Getting Started

Getting started with stock footage is relatively simple. If you've never shot stock footage before you will need the following:

- A good quality HD camera - Buy a Panasonic HVX200, a Canon 7D or borrow one from a friend (note, you can sell standard def footage, but if you want to build a passive income that will pay you for years to come, you want to capture your footage at the highest quality possible, and standard def is already on its way out, people just won't buy it as often)

- A tripod - It is super important to have a steady shot, a good fluid head tripod is probably the best investment you can make, but if you want to get started with NO money, set your camera on a rock or on a chair if you have to.

- A computer with some editing software - I use Final Cut Pro, you really just need a way to cut your footage clips down to be the right length (usually 5 - 30 seconds) and so you can cut out any camera bobbles. You also need a way to save the file to the correct file format, the standard right now for HD stock footage is a photo jpg compression or a motion jpg A or B compression. I will to a full post on technical requirements, but you can read about them on the various stock footage websites. Pond5 Video Requirements

- Internet access - a fast internet connection is important because you will need to upload your footage to a stock footage website, you will need to write keywords and descriptions for each clip, and you will need to track and collect your earnings.

Really that's it!

Once you have those things, these are the steps to getting your first clip posted and ready to sell.

1) Take the day and go shoot a bunch of really cool stuff! anything you want, but something unique, and something that would make good stock footage. I will be writing specific posts on what makes good stock footage.

2) Sign up for a stock footage account with a reputable website. I recommend Pond5 when you're getting started, they are a little less picky on the footage they accept, and they pay the largest percentage in the biz. Pond5 Stock Footage.

3) Edit your clips - Capture your fantastic, unique, amazing footage onto your computer and cut it into clips that are the right length (based on the requirements of the stock footage site you sign up with) Select the 3 very best clips you shot and export to your stock footage site's specs. If you are using final cut: Mark an in and out point on your clip ---> File ---> Export Quicktime Movie -----> Settings:Custom Settings --->

4) Apply for a contributor's account with your stock footage site. Most of them have an evaluation/review process you have to go through. You may have to take a test, you will probably have to upload 3 samples of your work. Once you finish the application, you will have to wait for a few days up to a few weeks.

5) Upload Upload Upload! - Once you are accepted as a stock footage contributor you are ready to start putting your product out there for the world to see, and start collecting some CASH! You will need to upload your clips, add keywords and possibly descriptions or other information. The more information you provide for each clip the better your sales will be down the road. Take your time on the keywording process, this is THE way that people will find your clip. I will have a specific post on the ins and outs of keywording, but every stock footage site has some good information on how to keyword your clips.

6) Start collecting your money! - Once you have enough money in your account you can have the stock footage site send you a check, or you can simply have them transfer it to your PayPal account (if you don't have PayPal, I highly recommend opening an account, it really is the easiest way to transfer money over the internet, and it makes the money part of your stock footage business very simple) Your income will be slow at first, but it will grow exponentially as you post more clips. Your shooting skills and stock footage "Horse Sense" will improve and if you stick with it you will soon have a healthy supplemental income.