Thinking of Shooting Stock Photography?

Stock photography is often bandied around as being an easy option for anyone who has a digital camera and good basic knowledge of post-processing as a way of earning some extra income to finance their hobby.

                                          Image copyright Rob Smith 2014


On the face of it that may be true but the reality is a lot different as the competition is so fierce!
One Stock Library currently has over 52 million photographs available to licence and that number seems to be growing exponentially. If you are new to the idea of stock photography and haven't started to get in the game then you are going to be playing catch up from the outset.

That doesn't mean that you shouldn't try it if you are contemplating it because there are niches that still need to be filled... you just need to find them! Believe me when I say that some of those niches may surprise you! You need to do your own research to identify them but they can be fruitful if you are prepared to put in the work.  ( I have never said stock photography is easy!)

Of equal importance to a good photograph of a niche subject is good keywording.
The best picture in the world will never be seen without great keywords that describe the picture and the concepts that may be linked to the picture. Keywording could warrant a post all of its own as it is so important and is often described as being something of a "black art".

There are numerous sites where you can sell your work. The first decision you will have to make is whether you want to go down the microstock route or the traditional macro route.
There are many advocates for both types of stock photography but I have firmly camped myself in the macro site route as I struggle to understand how microstock is financially viable.
I believe that there is too much competition for anyone new to stock photography to make an impression on the market and make it worthwhile doing microstock photography. Macro photography is also overstocked but when you make a sale at least it will buy you a coffee... or possibly a new lens!
I have tried both micro and macro stock photography but I now concentrate solely on macro photography for obvious reasons.

More great reading can be found here from John Lund, something of a stock guru and also here from Yuri Arcurs, who is possibly the most well known stock shooter in the world.

Darlington Photographer

 

As a Darlington Photographer covering the North East I often get called upon to travel throughout the region and so it was in mid September when I was fortunate enough to be chosen to capture Jess and Dan's wedding in Redcar and Saltburn.
Jess and Dan had always planned a traditional wedding complete with church, big dress and all their family and friends. They also planned to do it all with a retro feel straight out of the Victorian era! This was reflected in Jess's champagne coloured gown which had borrowed it's inspiration from that era and her parasol completed the victorian look to perfection. All that was missing was a horse and carriage!
And so the scene was set for Jess's big surprise!...

Her face was a picture as she stepped out of the house and was met by a horse and carriage to whisk her to St. Cuthberts Church in Kirkleatham,a mere 2 miles away.
After the service the entourage made it's way to The Spa in Saltburn. By the time the Horse and carriage made its way to Saltburn the party was in full swing and so Jess and Dan lost no time in catching up!
The party continued throughout the night and I think it's fair to say that everyone had a fabulous day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Middlesbrough Engagement Shoot

Mike and Lynda get engaged...

I was delighted when Mike and Lynda asked me to take their engagement photographs as I have known them for a number of years and they always seem so very happy together!
They opted to use Stewarts Park in Middlesbrough as a backdrop to their photographs as it's quite close to their home and somewhere they like to visit on a regular basis. I expected the park to be relatively quiet as we had picked a Monday to do the shoot, however, I hadn't reckoned on it being the first day of the summer holidays or the throng of families making the most of the good weather. Nonetheless, we had a great deal of fun on our shoot and the time seemed to pass so quickly! Lynda has a gorgeous smile and an infectious personality which obviously makes my job so much easier as they were an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish!
They are evidently very much in love with each other and have a special understanding that is quite obvious every time they are together. My best wishes go out to them both as they start to plan their new life together.

 

Making hay...

While the sun shines!

The farmers around Darlington aren't the only ones to take advantage of the recent good weather. The opportune appearance of the Sun and bales of hay served as a fabulous backdrop to have some portraits done on location, and so it was that I went off with Lauren to find a good place for some location portraiture.
I took my numerous flashguns and portable lighting stands with me to provide some fill in flash and help to reduce the shadows whilst also helping to lift the photograph from the page!

 

By clicking on any photo you can see them in more detail.
Please feel free to share on facebook or twitter!

HMS Trincomalee Fashion Show

Where 'old meets new'...

When I was asked to photograph up and coming designs on the catwalk by Isabel Wong, Callecia Brown and Kate Fearnley on board Britains oldest naval warship afloat, I knew it was too good to turn down. 
The setting of 'new meets old' on board HMS Trincomalee was the perfect backdrop for a fashion show with a difference. The show was organised by Darlington Fashion Photographer Gordon Scott and fashion designer  Isabel Wong who wanted to allow the public the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes at a fashion show. This was warmly received by a number of people who had makeup consultations and makovers by Sarah Stonehouse who worked with all the models to apply their make-up.

There was a blend of experience on the catwalk. Some had never done a catwalk before, whilst others had seen it all before and travelled the length of the country just to be there!
All in all, It was a fabulous night and everyone agreed that it had all been worth the hard work and effort!
My thanks go to Gordon Scott and Isabel Wong for all their enduring hard work, without which,none of it would have been possible!

Darlington Commercial Photographer

I was recently commissioned by Emma and Sue at CHS Group as they wanted some PR photography that they could use in their forthcoming press releases and on their web site.
The photography brief was to reflect the friendly and personable side of Emma and Sue and yet still capture the efficient and business like approach that they employ on a daily basis.
I would like to thank Emma and Sue for making me feel very welcome in York and for all their kind feedback which is always warmly received!
CHS Group are at the forefront of organising Hotel and Tourism Conferencing in the UK. Their website can be found here