Eric Honeycutt is an American photographer, considered one of the greatest and best photography professionals for the stock photography market. Honeycutt’s work can be seen mainly on iStockPhoto, one of the world’s most famous image banks. In 2012, the photographer spoke to a Brazilian communications agency in an exclusive interview about tips and ways to make money selling photos on the Internet. In addition, he also encouraged photographers to get better images and adapt to this market. The Emania blog has compiled these tips and now shows anyone who wants to make money with photos on the Internet.
For Honeycutt, a professional camera can make a big difference when it comes to producing images for the online market. In fact, a camera with manual functions and more options for camera lenses can open up the possibilities and allow the photographer to expand their creativity when trying to make money online. However, he claims that despite this, have you ever seen a guy who wore an iPhone full of accessories and was really good? You can be a good photographer without buying an expensive camera. Of course, with it you will have more resources, but isn’t it essential for you to get great photos? The equipment Honeycutt uses is a Nikon camera, but according to them any other brand can be used; It is already possible to photograph well even with an iPhone. It has iPhone accessories that include multiple lenses and continuous LED light. And the next one will be even better, with a better definition camera. But to be successful, don’t use a borrowed camera, use your own, wouldn’t that help me to lend my digital camera to someone who doesn’t know it, because that person won’t be able to use all the resources? available for it? He also recommends that to start the Internet photography business, it is not necessary to have expensive equipment and that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on the camera body and then buy bad lenses and accessories. A good lens can make a difference when it comes to producing professional photos and can make a negative impression when selling images to databases. Therefore, according to the photographer who has already posted thousands of photos on the Internet, the recommendation is to balance the prices, always looking for quality.
- According to Honeycutt.
- “Is the sun the largest and the best source of light? and therefore more than artificial light should be used when creating professional images to sell photos on the Internet.
- When it is impossible to photograph in daylight and artificial light is the lighting source.
- Never leave it facing the main element of the photograph (this also applies to the incidence of sunlight on the model).
- The photographer should always use a reflector to improve lighting conditions.
- Before investing your money in the entire device.
- The photographer suggests renting or borrowing a continuous light and flash until you adapt and understand how these light sources work.
- “I especially like continuous light.
- With LEDs.
- Because it illuminates well and does not waste as much energy.
- ” explains the photographer.
- Another tip when shooting outdoors is to use weights to keep the reflectors straight.
- The wind can knock them over and ruin the entire production of a professional photo.
- According to Honeycutt.
- Exposure and balance of shadow and light must be carefully considered: A dark-skinned model in a white blouse is a problem.
- Is she at risk of explosion in certain areas of the photo? the details are lost and in this case the photo cannot be sent to the databases.
- Which are rigid and is rejected.
- The opposite.
- Which is underexposure.
- Is it also a problem?.
Do you need to find the right model for the right concept? the concept contained in the photo. The model should be comfortable with the subject to photograph and comfortable with the photographer. Until that happens, won’t the photo look good? According to Honeycutt, this is another secret when it comes to producing photographs for sale on the Internet. For the professional photographer of the image bank, it is useless to reach the photographic studio, or to the environment that will serve as the background for the portrait and go out to take the photos. First try to know the model, its characteristics and its best profiles. According to Honeycutt, the more famous the model, the better the photo will be. “Once in Seattle, I asked the model to hold a cigarette and she refused, simply because she didn’t smoke and hated cigarettes. Didn’t I insist? The photographer also explains that it is essential to know and not be afraid to negotiate payment with the model after trying to make money with the photos on the Internet. Honeycutt also points out that it is necessary to make an authorization to publicize the image with the signature of the model, so as not to have problems in the future. “In the case of buildings and monuments”, he continues, “sometimes it is necessary to also request an authorization (transfer of ownership). Is it good to have this documentation so everyone is protected from legal trouble? photographer, models and companies ?.
From the moment you start trying to make money selling photos on the Internet, you have to think that your photo can be purchased by various image banks, and that various designers, photographers and professionals from different fields can use your images. , it should be understood that these photos can be used in different situations and that photos can be edited and even have space for texts and other illustration elements, so the composition of your photo should facilitate these changes. Study and experience the environment that forms the background of the main element of your image, taking all this into account.