Simplify to Sell Stock
posted on 19th of october, 2010
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Photographers and designers have the same goal: to create and/or utilize powerful images that make money. One thing that sets successful photographers apart is that they know that a simple image is almost always the most powerful image.
To illustrate, imagine that you are a designer that wants a photo to use in an internet ad that illustrates taking a vacation on a beach. There are literally millions of images of beaches to choose from. Which one is the best? Not everyone will agree but the images that are the most powerful and will sell the best are also the most simple.
Here are three great images that illustrate the concept of taking a vacation on a beach. Look these images over carefully and try to guess which one has been downloaded the most here at Dreamstime.
All three of these images were taken around the same time by the same photographer and have sold well, but one of these images is wildly successful. Can you tell which one, and if so, can you explain to yourself why it is the best seller? If you chose the second image then you are on the right track. It has sold a whopping 764 times since writing this blog! It’s secret: it is powerfully simple.
A simple image is one that eliminates all the clutter that doesn’t add to the concept the photo conveys. My motto when shooting a subject is: “simplify, simplify, simplify!” Here are some of my images that sell well and that are also the most simple:
So what are some basic tips on how to simplify a photo? Here are a few: move in or zoom in closer to the subject until you fill the frame; find a plain background behind the subject; shoot in a studio; wait for the light to highlight your subject or darken the foreground or background; use a different perspective, higher or lower; and finally use a longer lens or a wider aperture so the foreground and background blur.
The photos used in this blog to demonstrate the technique of simplifying have sold well. Since our goal here at Dreamstime is to sell our images, that fact alone is something to think about. So next time you are shooting photos to upload here at Dreamstime, try to simplify. You may find that your photos are much more powerful and sell better too.
Good luck and I hope to see you out shooting!
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Tags: eliminate powerful simple simplicity simplify
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Comments (22)
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I still struggle with the simplicity thing, but I completely agree with you. I have seen time and time again great sellers that are powerfully simplistic. It is going to be a goal for me to simplify my shooting next year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your photos!
- posted by
Calyx22
on December 22, 2010 |
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Another very useful article on Dreamstime for everyone who is still in search for answers on "what you should know about stock photography" subject ;) Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts with us!
And yes, I agree with you completely on the point of view about simplicity ;D
My regards,
Malni
- posted by
Themalni
on November 17, 2010 |
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Today is my first encounter with Dreamstime and I am looking for tips like these! I'm new to the photostock world and can't believe I didn't hear of it sooner--this is great!
- posted by
Tracykw
on November 17, 2010 |
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Just saw this article. Thanks for the wonderful tips. Very well said. Will work to improve my techniques.
- posted by
Haslinda
on November 04, 2010 |
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good point. goes back to the old adage based on something Ben Franklin , i think, once said.. KISS keep it simple, stupid :)
- posted by
Tan510jomast
on October 29, 2010 |
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So brilliant yet so simple,great images,well done and thanks.
- posted by
Morrbyte
on October 22, 2010 |
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Great blog. Thank you for sharing. :)
- posted by
Maxwu730
on October 22, 2010 |
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Great blog to help remind us the power of simplicity! Thanks for sharing.
- posted by
Iwhitwo
on October 21, 2010 |
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Thank you all for your kind comments. My goal is to help focus myself in making images that will do well here at DT. I also want to pass on hints and tips of the things that I've learned in the 4 years I've been here. I hope they help others be successful.
- posted by
Eric1513
on October 21, 2010 |
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Simplifying, a very good advice. Thanks.
- posted by
smartview27
on October 21, 2010 |
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Thanks for sharing this good blog
- posted by
Tcj2020
on October 20, 2010 |
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Great! Thanks for sharing! :)
- posted by
Mariaam
on October 20, 2010 |
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nice post thanks
- posted by
Sobek85
on October 20, 2010 |
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wow, great blog - thanks for sharing :)
- posted by
Frantab01
on October 20, 2010 |
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Great choice of powerful, clutter free images with a simple yet strong concept - I would not call these images themselves simple, though :-)
- posted by
Rosedarc
on October 19, 2010 |
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Nice blog, thanks for sharing!
- posted by
Laurasinelle
on October 19, 2010 |
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Nice blog, I agree semplicity is a good way to sell.
- posted by
Trottola
on October 19, 2010 |
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Nice blog, thanks for sharing. :)
- posted by
Scottysally2
on October 19, 2010 |
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Great blog! It always good to have someone to remind you this things! Thanks for sharing!
- posted by
Thanatonautii
on October 19, 2010 |
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Thanks for sharing this blog. Simplicity works very well for microstock photography.
- posted by
Egomezta
on October 19, 2010 |
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I agree that the simpler the image is the easier it is to use, which means - the chances to sell it grow. I bought several times images for website design and by mistake bought few pictures which were extremely good and interesting, but not too simple, with more than one idea inside. I noticed that they were quite difficult to use in design, because they pulled off too much attention, and the site visitors would probably look at these pictures more that on the site's contents :) After this experience simplicity is my principle of choice when I search image for design. But "difficult" images can still be good for the wall :)
- posted by
Julia161
on October 19, 2010 |
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Your blog makes sense and the proof is in the pudding, these images are amazing and have some fantastic sales, thanks for the info.
- posted by
Fultonsphoto
on October 19, 2010 |
Comments (22) |
This article has been read 1144 times. 8 readers have found this article useful.
Photo credits: Radovan, Radovan, Radovan, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson. |
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Lane Erickson
(Eric1513)
Idaho, US
>Can you believe we get paid to do this!!!!
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Email us | Phone: +1 615-771-5611
