All week, we’ve been talking about how much photo income opportunity surrounds us… all the time. Today’s issue, from stock photographer Shelly Perry, is proof that it pays — more than $1,000, in this case — to keep your eyes peeled. Scroll down for details… — Lori Lori Allen Director, Great Escape Publishing ****************** October 1, 2010 The Right Way to Travel ****************** GRANDMA’S SAD FAREWELL: THE DAY I SHOT SOME OF MY BEST-SELLING IMAGES By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR One of my best-selling shots was a spontaneous one. It was my last day visiting family in San Diego, California, and I’d spent time that afternoon photographing my niece and nephew before heading back to Portland with my parents. My nephew had just graduated from military boot camp. He was just a few days away from shipping out to his new base in Germany and eventually Iraq. I was taking a lot of photos and it was time to say goodbye. I turned around to see my mom hugging him and grabbed the shot.. I was lucky that it was late afternoon, and, in San Diego, the light is almost always perfect in the afternoon. I saw the action and quickly moved in close (I only had the time of an extended hug, after all). I took just two shots, and this is the one that worked: 
It’s one of those shots that is simple and poignant at the same time. It’s great for stock, because the people speak volumes, yet they’re generic. And the composition is simple and clean. This is a good example of a shot that simply presented itself. Yet it also speaks of the importance of being observant, aware, and ready to get the shot before it disappears. If for no other reason than personal, I’m glad I got the shot that day. But it also happens to be one of my top 10 sellers (along with two others from that day) and has earned me over $1,000, to date. I’ve seen it used on many military-related sites, of course, but more notably on a campaign shown on the Times Square TV with Diane Sawyer, as well as on the American Music Awards in a video used behind Chris Daughtry’s performance. Keep your eyes open to life as it happens around you. When you do, not only will you capture the memories and landmarks of your family’s life… you can create images that touch others, as well. And those are the standout images that will ultimately sell well for you. [Editor’s Note: Learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel. Sign up here today and we’ll send you a new report, Selling Photos for Cash: A Quick-Start Guide, completely FREE.]
