Many beginning stock photographers start out by capturing scenics with
their camera. Most of these scenes are not much different from typical post
card views. As a photographer advances in competence, he/she usually
develops a style. And it's this style that sets one photographer apart from
another. It's a signature that makes you unique.
Discover your style. Your pictures will speak to you. You have a
specialized feeling for what you've captured in your images. Once you
recognize your theme, or themes, it's time to refine your style and your
content. But go easy on modifying anything abruptly. In some cases, you'll
discover that some of your earliest photos are the best.
And how does this relate to marketing your work?
In the past, getting your photography "out there" was relegated to exhibits
and lectures. Fifteen years ago it was difficult to sell your photos
yourself, because buyers liked one-stop shopping, using the convenience of a
stock agency. To sell your work you needed to have your photos in an agency,
and had to accept a 50% to 50% portion of any sale.