The Stock Photo - It has to pass certain standards for submission

Every stock photo agency you see will have slightly differing criteria that you must meet when submitting your photographs.

The following is a basic guide as taken from one of the larger agencies.

• File Type - Normally TIFF or JPEG files only (RAW files may be requested from time to time by the client)
• File Size - Minimum 48MB + (24MB minimum for reportage material)
• Bit Depth - 8 Bit (For film, scan to highest bit depth and convert to 8 bit before sending)
• Channels/Layers - Not normally acceptable
• Orientation - Please ensure that your images are the right way up when they are viewed on a monitor screen. Images that are not aligned properly will be rejected.
• Dirt/Dust/Hairs - Images must be spotless and will not be accepted if they aren't.
• Interpolation/Upsizing - Accepted if using interpolation Software such as Genuine Fractals. (For film, it is recommended that you scan your images to the required standard.
• Sharpening - Not Acceptable - The buyers like the option of sharpening images themselves.
• Image Mode - RGB

As I said, these are just general guidelines, please refer to the agency that you are submitting any stock images to, for their own criteria.

The next section will explain how you can meet all these requirements and more, by using simple techniques.