Photographer Turns Pixels into Nickels

Jim DeLillo a long time freelance photographer has turned to micro-payment stock photography to supplement his income. A fulltime Project Manager in the medical devices industry, DeLillo regularly uploads photos to iStockphoto.com . Each photo is inspected and if approved, is posted to his portfolio. There, the photos may be searched by keyword and if one of DeLillo's photos matches the need of a designer, it is downloaded for a few dollars. DeLillo gets a percentage of the sale.

While this may not sound like much, since 2004 DeLillo has uploaded over 1100 photos that have been downloaded nearly 10,000 times. DeLillo has chosen to be exclusive to iStock, upping his royalty percentage slightly.

To contribute to iStock you only need a camera and some basic knowledge of digital photography. Each contributor is required to pass a short quiz on digital photo quality. To be accepted, the photographer must submit a sample of three photos that undergo scrutiny by the inspectors. Approval does not guarantee that photos will be accepted, approved or for that matter, downloaded. The scrutiny continues, as every uploaded photo must meet strict standards.

"The real trick isn't producing pretty pictures, but pictures that sell...pictures that meet the needs of designers." says DeLillo "To that end, I look for stock situations in everyday life, and if I can't find it, I resort to setting up table-top studio shots, or asking friends, relatives, and aspiring models to pose." he continued.

Contributing photographers to iStock can make a supplemental part-time income, like DeLillo, or reach six-figures in a dedicated full-time, very competitive profession.

About Jim DeLillo
Jim DeLillo is a photographer that is an active, exclusive member of iStock.com, the fastest growing micro-stock company, owned by Getty images. His 20 years of experience includes international publications including Woman's World Magazine and many other daily, weekly, and monthly publications. His photojournalist, reality based, eclectic style provides a refreshing break from the stiffly posed studio shots.

For more information, visit Jim DeLillo Portfolio on iStockphoto.com