I can still remember that very first time I had an official "stockshoot". It must have been close to 6 years ago and I had just discovered the existence of microstock. I seriously did not have a clue what stockphotography was at the time, so I got a model in my living room and we set about taking some 'shots'. It was just mainly portraits and while some of them are still online I don't think they ever sold much. But it was quick and easy and a learning process all the same. I did not have any studio lights, I used a white linen sheet hung up in the living room as my white background and the light coming in from the window as lighting material. To be quite honest; I don't even know how I got any decent shots out of those early shoots!

Now we are almost 6 years further and photography is no longer a hobby (well, it still is, but it's also my profession) Three years ago I took the plunge and quit my regular job, to become a full time photographer. It's not only stock that I do, but I would have been a lot less happy if I did not have the income from stock to back me up when I need it. These days planning a stockshoot is an entirely different matter all together.
It involves careful planning, scouting of locations, hiring one or more models, getting a makeup artist and thinking about the concept that I want to shoot... I can sometimes long for the early days, when things were just so simple! although I definitely prefer the results of the current shoots much better!! Take a look at a fairly similar shoot in the beginning and how it looks today... :)

I sure know which one I prefer!