Canon® EOS 5D Mark II Digital Field Guide

Chapter 12. Stock and Editorial Photography

Stock and editorial photography has always attracted more than its fair share of talent because photographers have long been drawn to the storytelling power of well-crafted images and have felt the need to visually communicate stories that matter. Different media habits and a drying up of once-solid commercial outlets have put these genres in limbo. You have to be keenly aware of the business realities to market your work to the widest possible audience.

Shooting techniques and subjects are often similar in stock and editorial shooting, and both areas reward those who do the research to learn more about their subjects. But changes in the stock industry during the past 3 years — everything from on-demand assignment shooting to dollar or micro stock — has put new perspectives on rights management and income expectations. Editorial shooting remains a solid starting point for many young photographers, especially because it offers an opportunity for creative storytelling.

Sometimes, when you're travelling, just having a nice conversation is the best exposure, as was the case with this fruit vendor on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. ISO 500, f/4, 1/1250 sec., with an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Overview and Trends

For stock photographers, the 5D Mark II adds another tool to your arsenal by combining the power of still images and video to tell a story ...