Stock photos are a ubiquitous part of our digital lives. From businesses looking to enhance their marketing campaigns to writers adding imagery to their articles, stock photos have become an indispensable resource. This increasing demand has opened a door of opportunity for aspiring models to build a career as stock photo models.
While stock photo modeling may not have the glamour of runway shows or print campaigns, it offers a distinct path to gaining visibility and recognition. In this niche industry, the right look and attitude can propel an aspiring model to prominence.
JUMP TO
Daria Voronchuk/Shutterstock
A stock photo model is someone whose images are used for various commercial and editorial purposes. Businesses, designers, and publishers typically license these images. Some are available to be downloaded for personal use as long as proper citations are included. Stock photo models portray a wide range of characters, concepts, and emotions—the idea is that these photos work for almost any campaign, website, publication, or situation.
Notable stock photo models, such as Rebecca Ariane Givens and Adriana Rodriguez, have become familiar faces on websites, billboards, and marketing materials. Even Marvel Cinematic Universe actor Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”) famously dabbled in stock photography early in his career. However, while some stock photo models eventually earn a certain level of recognition, many remain anonymous. For this reason, this niche is often seen as a great side gig while you build a modeling or acting career (or just a good way to earn extra income).
Carlo Prearo/Shutterstock
Breaking into the world of stock photo modeling can open doors to a unique and rewarding career. Here are six tips on how to get started:
1. Find your “type”
Because stock photos cover a wide range of situations, it helps to think about where you most comfortably fit in. Are you used to working an office job? Try taking a few photos around cubicles, laptops, and the proverbial water cooler. Do you stay at home with the kids? Consider shooting a set of photos among their toys.
2. Build a versatile portfolio
Create a modeling portfolio that highlights your ability to embody various expressions, concepts, and scenarios. If you’re just starting out, compile your “digitals,” which are photos designed to show a model as naturally as possible. Either take your own with a phone set-up or partner with a reputable photographer (try one who creates headshots, a must-have for any aspiring model).
3. Create a strong online presence
In stock photo modeling, your online presence plays a significant role in your success. Develop a professional online presence through a personal website and active social media profiles. Use hashtags like #stockmodels and #stockphotography to get your photos in front of the right audience. Highlight your modeling work and provide clear contact information to make it easy for agencies and clients to reach you.
4. Contact agencies
A modeling agency can send your portfolio directly to photographers who specialize in stock imagery. Do some research into agencies in your area, particularly ones who work with beginners.
How to Find a Modeling Agent 5. Seek opportunities
Many well-known stock photo agencies, including Shutterstock, Adobe, and Getty Images, accept submissions of new photos through their contributor programs. If you or a photographer already have high-quality stock photos with you at the center, submit your work. You can also browse Backstage’s modeling listings for photographers and campaigns that are specifically looking for stock models.
6. Stay committed
As with any career, success in stock photo modeling hinges on dedication and persistence. Commit yourself to continuous growth and development. Regularly refine your skills, draw lessons from each experience, and focus on enhancing your portfolio. Your journey as a stock photo model should be marked by a commitment to improvement and adaptability.
Halay Alex/Shutterstock
Capturing everyday moments
The art of stock photography leans more toward the conceptual than the purely artistic, which allows you to flex your acting muscles as well. It thrives on capturing everyday moments with an authentic, natural look that veers away from typical model poses. It revolves around genuine expressions, day-to-day routines, playful moments, and typical life scenes.
Stock photo model Andi Dean said of her stock modeling experience, “Each shoot lasted about four to five hours, and around 2,000 to 3,000 photos were taken. The majority are just me standing against a blank wall making different faces—happy, sad, angry, bored, surprised, stressed—any expressive emotion you can think of. I would also pose with all kinds of props—books, tablets, phones, laptops, food, drinks, even the most random items, like flags, maps, chalk, a piggy bank, crypto tokens, VR headsets, workout equipment, a guitar, and even an electric drill.”
Challenging work
Although stock photography may seem simple, photographers often aim to capture as many images as possible in each session. The work can also be physically and mentally demanding. It requires patience, adaptability, and professionalism.
“Every moment was hard: Holding poses, weathering the stares of strangers, trying to figure out the difference between a smirk and a soft smile and a smolder,” wrote Caroline Praderio, a journalist who tried stock modeling. “It gave me a new appreciation for the models who must commit to wacky poses, expressions, and concepts.”
More opportunities, less control
Stock imagery can be downloaded and used anywhere, and you have little control over the use of your images (you might even find your own face staring back at you somewhere on the internet). Unlike in commercial modeling, stock photography has no model release agreement. Moreover, the compensation structure for stock photo models differs significantly from other types of modeling. Payment is rendered solely for their time during photo shoots, and they do not receive royalties when their images are used.