Photography

The photo buyer in the world of stock photography is king as they are the ones who pay the stock photographer. He who pays the piper calls the tune. That’s the bottom line and you can’t change it. It’s pure economics so you have to listen if you are to survive. Knowing what the buyer wants is important but equally as important is knowing what they don’t want. How do you know what the buyers require, what the trends are and what is selling best? By going to all the stock sites and reading their guidelines. But, guidelines change or vary with seasons, fashions and trends so you need to go beyond that. Look for articles on these sites and subscribe to their newsletters. I picked up some key issues in one of the latest e-newsletters from one of the major stock sites. What they emphasised were a number of issues relating to what they did not want to buy and what mistakes photographers were making in the images. These are some of the things they are NOT looking for: 1. Staged studio images There is a dearth of great, perfectly lit studio shots of people shaking hands, dialling a telephone or pouring a drink. Sometimes too staged and a bit artificial. What buyers are looking for is more natural and spontaneous shots. Not inferior shots but well lit in a more natural environment. Don’t let your models feel directed and acting a part but rather let them have fun and be more natural.