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Garry Black Photography

 

Question:

Hi Garry,

Just visited you web site and loved some of your in the Maldives. I am an amateur photographer working with 35mm and deciding on buying a digital camera. I am very much interested in stock photography but would like to know your opinion on what the best approach would be. Are their stock photography agencies that I should look into? Is it best to photograph one type subject/category or to shoot the whole spectrum?

Thanks very much for your time,

 

Answered October 2001:

I'm glad that you like my photos of the Maldives, it was great being there - but I must tell you that having gone to there it has now definitely spoiled me. I no longer have a desire to travel to the Caribbean, Mexico or Hawaii - none of these places can even begin to compare with the beauty of the Maldives.

As far as I know there isn't a digital camera on the market yet that can produce an image that would be acceptable at the major stock agencies. I think there is a 4 x 5 back that will produce a good image, but it costs somewhere around $30,000.00

Regarding your interest in stock photography, it is best to show one type subject/category. It shows the agency what your specialty is. I wouldn't try to cover the entire spectrum in your portfolio. Stock photography isn't about one photographer producing all of the work for an agency, it is about a collection of varied photographers producing work that provides the agency with a complete range of subjects.

Some of the subjects are in more demand than others, if you happen to find an agency that requires the subject matter that you are producing and it is up to their standards, then they will be interested in representing you.

If you want to find out more about stock photography, by far the most informative and best web site about stock photography is; STOCKPHOTO Stock Photography Network http://www.s2f.com/stockphoto/ If you spend some time fully exploring this site you will become an expert on stock.

Hope this points you in the right direction.