Selling stock photography is a fun and exciting career. It's also a great way for hobby photographers and people with artistic skill to make part-time or full time income. However, this business is highly competitive and you'll be competing against some major photo agencies like Ween, WireImage, etc. How do you take photos that people are looking for so that they buy from you? When you are starting out, keyword research, taking consistently standard photographs, using your photo editing skills and uploading them to major networks can help you get your stock selling and get your name out there.

Do Your Research!

Researching your competition helps you in more ways than you can probably think. Search other stock photographer's websites to see their prices and what sells the most. When you think you've got a good handle on your prices, its time to start considering how you want to narrow down your categories.

Narrow Your Subjects

Narrowing your subjects you want to shoot not only helps you become more consistent and gives you a recognizable name to attach to your brand, you can also fine tune your skills. This can help you take better pictures and understand what works as far as your field of study. When your images become more consistent and can be found easily, you will start selling more photos. You can aid your readers to find your products by keyword searches.

Know Your Keywords

This is also another area you may want to consider researching well so that your photos can be found in search engines on your own website. Keyword competition tools like ad sense can help you find what is being searched for the most. Simply doing a search in Google for “rock concert photos” may not be enough. You may get something you were not intending! Think about what you would be looking for as a web designer or graphic designer that would help you narrow your subjects down. You may also want to add keywords in the description of your photographs if you own a blog or online portfolio. You can write a small blurb of information describing what the pictures are in a certain album around keywords as well. Once you're ready to upload you can either bulk upload to your site or other sites.

Network!

Networking is always a valuable resource to any profession. The connections you get can boost or even triple your sales. Try social networking to get the word out about your new business. Chances are, someone may know someone that may be able to help get you to the right people. Your followings on various networks can also help you with their own tips and tricks or simply put the word out about your new business and attract clients.

If you are thinking about a career selling stock images, the possibilities are endless. Taking standard photos and editing them, uploading and sharing them on social networks can be the best way to earn a living selling stock photography.

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