Picture libraries service just about every possible marketplace in which photography is used – both still and moving pictures. So which ever aspect of photography appeals to you, there will invariably be a library that will include it in their inventory of photographs.

This means whether you only want to take photographs of hot-air balloons, steam trains, or just about anything that takes your fancy, this could be a way of generating a useful revenue stream.

But why use photographic libraries ? Essentially it’s because they deal with the marketing of pictures thereby leaving photographer free to concentrate on taking pictures. However, loading all your images onto a Photo Library does not mean instant wealth and it may be several weeks or even months before the sales start to come in. So patience is a bit of a key word here.

CAN YOU REALLY EARN MONEY FROM PHOTO LIBRARIES

I have to own up and admit that I never made much out of photo libraries primarily because once I had discovered portraiture, this became my primary area of focus. But if Photo Libraries are your cup-of-tea, it can generate a steady income. While on holiday in Egypt recently, I met lady by the name of Brenda Kean. She told me that Photography and Photo Libraries in particular is a major earner for her and she can earn hundreds of dollars from a single sale.

Probably the most photographed tree in Italy at Ravello

I mentioned earlier that when you take on commissions you need to consider the requirements of your clients first and foremost. However, one of the beauties of using libraries is that they provide a sort of halfway house between the amateur photographer who takes photographs to please him or herself and commissioned photography. Even so, it’s down to the photographer to shoot pictures that they believe will sell.

But for what it’s worth, a piece of advise I was given many years ago but the late Eric Freeborn (a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society) is “only take photographs of subjects that you enjoy photographing”. That has certainly worked for me over the years and I’m sure that that is reflected in this book and, in particular, my love of portraiture.

Similarly with this shot of the Sparrow feeding its young in the nest.

I had noticed that the parents appeared to be building a nest in the eaves of my house. I kept an eye on developments and just waited for things to happen. Using a camera with telephoto lens I was rewarded with this shot. The parent has landed on the end of gutter and the youngster is just peeping out on a small cavity between the eaves and the tiles.

SUBMITTING YOUR IMAGES TO PHOTO LIBRARIES

You will need to check what medium (e.g. paper based images, emailed images, posted CD's etc.) your target Photo Libabries will accept. These days, most will provide you with the means to upload your images directly from a computer.

Images will need to be clean (i.e. free from blemishes such those resulting from a dirty lens) and sharp. If the images are paper based make sure that any "spotting" has been properly done and that there are no marks, scratches or folds on the paper. Any correction that are required before submission should be finished to a standard such that they are not visible customer.

If you are submitting images via CD / DVD, Email or by direct upload to the Photo Library, make sure you check what file formats the library will acept (e.g. JPEG, BMP etc).

If you have non-digital images thagt you want to submit, whether negative, positive or paper based, you will need a good scaner if your target Photo Library will only take digital images. As I mentioned in the section "How it all began", most of the image I used in putting together this website had to be scanned.

WHICH PHOTO LIBRARY

Why choose just one. There is generally no reason why you cannot submit your images to several libraries at the same time. However, make sure you read the terms and conditions for each Photo Library in case there are any clauses about "exclusivity". For your convenince, I have included a list of Photo Libabries in a file which you can download for free. To get your copy, please click on DOWNLOAD.

As you will see from the download file, there are numerous libraries out there and they are not just UK based. The photo library which I have focused in the pages of this website is called Shutterstock, www.submit.shutterstock.com, and it is US based but has a global reach. Most Photo Libraries will charge for each image that is downloaded. However, Shutterstock is different insofar as they charge buyers a monthly subscription. They argue that this encourages them to download more images then they perhaps otherwise would.

Frankly these days with images being sent to libraries either via email or by directly uploading them to the library from your own home computer, it really doesn’t matter too much where the library is geographically located. However, do make sure that they can pay you in a currency that is acceptable to you.

HOW DO THE PHOTO LIBRARIES WORK

Well, once you have joined and started uploading your images, they will then be available for the library’s clients to browse through. Terms and conditions will vary from library to library but generally you will be paid each time one or more of your images is selected and downloaded by a client for which they will pay a fee. The library will naturally take a commission.

Keep in mind that if you are submitting images of people, a library may want confirmation that a model release agreement has been signed by the subject(s). So always check out the terms and conditions thoroughly. A free sample model release form download is available. To get your copy, please click on DOWNLOAD.

When you are composing a picture, don’t frame the subject too tightly. This will give the end user more options in how they can present the final image which will increase that prospect of your images being selected.

One final tip :  When ever any of your images are published, keep the page from the publication as this is a way of building up a portfolio of your published work. Being able to present a sample of your successes in this respect may help to convince potential clients to commission you.