Read a book

Micro-Stock photography is mainly about lifestyles. When my in-laws said they wanted photos I automatically started thinking how I could run dual purpose photos (something my in-laws would like and something I could use for stock). I think I actually captured the lifestyle and personality of my father-in-law and mother-in-law. They are both avid readers, and very affectionate (my wife and I see more of that affection since we live closer than most of the family).

ISO 100, 85 mm, 1/250 sec, F 2.8

The camera settings are listed for the photo geek that may run across this post. I have the same picture both looking, neither looking etc. But this one just seems to capture more of what I feel is their personalities. The image is pretty much straight out of camera which seems to be best for stock.

I sell microstock

Here is a question that I get a lot from family, friends, and even strangers "so what is this microstock photography you do?".

The short of it is that I sell images through online agencies to groups for advertising or illustration etc. In order for an image to sell, it needs to have a story. Here are few recent photos where my son has been my model for stock photos:







Do the images have a story? Does the image immediately conjure thoughts (besides how cute my son is) of something more than the people in them?

If they do then I think it will be successful as a stock image. Someone can use it to tell a story or to sell you something...

And I get some dang cute photos of my son at the same time...

Traveling

Weather is warming up and it is time to travel! Part of a series of stock images I convinced my little brother and his wife to do with me.



Here is my tough brother (don't mess with him)!