MicrostockMOM

First, you need to be proficient with a camera, or have a partner who is.  Take pictures of what interests you.  Edit them if need be.

Files are submitted in *.jpg format, and they must be at least 4mp in size.

Before you submit, you will want to have a variety of good images on different subjects.  Some sites require you to submit test images, in an application process.  The reviewers will want to see diversity.  They will not want to see 10 pictures all of beach scenes, for example.  Try to stay away from photographing the family pet.

You will also want to be aware of copyrighted items and not photograph them.  For example:  In photographing, say, my son’s guitar, I would need to be sure the brand name of the guitar is not visible.  This can be achieved by either not photographing it, or by editing it out using Photoshop or another image editor.

At this point, do not take pictures with recognizable people in them.  Pictures with people in them will require a model release and  I’ll discuss this later.  The photograph below does not have recognizable people - these feet and legs could belong to anyone, so I do not need a model release for this image.

Your photographs should convey meanings, and be commercially applicable.  Think:  Will a designer have a use for my picture?  What types of applications could this picture be used in?  The picture to the left was used in this blog article about blue jeans.

What other concepts do you think this picture could convey?  Family fun, mother/daughter relationship, pedicures…

The more concepts your picture could represent, the better chances you’ll have of selling it.  Multiple times.  And that’s what Microstock is all about!

So get out there and start photographing!  Amass a collection (20-30 or so to start) of diverse and technically correct images.  My next posts will cover keywording the images, signing up for Microstock sites, and submitting them.  Stay tuned and happy photographing!