Photos from my Christmas Stock Shoot

Last issue, we talked about why, even though it’s the middle of summer, right now is the best time to take and upload Christmas and winter seasonal photos to sell as stock. If you missed that issue, you can read it in the archives here.
With that in mind, this week I set out to take some Christmas-themed photos for stock. But then I discovered that I don’t own any ornaments or decorations… and it’s way too early to find them in stores.
Wrapping paper to the rescue! (Along with some boxes, ribbons and bows).
Since I didn’t have a lot of props to work with, I really tried to “work the shot” and come away with more than just one image to upload. In the end, I got seven uses out of one green bow. Here’s what I got:



And here’s my favorite shot from the session:

It’s very simple, but I think that the reflection really makes this one pop. No Photoshop involved… just a big piece of Plexiglas that I picked up at Home Depot.
I’m making a little video on how to do this for Breakfast Stock Club Premium members. If you’re a Premium Member, you’ll see it in your in-box next week so that you can try it for your “Season’s Greetings” Challenge, if you’d like.
Low on Props?
If you’re trying to set up a seasonal shoot and you don’t have a lot of props, try wrapping paper… or make a batch of sugar cookies and decorate them with winter designs. Another idea I’m going to try is red and green liquid splashing out of shot glasses.
I’m experimenting and shooting so much these days that I have a big pile of photos to submit to agencies. Uploading is easy, but I ain’t gonna lie… it’s not the most exciting part of stock photography. I’ll tell you my grand plan for making uploading more fun next week!
What are you shooting this summer? Share your ideas on the Breakfast StockClub Facebook page.
[Editor’s Note: Learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.  Sign up here today and we’ll send you a new report, Selling Photos for Cash: A Quick-Start Guide, completely FREE.]
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Question From Shirley Fenner: I am a semi retired photographer and have lots of interesting photos would like to sell in stock but I am VERY confused on sizes- file size, pix- size and re sizing. Is there a web site that explains that? Thanks.
Answer from Joy Ciaccio: I don’t know of a free website, there is an online course you can take put on by AWAI, there are books, etc. Then there are the submission guidelines for the individual stock agencies.
I think the guide Joy is referring to is The Quick and Dirty Guide to Stock Photography.
And another answer from Phill Danze: Hi Shirley, have a read of this… it will give you the gist. http://layersmagazine.com/photoshop-resizing-images.html