What is stock photography? Well ... graphic designers are always looking for high-quality lifestyle photographs of good-looking people for inclusion in corporate websites, promotional brochures, display ads and feature articles in magazines.

Often, the people who appear in stock photos are just like you or me, photographed in everyday situations, at home, in a café, at work or at the beach.

Since October 2003, I have been the supplying the Canadian company www.istockphoto.com with images taken at variety of locations (see my portfolio ). To date, my images have been downloaded more than 1900 times for a variety of publications in the USA, Canada and Asia.

Unlike most royalty-free stock image libraries, iStockphoto works on the basis of multiple downloads at reduced prices. The images are inexpensive to purchase, and the photographer relies on having a large portfolio to generate a moderate income. This does not mean that iStock images are inferior. Far from it. In fact, many of the images are of extremely high quality — and some of the world's best, most creative photographers contribute to iStockphoto.

What's in it for you?
As well as being paid for your time, you also benefit from participating in the process in several ways. Each model receives a portfolio disc that he or she can share with friends or family, use in a high-powered résumé — or even use to attract other modeling work. If you've never done modeling, working as a stockphoto model is a real opportunity to learn, and gain both confidence and experience. It's also a fun way to be creative, without feeling under pressure.

How does the process work?
When you contact me, I will suggest a creative proposal that best highlights your unique personal characteristics. For example, for a grey-haired elderly man with a friendly smile, I might suggest we shoot some photos of the man sitting in a park reading a newspaper. Each shoot depends on the individual (and what types of images are more in demand at any given time). Seasonal themes are often successful, but these have to be completed well in advance and usually reflect Northern Hemisphere climate and traditions.

Once we agree on a creative proposal, I normally organise a photographic shoot at a mutually convenient time. This is usually outdoors in the late afternoon or early morning (when the light is better for photography).

Are there any other requirements?
When you decide to become a photo model, you must sign a release that registers you officially and allows your image/images to listed as stock photography (as outlined above). Proof of identification — e.g. photo ID, a passport or driver's licence — is required.

Once we're ready to start, I will normally schedule a one-hour shoot to start with. After the shoot, I'll arrange copies of the images for you, either on the same day or soon after.

Once the photo shoot is completed, there is still work for me to do before a graphic designer can use the images. Each image must be cropped, sweetened and sharpened, removing minor blemishes or any identifiable logos and correcting any minor technical problems.

After initial processing, only the best images are uploaded to www.istockphoto.com for consideration.

Competition amongst photographers is fierce. Even if your photographs are very good, there is no guarantee the photos will be accepted or commercially successful. That's a risk I'm prepared to take.

Once a photo is accepted for the on-line image library, it becomes available as a royalty-free photo, accessible to graphic designers (under a licensing agreement with iStockphoto).

Legal stuff
Under the 'terms of agreement' between the photographer and iStockphoto, there are measures to protect your image from illegitimate use. A copy of this contract will be supplied to you upon request. In brief, the contract outlines that it is prohibited to use your image in a fashion that would be considered obscene, defamatory, libellous or pornographic in nature. As well, it would not be permissible to use your image in a way that could suggest you are personally endorsing a business, product or service (this would require additional negotiation between you and the company involved). Similarly, your image would not be permitted to appear in a way that depicts you in potentially sensitive subject matter, including, but not limited to mental and physical health issues, social issues, contraband or crime.

If the possibility of seeing your face in a magazine concerns you, you could still participate by asking the photographer to crop or use camera angles that preserve your anonymity. This is often a successful compromise for camera-shy people who still want to get involved.

However, most people enjoy the chance to appear in publications and anonymity is of little concern. Besides, work in stock imagery can sometimes lead to offers of work on other projects such as catalogues and advertising campaigns.

I hope this has answered some of your questions and that you will now take the next step and contact me to discuss stockphoto modelling.

Please review this checklist of the five basic requirement for participation.

I have also compiled some Frequently Asked Questions which you can view here.