What to shoot for stock photo sites in September?

We always look for the most relevant, buyer‑driven content. This means listening to buyers and relaying their needs to contributors. Now getting access to request lists for authors has become even easier. Let’s see what will trend with buyers in photo and video on stock sites in September and what will sell best during this period.

Below are several tips on how to make portfolios even more successful for sales on stock sites in the first month of fall.

Landmarks

Travel images from around the world that tell a story and create a sense of presence are always in demand.

Explore new corners of the planet and present fresh takes on well‑known locations.

Here are popular requests:

• Aerial photography of different regions (mountains, nature, buildings, etc.) from above and from afar;
• Diverse visuals of food culture and people eating, i.e., staged shots, close‑ups, overhead shots, and more;
• Shots of people doing something travel‑related (walking, with suitcases, shopping, or sightseeing, and so on);
• Nature and cityscapes (with and without people).

Please remember the need for model and property releases for anything recognizable in the frame.

People

Buyers are looking for visuals reflecting new lifestyles. Here’s what is in demand:

• Images of hugging couples on a couch or in other cozy settings;
• Complex shots of people in uniforms (suits, robes, lab coats, etc.);
• Glamorous beauty shots showing or implying skin, nail, or hair care;
• Scenes with educators (teacher/student/pupil relationships, World Teachers’ Day, and more);
• Various silhouette imagery (emphasis on forms and lighting of different subjects).

Please remember the need for model and property releases for anything recognizable in the frame.

Interiors

enterer>Buyers want spaces that feel real and tell a unique story, regardless of location or lifestyle.

Try unusual shooting angles, creative crops, and natural light.

Here is a list for inspiration:

• Interiors of cluttered and tidy rooms (entryways, living rooms, patios, etc.);
• Architectural and home decor details (antiques, wall decor, unusual structures, etc.);
• Lived‑in spaces (people may be present) that reflect specific lifestyles both inside and outside the home;
• People enjoying the environment (relaxed, interacting with someone or something, everyday settings, and more).

Please remember the need for model and property releases for anything recognizable in the frame.

Religion and holidays

Images showcasing different cultures, religions, holidays, and seasonal nuances are consistently in demand.

No matter where you live or what you celebrate, focus on the surrounding atmosphere and the people in it.

This is what buyers are interested in:

• Seasonal festivals and celebrations (Yom Kippur, Oktoberfest, Christmas, and others);
• Party scenes (decorations, specific outfits, interactions, and so on);
• Shots of party‑specific foods (Christmas pudding, beer, caramel popcorn, and more).

Please remember that in images featuring alcohol, all models must be over 25 to pass legal licensing checks.

Also, a reminder about the need for model releases and property releases for anything recognizable in the frame.

original: images.cmsapi.shutterstock.com/-/media/files/shutterstock/shotlists/shot_list-17_08.ashx?la=en

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