Stock Sites are Looking for Something Real…

“Real people” is a search term on many stock sites, these days. Consumers are tired of seeing perfect models. They want real people. And so do photo buyers.
At our Stock Photo Expedition in Cape Town, iStock legend Lise Gagne told us that trends are changing. Just watch TV and flip through magazines and you’ll see it.
Here are a few things she pointed out…
Stock agencies are moving towards:

• Real people
• Genuine emotions
• Capturing the moment (instead of posing)

Stock agencies are moving away from:

• People who look like models
• Perfectly white teeth
• Isolated on white

This means is that if you can take photos that convey a concept in a real way, with real people, experiencing real emotions… then “perfection” isn’t as important.
If a spectacular photo has imperfect light or focus, these days it will likely sell. What’s most important is the content of the photo.
Clearly, you want to still take photos with good light and nice, sharp focus. But more importantly, strive for creativity, reality, and true emotions.
[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.]