Getting into stock photography for the holidays

I was thinking about getting into stock photography this holiday season, we're going to get into the garage this weekend to go through some antique Christmas stuff. I was wondering what stock agencies are you guys working with?

Have you made any money with stock photography?

I solely use Alamy currently and only have 70 images that have been approved, it's a slow process as I only submit what I class as my best photos. Year to date I have only had 135 views and one sale which came to approx £45 so a long way off being able to get paid for the image.

Stock photography is a long term way off adding funds to the pot unfortunately for the type of photography I enjoy, ie something most people have access to!

The buzz you get when you do sell an image though is fantastic, although that maybe as I don't sell much

This is what I know about stock images. You said you want to get into it for the holidays. You should have been submitting holiday images back in June. I'm not kidding. If you are speaking about greeting card companies, calendar companies, magazines etc.. buying your stock. You need to get holidays images out months ahead of time, so that those companies have time to choose the images they want for the holidays. I am sure most companies are already in the process of making stuff for Christmas. So if you sell any stock photography now, it may be too an individual or small companies. I also don't know your skill of photography, but keep in mind stock sites have a strict policy of what they will accept.

crystal wrote: This is what I know about stock images. You said you want to get into it for the holidays. You should have been submitting holiday images back in June. I'm not kidding. If you are speaking about greeting card companies, calendar companies, magazines etc.. buying your stock. You need to get holidays images out months ahead of time, so that those companies have time to choose the images they want for the holidays. I am sure most companies are already in the process of making stuff for Christmas. So if you sell any stock photography now, it may be too an individual or small companies. I also don't know your skill of photography, but keep in mind stock sites have a strict policy of what they will accept.

Well said Crystal I do agree, its a must to think ahead at least a season.

photobod wrote:

crystal wrote: This is what I know about stock images. You said you want to get into it for the holidays. You should have been submitting holiday images back in June. I'm not kidding. If you are speaking about greeting card companies, calendar companies, magazines etc.. buying your stock. You need to get holidays images out months ahead of time, so that those companies have time to choose the images they want for the holidays. I am sure most companies are already in the process of making stuff for Christmas. So if you sell any stock photography now, it may be too an individual or small companies. I also don't know your skill of photography, but keep in mind stock sites have a strict policy of what they will accept.

Well said Crystal I do agree, its a must to think ahead at least a season.

Well said,it`s a very slow process.Don`t even upload to mine anymore,thinking of canceling out!

Stock photography isn't for everyone, but I say if you want to join, go for it. Put a lot of time and effort into it. I heard those who have, it pays off. Remember, not only to upload your images, but to market yourself too.