Stock Photography…what is it?

Where’s the milk?

Don’t you just love Chocolate Chip Cookies?  I am a Wedding, and Portrait Photographer in Littleton, Colorado.  I was enjoying these cookies so much that I wanted to have some fun with them in my studio.  Which brings me to today’s subject…Stock Photography.

20090314 img 2441 Stock Photography...what is it?

When I am not shooting  a Wedding or Portrait session.  I shoot stock.  What is stock?  Stock photography is everything you see.  Marketers, Advertisers, and Designers use Stock Photography for any type of materials they need.  It’s a affordable way for companies to use images, video, illustrations, and audio for their marketing.  Whether it is a large company of thousands, or just a Bride that needs a photo for a wedding invitation.  That’s the beauty of it.

I have recently put a profile together on iStock.  It’s a way to generate income with images that would otherwise sit on my hard drive.

istockphoto 5177484 roxbourgh park Stock Photography...what is it?

Roxborough Park in Littleton, Colorado

The image above of Roxborough Park in Littleton, Colorado has sold 51 times.  It’s not a lot of money, but it’s more than if it was just sitting on my hard drive.

istockphoto 5234876 breckenridge colorado mountain dog Stock Photography...what is it?

Sadie in Breckenridge, Colorado

This is my dog Sadie.  This hasn’t sold many times, but it’s a great image.  We were hiking on Boreas Pass in Breckenridge, Colorado.  Sadie was standing on these rocks, and posed for me.

istockphoto 5183309 swim hazard sign Stock Photography...what is it?

Swim at Risk Sign

A couple of years ago we were traveling on the east coast.  I saw this sign, and thought it was pretty cool.  At the time I didn’t think it would be a stock shot.  I uploaded it to iStock, and they accepted it.

Stock photography is a way to generate residual income.  It’s a way to travel the world, and do what I love…Photography.

On location Maternity Shoot

Eric, and Kimberly are expecting their first child in a week or two.  I had the pleasure of photographing a maternity session at their home.  We figured it would be easier on Kimberly in her home.  I brought my studio with me, and scouted out a location with enough room for the studio lights.  We found a spot in the finished basement that would give us the room to set up.   Here is what the location looked like:

img 2089 On location Maternity Shoot

Finished Basement Maternity Location

As you can see I had a few things I would have to work out in my post Photoshop work.  I am not one of those photographers that always says, “I’ll fix it in Photoshop”.  But, in this situation.  I didn’t have a choice.

The red wall looked really sharp, and wanted to stay with the same color scheme.  Here is what I came up with:

maternity On location Maternity Shoot

Red Wall Maternity Shoot in Castle Rock, Colorado

This next image is my favorite.  It really shows Eric’s love for his Son.  As a Father myself.  I really love it when a moment like this happens, and how people open themselves up to me.  These kind of moments are special, and keeps people grounded to what’s really important.

maternity4 On location Maternity Shoot

Maternity Session with loving Father to be.

I am so greatful to be a part Eric, and Kimberly’s life.  I am excited for their new journey into parenthood.