Sell Photos As Commercial & Editorial

Sure! Selling photos as Commercial and Editorial are two different approaches in stock photography. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both:

1. Commercial Photos

Commercial photos are used for advertising, marketing, or promotional purposes. These photos are meant to sell a product, service, or idea. Since they are used commercially, they require proper licenses and permissions.

✅ Characteristics of Commercial Photos:

No Identifiable People: Unless you have a Model Release signed by the person(s) in the photo.

No Trademarked Elements: Avoid logos, brand names, copyrighted items, or recognizable architecture (like the Eiffel Tower at night).

High Aesthetic Quality: They should look professional and visually appealing.

Concept-Based: Often depict ideas like success, teamwork, love, or lifestyle.

Universal Appeal: Suitable for advertisements, websites, brochures, and product packaging.

💡 Examples of Commercial Photos:

A smiling model holding a cup of coffee (with a signed model release).

Close-up of food on a plate (without branded packaging).

A generic landscape or nature photo without recognizable landmarks.

A child playing with toys (with a model release).

Conceptual images like a light bulb representing ideas or innovation.

2. Editorial Photos

Editorial photos are used for informative or educational purposes, often accompanying news articles, blogs, magazines, or documentaries. These photos cannot be used for advertising but are valuable for storytelling and reporting.

✅ Characteristics of Editorial Photos:

No Model or Property Releases Required: Since they document real-life events or scenes.

Realistic and Unedited: Minimal retouching to preserve authenticity.

Accurate Captions: Must include detailed captions that describe the who, what, when, where, and why.

Context Matters: Shows a factual representation of a place, person, or event.

💡 Examples of Editorial Photos:

A street scene with visible brand logos and people.

Protest rallies or public gatherings.

Wildlife or animals in public spaces or zoos.

Celebrities or politicians at public events.

Natural disasters, public celebrations, or urban landscapes.

Key Differences:

Why Choose One Over the Other?

Choose Commercial if: You have permissions and releases and want to sell images for advertisements.

Choose Editorial if: You capture real-life situations, events, or public places and don’t have releases.

Pro Tips:

1. Always Think Ahead: If you plan to sell photos commercially, secure model and property releases at the time of shooting.

2. Be Clear About Your Intent: Decide whether your photo is meant to tell a story (editorial) or promote a product (commercial).

3. Submit to Multiple Agencies: Sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images accept both types of content, but clearly label them during submission.

4. Check Platform Guidelines: Different stock agencies may have varying requirements for commercial and editorial submissions.