Preparing stock photos involves several steps. First, ensure the images are of high resolution and quality. Next, edit and enhance the images to make them visually appealing. Finally, add appropriate keywords and metadata to improve discoverability.
To improve the quality of your stock photos, consider using photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance. Retouch any imperfections, sharpen the image, and remove distracting elements. Make sure the final image is well-balanced and visually appealing.
Accepted file formats for stock photos typically include JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. JPEG is the most commonly used format due to its small file size and compatibility. However, it is important to maintain high quality even when compressing images in JPEG format.
Before submitting your photos to a stock photo website, ensure that all necessary model and property releases are in place. Remove any trademarked or copyrighted elements from the image. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the stock photo website to ensure your images comply with their guidelines.
While some stock photo websites may accept RAW files, it is generally recommended to convert your images to a more universally compatible format like JPEG or TIFF. RAW files are larger in size and may not be supported by all websites or applications.
Adding metadata such as keywords, descriptions, and categories to stock images significantly improves their discoverability in search engines and within the stock photo website. This allows potential buyers to find your images more easily, increasing the chances of a sale.
When keywording stock photos, use relevant and specific terms that accurately describe the content of the image. Avoid misleading or spammy keywords. Capture the main subject of the image and include related concepts, emotions, and locations.
Yes, it is generally recommended to resize your stock photos to meet the requirements of the stock photo website you plan to submit them to. Each website has different size guidelines, so ensure your images are correctly formatted to avoid rejection.
The number of stock images you should submit in one go depends on the guidelines of the stock photo website. While some websites have a minimum requirement, it is usually recommended to submit a variety of high-quality images rather than flooding the website with low-quality ones.
Most stock photo websites prefer natural-looking images that can be easily customized by the buyers. While minor adjustments or enhancements are acceptable, excessive use of filters or effects may reduce the marketability of your stock photos. Focus on maintaining a balance between artistic appeal and commercial usability.
