to pictures. People doing any number of things can be used by designers, advertisers, and others who might buy your pictures. Isolated items are also very useful, and can include anything from fruit to computers. Ideally, photograph these items against a highly contrasting background with nothing else in the picture.
Uncluttered backgrounds allow the eye to focus where it should, which is on the subject of the image. People are not likely to purchase pictures with cluttered backgrounds, because this will not draw the focus to the item that they are trying to place front and center. Adding variety by using different backgrounds, however, and clothes on models, does not go amiss.
Doing some research into what makes a quality photo as well as practicing until your pictures come out more like you'd like, is important. Sharp, well-lit pictures without any of the common problems are more likely to sell. This means that you need to learn to take pictures that are not over or underexposed, that are well-lit with appropriate color brightness, and have good composition.
Taking a picture with sharp clean lines and good lighting is important if you want it to sell. Taking a good picture comes from the combination of experience and knowledge, combined with decent equipment. A camera is obviously required, though top of the line probably isn't. However, it should be better than the camera on your computer or cell phone.
Photo editing is a big part of the sales process. Photographs that are initially almost right can be made better, and some photographs can even be rescued from unuseability. You can manipulate red-eye, change the contrast and color scheme of your pictures, and more. Cropping is generally a good idea when there is a single subject (not a panorama) to your image. This draws the eye to the correct piece.
Learning how to take good stock photos includes both book-learning and hands-on skills. Reading about the techniques that professionals use is a good way to get started, but you will need to make sure that you have plenty of time to practice, if you want to get them right. Going out and taking photographs is a good way to learn 'on-the-job', as it is.
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