Shooting Photos and Videos for Stock Agencies

What catches your eye at first glance of this photograph? The warm atmosphere? Or the shopping bag in the center? Or the relationship between these three women? Perhaps it’s the relationships of the people in the photograph?

This captured level of connection between people has made this photograph very popular among buyers on Shutterstock; moreover, the snapshot also reflects the desires of buyers of videos on Shutterstock.

The highest demand from buyers is for videos showcasing interactions between people. To inspire you to shoot similar clips, we have created a list of useful tips for shooting on location. You may also find them beneficial for studio photography and shooting people in other environments.

Try shooting videos in retail stores, restaurants, and other places where you can observe real-life interactions. Capture clips of people exchanging money, smiling, talking, and interacting in any available way.

Aim for naturalness and authenticity in your images and designs while shooting. As always, ethnic and age diversity in your videos will be a plus.

10 Tips for Video and Photo Shooting

Here are ten more tips that can help you create successful video and photo works:

1. Talk to the owners of local shops. You will have more success obtaining permission to shoot in a neighborhood store than at a large supermarket chain, where you would have to navigate through various levels of management to get such permission.
2. Work out an agreement with the store. As payment for permission to conduct the session, offer to shoot a video for their corporate website, create portrait photos of their employees, or simply conduct any other necessary shoot.
3. Can’t get permission to shoot inside the store? You can still film the entrances and exits of shops and shopping centers, which are public spaces (Remember to avoid logos, trademarks, and recognizable architectural features. See tip #7 below).
4. Scout the location in advance and create a shooting plan. You should understand the lighting options, the characteristics of the space, and the technical specifications of the location, such as the placement of electrical outlets.
5. Agree to both closed and open shoots. Closed shoots only involve the crew and models. In open shoots, the location operates as usual, and anyone can be present at the shooting site.
6. Don’t forget about model releases, which need to be signed by everyone present in the frame. This is a mandatory requirement for all works sold under commercial licenses on Shutterstock. Bring along a couple of extra blank releases and be prepared to explain the details of your project to everyone around.
7. Carefully check for logos, trademarks, and other intellectual property. Their presence in your work can lead to rejection by inspectors for selling the work under a commercial license. Note that some structures can be identified by their unique architectural features, so it’s wise to obtain a property release from the building’s owner just in case.
8. Set a theme and direction for your shoot. Make sure that everyone (the establishment’s staff, models, and crew) knows what they need to do and has coordinated their actions in advance.
9. Add a bit of spontaneity to the shooting process. The best moments are captured when people feel free and behave naturally and comfortably.
10. Do you have a friend who is also into photography or videography? Combine your efforts and save on costs. Just share the expenses of hiring models, renting equipment, and shooting together.

Happy shooting!

Author: The Shutterstock Team
Link: www.shutterstock.com/buzz/tips-for-location-shoots