Be Your Own Boss 3: Earn Money From Your Digital Camera

If you are serious about earning money from your digital camera the internet is the place for you. There are a number of companies who are looking for images to sell on to web designers, graphic artists and magazine editors. The most commonly bought images are people; seniors, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Indian; remember you will need a model release form signed for each photo you take of a person. Also popular are food, sports, sexy, family, gym, spa, massage and office.

ESSENTIALS:

1. Obviously a digital camera - you can start with a simple one but I suspect as you get hooked you will want to upgrade it.
2. A computer with broadband access.
3. A PayPal account. It is simple to set up and you can then accept money from anywhere in the world. Be sure to read the guidelines of the site you are submitting to.
4. Get organised. I can't emphasise this enough. You will be submitted large numbers of photos, probably to different sites so get organised right at the beginning.

• Create a dedicated folder in your email for selling photographs.
• Make sure you take a note of the user name and password you use for each separate company right at the start, don't wait until you join a few or it will get complicated to remember.
• Create folders for each company, keep track of which ones you have submitted, to which company and whether they have been accepted.
• I would add here, if some of your images are rejected and cannot be fixed, get rid of them; just keep the ones what can earn you money.

BASIC PHOTO TIPS

What companies are looking for?

1. Good sharp color
2. Sharp clear subject
3. Image in focus
4. Interesting clear subject
5. Subject that is conceptual
6. Subject that is fun
7. Subject that is unusual
8. Subject that is attractive
9. Subject that is active
10. Subject that could be used for many purposes

Lighting

1. Take time to make sure your lighting is good
2. Avoid reflections; make sure you and your shadow are out of the picture
3. Use natural light where possible
4. Avoid harsh shadows.
5. Avoid underexposure, decrease your shutter speed or increase the aperture size
6. Avoid overexposure, increase the shutter speed or decrease the aperture size
7. Avoid pointing the camera directly at any light source
8. Use lamps rather than overhead lights
9. Use wax paper in front of the flash to soothe out shadows
10. Use pure white cloth, paper or cardboard to photograph isolated objects

Focus

1. Learn to use your camera completely; this is the best tool you have
2. Use a tripod to avoid camera shake
3. Ensure the object you are aiming at is in full focus unless you intend a soft or blurring image

FIRST STEP:

This is not a get rich quick scheme, like anything worthwhile, it takes work. That said if you, like me, are impatient to see your work appearing on the internet and indeed earning money I suggest you start with Triond. The rewards are not extensive but it is a good start and a good place to begin building a portfolio.

PICABLE:

This is a self publishing site where you can submit photographs, when they are picked up and published you share in the royalties which come mainly from advertising alongside your photograph.

SHUTTERSTOCK:

Is an American company with no barrier for UK photographers. You submit photos and are paid every time one is downloaded. You can also earn commission by referring photographers to the site.

ISTOCKPHOTO:

This site is also free to register. They have excellent tutorials on what their expectations are and articles for the budding photographer. It is easy to use, once you are accepted.

DREAMSTIME:

Dreamstime is looking for quality-based photos. Once your images have been approved they are included on your own database and you are paid for each downloaded image. If your photographs do not come up to their standard, they will tell you what is wrong and give you the opportunity to correct it and upload again.

LUCKY OLIVER:

Another site hungry for fresh, creative and saleable photographs. There is plenty of information on site and guidelines on submissions.

BIG STOCK PHOTOS:

Submit your photos and artwork for others to purchase and download and they split the revenues with you. They supply a list of photos they need, photos of people are popular but remember you need a model release of any photograph with a recognisable face.