Processing, Processing, Processing

Last week I had my first stock submission to Getty Images reviewed. Of the 500 images I have submitted to date, I had 359 photos reviewed with 173 photos accepted into the library. Given I always submit similar photos – verticals and horizontals of same scenes – I have an acceptance rate of 1 photo for every 2 submitted.

While it is always good to have material accepted, there is always the processing of the final high resolution files prior to delivery. I am yet to have a high resolution file rejected by either Aurora Photos or Getty Images.

When I am preparing high resolution files for delivery, I always think ‘this is forever, so make the files perfect’.

And if you are new to stock or are considering getting into stock, then don’t forget these vital points:

- Always, always, always keep good notes on the who, what, where and when. You will need this information for your captioning and knowing the locations is particularly important

- Try and get model releases whenever you can. Model releases make your accepted work more commercially salable.

- If composition allows, always shoot a vertical and a horizontal of the scene.

- Shoot things a little looser. I’m not talking about being sloppy with composition, rather I am talking about giving the designers and editors that will hopefully license your work, some room for things like copy etc.. during the layouts.

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