Here are 9 ideas that you can work on to increase your earnings with stock photography and stock footage in October 2019.

The only way you can succeed as a stock creator is by uploading content that is both unique and in high demand. And that is why I upload these videos every month. 

Be authentic

The best way to make use of the following topics is by planning and producing authentic work. I always place visual examples, and they’re here to represent the topic and to showcase good examples. But you’re definitely not going to make many sales if you simply copy them. 

The key is to be creative and unique by applying alternatives that were not explored on the topic yet. And you can do that by introducing unusual angles, lighting, colors and even exploring actors of gender, ages, abilities or ethnicities that are not usually explored in stock files. 

So it’s always a good idea to research what are the existing files for these topics and check what variations you could include. 

Keep this in mind: Real People in Real Places Doing Real Things.

Stock agency Alamy has a whole collection of photos named Authentic Imagery (click here) just for that reason. These awesome examples go into the opposite of what cliche stock imagery usually does.

Did you hear the news?

Before we head into the shotlist, I want to be sure you haven’t missed out on two awesome things I presented in the last videos. 

First, we have Adobe Stock bonus program. They’re giving free Creative Cloud subscriptions to their contributors. Click here to learn more about it.

Second, if you haven’t watched last month’s shoot & sell episode, I just created an online class that can be watched for free in which I show you how to use a CSV Spreadsheet to organize and apply metadata on multiple stock files. I teach my Keywording and Metadata workflow there as well.

The class is hosted on Skillshare, a learning platform with thousands of creative classes. The cool thing about it is that they gave me a special link that will give you 2 months free. That’s how you can watch and download my CSV template for free.

 

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The Shotlist – What to upload to stock agencies in October 2019

All right, let’s head to the shotlist. 

1. Girl Boss (Alamy)

This month we have stock agency Alamy in the requests. They’re searching for content that represents how the traditional view of an entrepreneur is changing. 

Check out Alamy’s favorite examples here.

2. At One with Nature (Alamy)

The second Alamy request is called “At One with Nature” and is related to the increase in greenery within people’s homes. More and more people are reflecting upon how they can bring nature into their homes. Alamy also created a collection to inspire you on that. You can check it here. 

 

 

3. Paranormal Activity

On to the next agency, we have Pond5 with “Paranormal Activity”. According to the agency, the ratings for supernatural and paranormal shows are skyrocketing. And that means a huge demand for clips illustrating mysterious things.

Scary Hospital Corridor by boscorelli

Some ideas are cemeteries and other scary exteriors. Scary weather, crystal balls, cupboards opening themselves, sheets being pulled off the bed, apparitions and so it goes. 

Pond5 suggestion is to use keywords like “mystery, supernatural, paranormal, haunted, scary, fear, mysterious, spooky.

Typical Users: Unscripted drama, non-fiction and reality TV programming, feature and documentary films

Pro-Tip: If you decide to add effects to the image, be sure to include a clean version in case an FX artist wants to manipulate it.

 

4. Crime Scene

Still, in a spooky mood, the next Pond5 brief is “Crime Scene“. Pond5 says that users like Movie companies, Security companies, and Political Campaigns are all searching for images and videos depicting crime. 

Pro-Tip: According to Pond5,

 “Creating crime scenes that are open allows a client to interpret a cause. Get coverage. Running or thinking of other scenarios beyond a murder, such as a car theft, home robbery, or business “stickup” are simple setups that can potentially create a steady revenue stream for years. An unconscious victim can be interpreted as an overdose, suicide, or murder. If you decide on this setup, try running variations of these themes.”

 

5. High Tech Detection

And then we have High Tech Detection, the last Pond5 brief. Your goal should be to represent all new technologies and tactics on the fight against crime and terrorism. The list of ideas is quite long, so do check the article if you think to work on this.

To summarize, heat-sensor cameras, x-rays, aerial technologies, and even satellite tech are some ideas.

 

6. The modern apothecary

Finally, we go to Shutterstock. The first request is named “The Modern Apothecary”. And that means content depicting an organic lifestyle with a focus on self-care and natural wellness. Examples are essential oils, incense, candles, herbal formulations, etc.

 

7. Special Occasion

The 3 other Shutterstock requests are holiday-related.

The holidays are approaching, and customers are already searching for images & videos of people getting together. Upload images of family meals, picnics, and intimate dinners. The drink eggnog was once again mentioned, so I do think it is something to pay attention on.

 

8. Seasonal activities 

“Seasonal activities” is the name of the next request and that is showcasing outdoor activities that each season can bring. The diversity of models, scenarios, and culture is essential here. Do explore what is unique in the region you live in.

 

9. New Year, New You

And to close, we have New Year. All kinds of images that celebrate this milestone and the resolutions that come with it are welcome. Customers want all kind of lifestyle imagery. Goal setting, vision boarding, are ideas.