Technology

A Stock Image Editor’s Thought Process

If you’ve ever submitted stock photos and had them rejected but felt like you weren’t given a good reason or that the rejection was unfair, this post is for you.

As the Art Director and Photo Editor for a stock library, I have first-hand knowledge of the rejected images and the criteria used to select the winners.

Yes, there are the standard qualities we look for that every article will tell you about, such as composition, lovely models, decent lighting, etc., but these are so broad that they don’t really go into the nitty-gritty of what makes or breaks a photo.

With so many visuals bombarding us daily, it takes a well-executed photograph to catch our attention. Depending on the market the picture is destined for, we may have varied reasons for wanting to shoot a photo (from microstock to rights ready at the high end), but there are many similarities.

Photos of Travel – Lots of Novice Photographers Post Pictures That Could Be Considered “Snappy” We encourage you to bring a camera on your trip, as we can never have too many wonderful vacation pictures, but please don’t go overboard. Your photo album’s favorites may not be appropriate for commercial use. Model releases are required for all photography, so please avoid including any uninvited bystanders and instead concentrate on capturing striking scenery or iconic locations that best represent the area. Get some photographs of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and other famous landmarks in Paris, but don’t take them the same way everyone else does. Try shooting the Eiffel Tower from a variety of distances and times of day to see what works best for you. There will be fewer visitors, leaving you with the city to yourself.

What’s more, if I look at pictures of beaches or lakes, there’s always something distracting in the foreground. Avoid having any heavy or distracting branches, poles, trees, etc., in the foreground of your picture. Last but not least, write down the coordinates of each photo’s location so you may include them in the caption when you post the picture. Because travel agencies frequently need to represent a specific area for their clients, this data is crucial to maximizing your image’s marketability.

Studio lighting and white backgrounds are the norms for many microstock photographers. I think it’s essential for photographers to push themselves and experiment. Try to vary the background color, even if it’s something simple like neutral grey or beige. Microstock images taken on white are oversaturated in stock libraries; they stand out by using a different color. The best time to shoot outside is early morning or late evening, particularly during the summer.

I can’t stress enough how vital decent, clean props are for still-life photography. Create a compelling idea first. Your image won’t do well in the marketplace if you can’t articulate its meaning. Jot down the pictures you wish to portray and consider who could purchase the image. If you are confused about what to do, look through several stock photos and see the terms used. You can use this as a springboard to explore new ideas and thoughts. All eyes will be on the prop, so ensure it’s in great shape and the lighting looks good. Subdued lighting and uncomplicated angles are recommended. Try several cropping methods, but if shooting straight on yields the best results, continue. Ask yourself if providing copy space for text is worth it if a client intends to use your image in a magazine or advertisement.

I think shooting food is one of the most challenging things to do, and you can look at examples of food photography on recipe websites to get an idea of what you should be shooting for. To make their food photographs more appetizing, many photographers employ the services of a food stylist. Use only raw foods and substances, which tend to be more foolproof. Ensure the products you use are of the highest quality and not tagged. Fruit that is shot when it is not ripe or, much worse, overripe is typically rejected. Finally, if you plan on using dinnerware or other table decorations, ensure they don’t take away from the food presentation. Get the look perfect, and you’ll have a hit on your hands.

Taking a fantastic lifestyle shot for the stock is a severe accomplishment and requires unique skills. Many photographers who haven’t tried their hand at the store may scoff, but the truth is that creating a high-quality stock image requires more than just talent. Models should be selected with caution. While this works well for “natural” photos taken with friends and family, an experienced model who looks excellent up close may be more appropriate if you’re shooting a woman working from home. Try to choose someone with healthy hair and skin (no dyes, please) and neatly manicured fingers and toes. The key to making your image commercial and profitable is having aspirational models. Remember that your vision is advertising a way of life, so make it appealing.

Again, in the business world, appearance is everything. Keep in mind that your models can look great without wearing suits. Current consumer preference favors intelligent casual, which is also a successful seller. Focus on wearing garments that fit you well, are neatly ironed, appear fashionable, and are appropriate for your chosen setting. The benefits of working from home are widely acknowledged, but if you want to film there, keeping your space neat and free of distractions is essential. Studio photography requires extra effort to avoid looking too simplistic, especially with a white background. Concepts can be effectively communicated using studio pictures, but only if they are well-posed and appear natural. Ensure that every shot is pertinent to the story and effectively expresses the concepts you want to get over teamwork, camaraderie, and communication.

I’ve already stressed how crucial keywords, concepts, and themes are. I’ll go into more depth in my upcoming piece, along with some tips for making the most of these tools to boost your photographs’ marketability.

Shoot safely for the time being, nonetheless! Remember that every great photographer has to begin somewhere, and you still have time to enhance your abilities.