How To Sell Photos Online

Step 1: Looking Online

The internet has opened many doors for many creative people. However many other creative people know this and have taken full advantage but do not let this put you off. Although the road ahead is steep in fact its near vertical I hope the following hints and tips will help you have a fighting chance. Google is great for searching image banks and sites that allow you to showcase your work, but it is important that you find ones that are specific to your needs.

Using a note pad and pen take note of prospect websites that you come across, I started using social networking sites to upload my images. This is great if your looking for a pat on the back for your efforts but a waste of time if your looking to make money. Use social networking sites to populate the galleries/sites that do make you money. Step 2: Good Equipment

Images need to be taken using the best quality setting your camera will allow. Most DSLR cameras will take pictures in RAW format. This will retain the quality of any image and allow you to make large reproductions which is often necessary if you are selling images. The images that you decide to sell need to be of the highest quality. It is advised that you create a still life studio that allows you to take pictures of all kinds of objects, animal, mineral or vegetable.

Equipment is expensive however there are ways around this and its half the fun bodging a well lit environment, controlling shadow and editing your final pics. It can be done and as a word of advice try to locate 'daylight' lamps instead of the normal house lights as this will alleviate any yellow tinges. I would recommend upgrading your equipment bit by bit if you are unable to get it one go, your images will drastically improve and your studio management will become easier also.

Sourced from freeimages.co.uk

Step 3: Take the Photos

Now that you have either a swanky studio and all the camera gear or a well thought out makeshift one you are ready to begin taking pictures. I have geared this article more towards indoor still life but images that have live models are also in high demand. However you will need a large studio and larger light rigs. Taking pictures of object is pretty relaxed as you have as much time as necessary to arrange and get the right shot. Models are often hired which means you have a specific time period to get the shots correct. If you are using a model make sure that you get them to sign a waiver. This means that you have the rights to sell and reproduce the images, should you not do this then you could run the risk of being sued.

Images that you take may need to be edited to look as good as they can be and saved as a Tiff file which is a high spec saving directory. Lighting is the key and something you need to really understand to get the right look, the right contrast and remember that light can cast a shadow. sometimes shadow looks good but in some cases it is a hindrance. Notice the image above of the negatives, its lit from below through some white Perspex which minimises shadow.

Step 4: Find Places to Sell Them There are a number of sites that allow you to sell your images to newspapers, magazines and other web developers. Here are the some the most reliable and most popular. It is advisable to upload your images to more than one organisation so that you can gain as much income and exposure as possible.

Step 5: Select a Place Your images a precious to you and this is why it is important to keep them safe. The links above are recommended image sale sites, however I do recommend that you study them before jumping in. Its very exciting to get your images looking their best ready for upload and then having them all lined up neat in your own gallery. Just make sure that your images fit the bill and that they are sellable. You may find more on the web, these are buy a few however I am certain the service these give are reputable its up to you study any others that you find. I am not saying that they cannot be trusted, just make sure that payment is satisfactory and that your images are safe when in view of potential buys.

Step 6: Submit the Photos All sites need you to sign up so be prepared to answer the usual questions, you may also need to indicate how you wish to be paid. they normally all accept PayPal or they may wish to send you a cheque so it is important that you give correct details. Once you have signed up it is advisable to take note of the resolution needed, make sure your images match or exceed their guidelines ensuring high quality, crisp images are uploaded. Sites such as the ones above tend to show a much smaller image (low in resolution) so that it cannot be copied and pasted. Only when payment has been made do they get access to the larger higher resolution image and only then will you get paid for your efforts. The great thing about this is that the image can be sold over and over again.

Editors note

I wish you all the best with your project(s) and remember to promote your images even though they are on stock image sites you still need to drive customers to those sites, tell everybody - tell the world.

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