The Internet has created a way for anyone with a digital camera to make money by uploading pictures to Stock Photography websites.
The definition of Stock Photography is: Images that are not photographed for a specific client or use, but are catalogued for review and selection by someone who may have a use for the image.
Stock photography is a cost-effective method for businesses to obtain professional photos without the costs of hiring a photographer directly. Basically you upload your photographs to the stock photography website for free and then if businesses that require pictures for their publications (both online and offline) purchase them you get a commission. Each photograph can be purchased an infinite number of times so one picture can make you multiple commission.
Photographs that sell well on Stock Photography Websites
The things that sell well on these sites are famous landmarks so if you live in a city take pictures of its famous buildings, bridges and monuments. Even better would be if there is a stunning sunrise / sunset in the background or some strange weather condition to the area i.e. the Golden Gate Bridge in the snow!Special events will also be a big winner. Every New Years Eve there are fantastic firework displays around the world places like London’s Millennium Wheel, Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Good pictures of these are bound to be in high demand.
Don’t dismay if you don’t live near a large famous city. There’s a massive demand for things like natural panoramas, wildlife etc. If you’re a keen photographer all you need is your camera and imagination to look for that picture with the “angle” that will make it stand out.
There is an ever growing number of these websites providing this service. The best way to find one relevant to you is Google “Stock Photography Sites”.
