Microstocks

From this article, you will learn how to upload photos to the microstock Shutterstock.com and what technical requirements are imposed on them.

Microstock «Shutterstock» is constantly in search of new images for its collection. You can upload images to the «Shutterstock» database absolutely free, while retaining all copyright.

Uploading photos to the microstock is very simple and consists of several steps:

• Step 1. Upload photos.
• Step 2. Attribution of works. Adding metadata (description and keywords).
• Step 3. Submitting works for inspection.

Steps 1 and 2 can be confidently interchanged since attributing photos is best done on a computer using «Adobe Photoshop», «Adobe Bridge» or «Photo Mechanic» before uploading them to the site.

From this article, you will learn how to add model and property releases on the Shutterstock.com microstock, how to archive unused releases, and improve workflow efficiency. You will also understand the importance of providing additional information about the model when uploading a release.

The section for releases on the Shutterstock microstock is located at submit.shutterstock.com/releases.

To access it from the control panel, select Portfolio -> Manage Releases from the left menu:

On the releases management page, you will find two tabs: Active Releases and Archived Releases. There will also be a distinction between Model Releases and Property Releases.

What is a digital release?

A digital release from Shutterstock.com is a feature that allows working with model and property releases in a digital format without leaving the microstock platform. With this functionality, you can send requests for releases, receive and save them directly on the microstock platform. This is an alternative to paper releases.

Advantages of the digital release

• Thanks to digital technology, no witness signature is required.
• Contributor information is automatically pulled from the account and inserted into the release.
• Digital releases can be downloaded for tracking and control of your own photoshoots.
• Digital releases are automatically attached to your account and saved in the system.
• Adult models, parents/legal guardians of minors, and property owners can complete their part of the digital release directly from a mobile phone or tablet.

In the model release from the Shutterstock microstock, there is an option to specify the ethnic origin for each model. Some clients of the photo bank require this information, so it is recommended to provide it.

What is a property release?

A property release is a written agreement between a photographer and the owner of the property. In this agreement, the owner or an authorized representative of a specific property grants permission for the use of images or videos featuring a recognizable object for commercial purposes. A property release is required not only when selling content depicting various buildings but also when photographing other objects of intellectual property.

• Read also: Model Release

When photographing various buildings and structures, always keep in mind that these properties may belong to someone, and images of them are protected by specific laws. Not every photographed house can be sold on microstock platforms.

If you are photographing private property other than public spaces, be sure to obtain a property release from an authorized representative of the property owner to avoid further licensing issues with your content.

Here are some common places that, when photographed, require a property release if you want to sell your photos from there under a commercial license:

1. Amusement parks.
2. Concert halls.
3. Famous landmarks and historical sites. The need for a property release will vary from place to place. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local rules and laws in advance.
4. Modern architecture.
5. Museum interiors.
6. Stadiums.
7. Unique and recognizable buildings (buildings with visible street names or numbers).
8. Zoos or private wildlife parks.

In which cases is a property release required?

Property releases are needed for commercial content depicting:

1. Works of art: paintings, murals, graffiti, drawings, sketches, photographic prints, tattoos, and blueprints.
2. Sculptures, statues, and monuments.
3. Stained glass.
4. Sheet music.
5. Literary works.
6. Music lyrics.
7. Restricted architectural projects.
8. Building interiors.
9. Private property.

The above list is not exhaustive and should be used for general guidance only. As an author, you are responsible for independently researching and gathering the necessary information.

What is a model release?

A model release is a written agreement that provides legal protection to content creators, models, and clients licensing content. Model releases define the boundaries of how an image or video featuring a recognizable person can be used. Model releases exist for both adults and minors.

If you decide to sell a photograph for commercial purposes that features one or more people, remember that you will need a model release from each individual depicted in the photograph.

• Read also: Property Release

In what situations is a model release required?

Model releases are necessary in the following situations:

1. When a person in the photo or video is recognizable.
2. When there is a body part with a visible tattoo.
3. For nude models or models involved in a concept of a sexual nature, even if their faces aren’t visible and they can’t be recognized.
4. For illustrations, vector graphics, or animations created based on real people.

If a model release has not been uploaded to a microstock platform for situations listed above, the content will not be accepted into the media library.

Over time, Shutterstock.com, like its main competitors, has had to respond to new challenges created by the development of modern technologies. At this moment, the microstock has stopped accepting content created by so-called artificial intelligence from its contributors.

Shutterstock’s mission is to be an endless source of inspiration for every customer and to provide world-class services. With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, the company has all the capabilities to effectively commercialize content created using AI.

Partnerships with other industry leaders, such as OpenAI, will enable the creation of content in an ethically responsible manner. This approach ensures that authors are properly rewarded for the use of their materials and provides customers with the appropriate protection and insurance coverage associated with their purchased licenses.