The question we get asked more than almost any other here at 500px is a deceptively simple one: “What kinds of photos sell?”
People want to take advantage of the 500px Marketplace to start making cash from their photography, but they don’t want to waste their time submitting work that doesn’t sell; so they ask us great questions like “what do buyers actually want?” and “how do I capture photos that sell?”
Simply Sellable is our attempt to answer these difficult questions… weekly.
Since the answer changes week in and week out as trends, seasonality, and other factors continue to shift, we are answering the questions regularly. Every week in fact. Each week one of our expert Content Editors picks one of their favorite photos that has sold recently, and explains exactly WHY it sold—what makes that photo “simply sellable.”
Simply Sellable #15 explains why minimal urban environments combined with universally recognizable technology is a winning combination for today’s photo buyers. 500px Content Editor Natta Summerky explains further, below.
Simply Sellable #15: Why Minimalism + Technology Sells
by Natta Summerky
A good stock photographer should always be aware of current industry trends – visual trends, seasonal bestsellers, and keyword data are all easy to access if you’re serious about making some extra money.
Some of the most popular subjects across photo sharing platforms these days are the rise of technology, and minimal urban environments. That’s why we’ve decided to highlight this recently-purchased photo by talented young Toronto photographer Sean Pollock.
Sean’s photo has all the qualities required to be commercially successful over and over again: It’s technically well executed, has plenty of negative space for copy, is airy and full of light, and engages the viewer with its powerful simplicity and rhythm.
Today’s young artists and top brands alike are striving to create and consume content that is generic enough to be applicable to almost any product – which this photo absolutely achieves.
It’s important to keep in mind that ultra-trendy topics like this one are at risk of becoming quickly outdated, so make sure to monitor online platforms, be proactive, and submit your photos before a trend goes viral. Check out this gallery to see more related images: https://500px.com/natta/galleries/pictures-inside-out
Our prediction, however, is that this particular concept will continue to have a universal appeal for many years regardless of shifting visual trends. Mobile technology is changing our lives quickly and irrevocably, and photo buyers want to see this reflected in the imagery they purchase. Technology’s powerful ability to connect people and information on a global scale is an extremely relevant, powerful concept that will never get old.
So be on the lookout for contemporary yet timeless ideas to shoot, and your work will definitely get noticed!
And that, my friends, is why this photo is simply sellable. A photo that is equal parts real and commercial; a sellable shot that feel authentic and genuine; and a photo that conveys concepts that buyers are looking to communicate.
If you have any further questions for Natta about the photo above, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments below. And don’t forget to check back in next week for the next installment in the series!
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