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You can turn your photos & videos into money through stock agencies – that’s no secret.

Will every upload get you some cash? Definitely no.

And that’s why I’m here, to guarantee you invest your time on topics that really sell as stock footage or stock photography.

 

 

8 topics to shoot now + 5 hot visual trends

This month, not only do we have 9 ideas of what to produce next, as also a list of visual trends – which is exactly where I want to start.

The cool thing about spotting visual trends is that it makes all the traditional and saturated topics new again.

Every quarter, StoryBlocks launches an article about what is trending in searches, what customers are asking for and what is popular in visual design.

 

1.1 Gradient

 

Gradients are the first one and I couldn’t agree more. You probably noticed this being applied in different ways.

Stock Photographer Zamurovic uses it a lot exploring the transition from pink to blue. I’ve illustrated it with more examples in the video.

You’ll see people referring to this style as “holographic colors”. This is very connected to the fashion trends and you will even see graphic designers using wrinkled foil as a background.

This won’t always be a good idea for stock footage, because some buyers prefer having room to do their own color grading, so use it with caution.

 

1.2 Muted Tones

In a similar way, you can also explore muted tones. So instead of making your colors pop, try to mute them. It’s not black and white, though. You will just make your colors a little less aggressive.

 

Once again, the best way to understand it is by studying the fashion trends connected to it.

Still, I don’t think this will work for every video file and I believe it’s better for images made to be used as backgrounds somehow. You can try to color grade your footage as much as you want but always keep in mind that some buyers like having room to work on their own color preferences.1

 

 

1.3 Extreme Close-ups

Then we go to extreme close-ups. Shots that frame a person or object tightly.

Although I wouldn’t state it as visual trend, it’s interesting to learn that stock footage buyers are searching for close-ups.

So that’s something to keep in mind in your next stock footage shootings. Try to explore close-up angles and diversify the number of shots you achieve with the same topic.

 

1.4 Retro Cinema Style

 

If you read my article about the bestsellers of 2018, you’ll notice there’s a big number of files like this in the list.

Taking a look at your old Mini-DV tapes can be more profitable than you think.

 

1.5 POV

And finally, there is “POV”, which I believe are alternative Points Of View. Like people filming themselves, first-person view, low angle, flat lays, etc.

 

All these visual trends are cool ideas to apply to whatever you’re producing right now. Practice them in different subjects and you will probably get good results even in saturated categories.

 

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The Shot List for May 2019

Now let’s go to the shot lists.

These are subjects and topics with high demand and represent actual requests made by the stock agencies.

 

1. Back to School Activities

 

Shutterstock is always planning ahead. They are requesting images depicting children around the world preparing for the new school year.

That can translate into parents purchasing schools supplies like backpacks and pencil cases, the first day at school, from starting kindergarten to walking into a dorm room.

The 4 Shutterstock requests can be read here.

 

2. Newborn Babies

 

Newborn babies are in demand once again. Especially when it comes to fathers doing activities with their child as most files only show babies with their mothers.

Breastfeeding was among the requests months ago and came back again proving there’s still not enough quality content about it.

Graphic designers can work on illustrations and vectors for new baby cards, baby shower banners, and new baby celebrations. Photos & Footage depicting baby showers are welcome too.

The secret is including parents and children of diverse ethnicities, ages, abilities, etc. The more diverse, the more unique your files will be.

And that applies perfectly to the 3rd request:

 

3. Inclusive Beauty

 

Women and non-binary people indulging in everyday beauty routines. Explore the diversity of beauty, including different ethnicities, ages, shapes, and “imperfections” being celebrated. Work on beauty rituals and makeup application techniques in stunning environments. As well as broad representations of the beauty in women and non-binary individuals of diverse ethnicities, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. That will be images depicting the diversity of beauty including different ethnicities, ages, non-binary people, and diversity being celebrated in everyday beauty routines.

 

4. Criminal Justice

 

Storyblocks is reporting an increase of 150% on searches for “hacker” and “prison” as well as “jail,” “lawyer” and “security”.

Last month, Pond5 had a demand for airport security lines, so I believe it is an authentic request.

According to Storyblocks “content representing crime and criminal justice system are in demand”.

Searches for “hacker” and “prison” have increased by close to 150%, while “jail,” “lawyer” and “security” have also experienced significant search volume spikes. It’s clear that content representing the crime and criminal justice system are in demand.

Read more about Storyblocks’ requests here.

 

5. Farmer’s Market

Now we have 3 requests coming from Pond5.

 

The first one is related to local farmers markets and their growing popularity around the world. Try to visually represent how these markets provide a place to meet and chat with neighbors, as well as getting needed groceries.

Pond5 suggests the following shots:

 

• Shoppers and vendors weighing produce/fruits
• Shoppers smelling/squeezing produce/fruits
• Shoppers choosing fresh produce, bread, cheese, meats
• Shoppers purchasing fresh produce, bread, cheese, meats
• Shoppers meeting and chatting with friends/neighbors
• Portraits of both consumers and vendors

And the following keywords: Organic Foods, Healthy Foods, Choice, Shopping, FreshnessPeople shopping, smelling, choosing products, chatting to neighbors and portraits of both consumers and vendors.

 

6. Record Shopping

 

The next request connects to the fact that Vinyl album sales in the United States have grown for the 13th consecutive year. Pond5 states that 16.8 million LPs were sold in the country in 2018, 14.6% more than the last year. So this a poorly explored theme full of concepts that reach far beyond the subject matter.

Some suggestions of shots are:

 

• Shopper shuffling through records in a bin
• Removing a record from sleeve to examine the record’s condition
• Listening to record at the store’s listening station
• Paying for the record
• Portraits of both shopper and vendor

And suggested keywords are: Choice, Collector, Examining, Shopping, Retail

 

7. Home Studio Recording

 

Producing & recording music at home have become a new trend in the music scenario. And buyers need visual content to represent that.

Some suggestions of shots are:

 

• Wide shot of a home studio with and without talent.
• Plugging instrument or midi controller
• Playing an instrument or midi controller
• Navigating through music software
• Singing into a microphone
• Portrait of a musician in a home studio

And suggested keywords are: Creativity, Technology, Innovation, Uniqueness, Originality

 

8. Japanese Seniors

And finally, there’s this brief from GettyImages Custom Content. It is specific for their client (FIL) but represents a niche that is poorly represented in stock agencies – Japanese Seniors.

 

• Groups and individuals taking part in outdoor activities
• Aligned with the sentiment of people enjoying life in Japan.
• Must feel authentic, natural and ad hoc, nothing staged looking.
• Man walking alone in nature, leisurely with a fresh green background.
  Keywords: Nature, hiking, environment, healthy, well‑being, active seniors exercising
• Couple happily in living room looking at iPad, Skype with their grandchildren. Keywords: Family, couple, lifestyle, enjoyment, togetherness, connection
• Grandmother with her family and grandkids walking along a park/ beach.
  Keywords: Leisure, nature, outdoor, togetherness, family, enjoyment, healthy
• Please see the client’s mood board for visual references, and remember while it depicts some non‑Asians, Japanese talent is mandatory for this brief. 

 

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And that’s all for today.

Thanks for reading. Stay Creative.

Cover photo by niu niu on Unsplash

 

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This post is part of a series I write monthly to help stock creators with ideas and insights on what to produce next as well as relevant news of the industry.

You can watch the content in the video above or just keep reading this article.

 

The Shot List

1. Environmentalism & Plastic Awareness

Environmental issues & solutions, and Plastic Awareness are the first demand from Shutterstock. This is an interesting topic wherever you live. You can work on plastic pollution in water or land. Beach and forest clean-ups. And any creative way to showcase zero-waste and environmental solutions.

Read more

 

2. Football (or Soccer)

The second demand is Football. And I’m sorry my fellow American friends. I’m talking about real football, not that thing you call football. That’s not a ball, and you don’t even use the foot enough. So… yeah… sorry. That’s not football.

Joking apart, we’re talking about people playing and watching soccer around the world. You can explore the local traditions and how people interact with the sport wherever you are. This topic has a strong demand for illustrations and vectors. Shutterstock suggests vectors with various sports balls, not only soccer.

Read more

3. Home Improvement & Spring Cleaning

Next, we have home improvement & spring cleaning. That includes people cleaning their houses, like floors, surfaces, TVs, laundry, etc. Before-and-afters are getting nice results in this subject. Read more

4. Pride & the LGBTQ+ Community

The last Shutterstock request is related to the Pride Month, and that means images celebrating Pride and diversity communities. Things live events, flags, as well as individuals, couples, or friends in everyday situations. Read more

5. Creative Brief: Teens and Social Video

We also have three creative briefs from Pond5. The first one is related to Teens and Social Media.

We know how much teenager’s lives were impacted since Instagram launched Stories. If it was for better or worse, well, that’s not the point. 

So Pond5 is looking for photos & videos that capture teenagers creating and spreading their stories. You can cover texting, selfies and everything in between.

Suggested Keywords: Social Media, Communication, Individuality, Entertainment, Connection, Obsession, Wireless Technology, Portability

Pro-Tip: More than likely, a teenager’s room might be covered with copyrighted posters, images, and products peppered with logos from popular brands. There are plenty of ways to keep your environment real without compromising your vision for fear of capturing copyrighted materials. Shoot with a shallower depth of field, which will blur out TV programs, appliances, computers, magazines, books, logos, and any other trademarked objects. Also, prepping a safe location takes a little more effort, including greeking logos and avoiding areas that pose a risk or are impossible to navigate around.

Pond5 was specific about ages between 13-18, but I would also explore different ages. From kids becoming early users to older people that got the same habits.

Read the full brief here.

6. Creative Brief: Airport Security

The second request from Pond5 is pretty specific and also pretty hard to do. And that’s Airport Security. It can be tough to obtain access to a security checkpoint but not impossible. It also doesn’t have to be an actual security checkpoint as you can simulate one like these contributors probably have.

Explore scenes like passengers putting laptops and shoes into plastic bins, metal detectors, x-rays, passports, and even dogs sniffing.

Suggested Keywords: Security, Safety, Examination, Surveillance, Travel, Occupation

Pro-Tip: Try to find a local airport with less traffic, or stage your shots in an alternative facility or studio that can be “cheated” as an airport security checkpoint with close-ups and props.

Read the full brief here.

7. Creative Brief: Automated Assembly Lines

And last we got “Automated Assembly Lines.” This is a strong one for anyone working with 3D or Motion Design. Robots are quickly displacing humans in manufacturing plants, and that’s what they want in pictures.

Some ideas are robotic arms creating a product and assembly lines. Not only in the automotive industry, but also medical, electronic, welding, food service, and even law enforcement.

Suggested Keywords: AUTOAPRIL2019, Automation, Technology, Industry, Manufacturing, Engineering, Assembly, Innovation, Intelligence, Efficiency

Pro-Tip: Industries that successfully utilize automation include automotive, medical, electronics manufacturing, welding, food service, and law enforcement. It’s often handy to volunteer your services as a filmmaker or photographer at places in these sectors in exchange for keeping the footage. A proposal such as this can be the solution for obtaining access to an otherwise tough location.

Read the full brief here.

8. Babies with fruits and Vegetables

Finally, I’ll borrow this request from Getty Images Custom Content.

They’re looking for images with babies discovering and interacting with different fruits and vegetables. Not only eating but playing and satisfying their curiosity.

Key Requirements: 

• Babies playing with ingredients showing curiosity, the awakening of senses, discovering food, touching, etc.
• Playful staging of the ingredients. Think color, form, and textures.
• Photographed outdoors, in nature, and some indoor. Must be all unknown, unrecognizable locations.
• Some images can work as triptychs (think of an Instagram feed).
• Clothing: dressed modern and trendy, simple or very colorful (see mood board).
• Dishes/plates: wood, bamboo, plastic.

Technical Requirements:

• Natural light.
• Selective focus can be used to make specific objects stand out.
• Square and vertical formats.
• Shot ideas: from the front, from behind, wide field of view, tight shots on the expression of the face, the child’s hands, etc.

Read the full brief here.

For some reason, it took half of March until Shutterstock posted their requests. But, better later than never, here we are with the Shoot & Sell episode of this month!

This is a monthly episode I post with ideas on what you can work next to maximize your earnings selling stock footage & stock photography as well as the relevant news in this microstock world.

You can watch the content in the video above or just keep reading this article.

Before we head to the Shot List, let me pull your attention on a few important things happening on Shutterstock and Pond5 during these days.

The Shot List

And without further ado, let’s head to the shot list. These are actual requests made by the stock agencies. It is a good idea to work on them as fast as possible, but that doesn’t mean this is the only time they’re usable. They represent the real demand of stock customers, so if you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to watch the past episodes too.

As usual, this month they are coming from Shutterstock and Pond5, but you can upload and sell them on all stock agencies you work with.

Let’s go!

1. The Middle East

Let’s start with this big opportunity to anyone living or traveling to the Middle East. And to be honest, you don’t even have to be there to explore this.

Shutterstock is searching for Cultural and religious elements of the Middle Eastern culture. That means any inspired cuisine including falafel, shawarma, and samosas as well as people enjoying shisha and hookahs. I’m sorry if I’m pronouncing it wrong. You can also explore cultural and religious observances pertaining to Ramadan.

As I said, you don’t have to travel to explore this as there is always a demand for how this culture is practiced in different places of the world.

An extra tip is Including people of diverse ethnicities and ages. And always be respectful when working with this or any other culture.

One more personal tip, if you have the opportunity to travel to Qatar before the Worldcup, that would be an awesome place to explore.

2. Tech of the Future

Shutterstock is also requesting content related to the Tech of the Future. By that, they mean the latest technological advancements in multiple industries.

Some examples are facial recognition, video conferencing in inspirational environments, augmented reality and machine learning.

I can’t stress enough how impactful it will be to include people of diverse ethnicities, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

3. Hiring

Then we have a request for Hiring and New Jobs. That covers the recruitment process, welcoming new team members and any kind of sign like “We’re hiring,” “We want you,” or “Join our team”.

Shutterstock was very specific in these sentences so I would use them as keywords if I were you.

4. Elderly Citizens of the World

The last Shutterstock request focus on senior citizens and the challenges they face during this stage of life.

Some ideas are seniors, as couples or friends, in everyday lifestyle scenarios.

Also, images depicting hearing aids, dentures, and memory loss conditions such as Alzheimer.

Caregivers are also a cool aspect to focus on.

5. Camping

Slow-Motion Portrait of Young Hiker in Norway by AilaImages

Pond5 has also 3 requests and there are keyword suggestions and extra tips for all of them. Find it in the text article in the link below.

And the first of them is Camping, especially couples.

That would be a couple putting up a tent, sitting by a fire talking or eating. You can also explore scenes like hiking, relaxing and activities like canoeing, surfing, etc.

Portraits will also work well.

Suggested Keywords: Recreation, Idyllic, Freedom, Healthy Lifestyles, Relaxation, Togetherness

Pro-Tip: Embrace the light. Subjects that primarily take place outdoors are prime for using natural light. Add a dog for extra credit. In addition, it’s important to remember that all ages are important when considering your casting choices.

6. Bullying

Teen Bullying by benjikat

Next, we have bullying. This subject has high demand but is still badly explored. Especially when it’s used to raise awareness of this issue. Most of the current content exaggerates too much and it might be a good idea to be careful with that.

Some ideas are a group of youths verbally bullying another youth, leaving someone out, hitting or pinching, breaking another’s possessions, rude gestures and even spitting.

It is a hard subject to work with and I would love to see what solutions you guys have found!

Suggested Keywords: Social Issues, Harassment, Intimidation, Threats, Domination, Exclusion, Anxiety, Despair

Pro-Tip: A variety of locations can provide the right location for your scenes. While most reported bullying happens in a school building, a significant percentage also happens in places like on the playground or on the bus. It can also happen traveling to or from school and in the youth’s neighborhood.

Casting Considerations: Ages 5 to 17 years, gender, and race diversity. Authenticity and diversity will play an important role in the success of your shoot.

7. Cafe Culture

Man Using Touchscreen Tablet in Cafe by AilaImages

And finally, Cafe Culture! The freelancer’s paradise.

Some ideas are someone making coffee, handing it to a customer, customer handing the credit card, someone sipping coffee while working on a laptop, tablet or phone, or reading a book or magazine. Portraits will also be a good idea in this case.

Suggested Keywords: Wireless Technology, Communication, Concentration, Tranquility, Independence, Connection

Pro-Tip: Utilizing areas of the cafe or changing up your setting can provide innumerable angles and concepts, such as placing your talent in big comfortable chairs and couches for a more relaxed vibe or at a communal table for those who want to strike up spontaneous dialogue or collaborate on work projects. (Beware of logos.)

Thanks!

Before we go, I want to invite you to enter in our facebook group “Stock Creators”. I think it is the best way to learn with all the community and be up-to-date with all that is going on.

Also, don’t forget to check out the online course and get a discounted price while there’s time.

I see you in the next days with good updates, I hope, on what Shutterstock and Pond5 are doing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]