In Part 1 of Stock Photography Dos and Don’ts, we provided some useful tips for those just dipping their toes into the immense waters of the stock photography industry. As a follow-up, here are some more dos and don’ts to help you improve your earnings with Shutterstock.

Do keyword thoroughly. Always think relevancy, clarity, and simplicity – as we often tell submitters, it’s your keywords that lead to sales, so choose them wisely.

Don’t add irrelevant keywords. This only leads to frustrated buyers and, likely, a lost sale.

Do play to your strengths. If nature photography is something you naturally gravitate towards, keep at it!

Don’t limit yourself. If there’s something you really want to try, find a way to make it happen. Whether it’s taking a trip to somewhere you’ve never been, enrolling in a photography class, or experimenting with different equipment, the only thing stopping you from honing your skills is you.

Do back up your files. Technical glitches, computer crashes, and other mishaps can happen when we least expect them.

Don’t assume that because many photographers today have switched to digital, you don’t need to properly edit and store your images. Remember, nothing is more important than archiving your images. The best scenario would be to archive locally and then archive the images to a remote location in case of a catastrophic event such as a fire, etc…

Do plan your shoots. Think about how your photo will be used – to sell or promote a product or idea.

Don’t forget to pack your essentials when you set out – extra lenses, a tripod, and lots of model releases.

Do participate in the Forum, especially the Critique section. Show your work that you have questions about, and help others by commenting on theirs.

Don’t be a troll. Be an active participant – it’s a great way to network with like-minded, talented individuals.

As with the forums, do spend time navigating the entire submit site (and the main site for that matter). The more familiar you are with Shutterstock, the quicker and more hassle-free your workflow will become.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you ever have questions or concerns. We’re here to help!