Stock Photography Tips: Holiday Magic

by Sunella
(Philipines)

Reader Post: 'One of best stock photography tips I have to offer is to understand what the market is looking for. A lot of stock photography agencies prefer to deal in factual photographs that depict actual people, places, and things - but that does not include touristy shots out of an aeroplane window and family snaps.

I've made the mistake a few times now to get really excited about a family holiday, take loads of images and submit them to various stock agencies - only to get hit with rejection after rejection.

Live and learn, so next time round I will approach my holiday destination with a photographer's eye. It seems that shots of locals, culture and architecture have a much better chance of getting accepted.

Always keep concepts in mind... stock agencies want to know what you are trying to communicate with a certain image. It also helps to make a list of keywords before you travel and to review it often during your trip to that you're ready when the perfect situation presents itself. Alternatively you can keep a theme in mind, for example 'food and beverages.' A theme helps you to stay focused enough to return home with lots of good stock images.

Good luck and happy travels.'