Why I love stock photography

Last week, I got a surprise check in the mail — an extra boost to my income from stock photo sales. It was a surprise because I’ve been lazy about adding new photos to my portfolios this year. And, I know that even if I spend one hour a week on it, I’ll make even more.
Depositing a check feels even sweeter (though you can‘t help feeling a little guilty) when you’re getting paid for doing something you love.
And, while we’re told not to depend on the opinions of others to feel good about ourselves… I gotta say, it feels pretty darn GREAT when someone else wants to buy your photo.
I’ve spotted my photos in places like National Geographic Poland, a Thailand tourism site, an online food blog, a cook book cover, and even (this one surprised me) printed on the side of designer caskets  (I guess my photo will go to the grave with some people)!
All of that is amazing, but here’s the great thing about selling your photos as stock: It’s open to anyone. Online stock photo agencies don’t care who you are, where you came from, or how you came to have a camera in your hands.
They just want good, high-quality photos. If you can provide those, you can make an income at it. And that’s fun.
Thing is, people will say all kinds of things about what you need — or don’t need — to be a professional photographer. And, if you listen to that, you’ll spend all your time preparing to take the “big step” to start selling your photos.
But the best thing you can do is to jump in now, no matter how unprepared you feel.  Since stock photography is a time game, the longer your photos are up for sale in stock sites, the more opportunities they have to sell.
And the longer you wait, the more you’re denying yourself a simple, open opportunity to make an income doing what you love.
So, surround yourself with people who support you doing what you love. Listen to your heart. And don’t wait for the right time. Start now.
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[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.]