Question #1: What Sort of Images Are Agencies looking for?

Since most of the images sold as digital stock photography are used in advertising or to accompany other media, images that feature people doing common, everyday tasks are very popular. When such tasks take place in somewhat exotic environments, they're even more popular. Laptops in just about any situation, for instance, are very commonly sold images.

While many amateur photo collections feature a large number of landscape shots, images with models tend to be the most commonly in demand.

Question #2: How do I find Models?

The easiest way to find models is to simply approach someone and ask if they'd be interested in being a model for you. Make sure you have some business cards printed up, so you can present yourself as legitimate. Having a link to a nice website with samples of your work is also a nice touch that will help people get an idea of what sort of photographer you are.

You will have to ask the parents of children under 18, but anyone can make a good model. You can even ask people on the street and shoot them there. Otherwise, you can set up a session for another day.

Question #3: Do I Always Need a Model Release?

Yes, each and every time you are taking an image that you intend to sell as digital stock photography. This is the definition of a commercial application, and you must keep model release forms on file as long as that image is being used commercially.

Question #4: Where is a Good Place to Shoot

Exotic locations are always preferred, but there are plenty of locations close to home. For instance, agencies like to see people working in their native habitat. You can accomplish this by following a willing model to their interesting place of work, to get pictures of people on forklifts or doing dental work, for instance. Just be sure that everyone in the picture signs a model release form and this is all okay with the person who owns the company.

Juxtaposing people and locations is also very popular such as seeing a businessperson doing her or his work in the jungle. Such shoots can take more setup time, but often result in the sort of stunning images that can sell over and over again as digital stock photography.

Question #5: Can I Work in the Studio?

Certainly. The thing that really sells digital stock photography is the ideas and emotions you're able to convey. Often, images are searched by ideas such as anxiety or hope, rather than nouns such as beach or sunset. You can also use props, and shoot close to create sleek, commercial stock photos.

Don't be afraid to look at magazines, commercials and billboards for inspiration for a shoot. Looking at the keywords you're interested in shooting on stock agency sites can also give you an idea of what has and hasn't been done before, as well as what sort of elements you can combine.

The use of micro-stock services can be profitable, but you need to know what will sell. Find more tips on this and other stock photo opportunities from Scott Stulberg at 7PhotographyQuestions.com