Using Family as Models for Microstock Photos

When I started shooting Microstock photography, it didn't take long to realize images that included people were in high demand. I wasn't ready to hire a model for a shoot. Since each download at Shutterstock only sells for a quarter, it would take quite a few downloads before I'd recoup my investment. But, I could see where a creative photographer could capture dozens of workable images from one sitting with a model. Yet, with my camera, that was highly unlikely.

My mother, who is eighty, lives with us. She looks extremely well for her age and is photogenic. She also reacts with hostility should someone dare take a candid shot of her. When I am creating photo pages for our family album, I don't dare include one of her pictures, without her prior approval.

Because of this, my husband was astounded that my mother agreed (eagerly) to be my model for a Microstock photo shoot. I took several poses, one where she examined a prescription bottle, one where she read a map, one drinking a cup of coffee, and another basic portrait. All four images were accepted. And, they frequently sell.

Mom has gotten a real kick out of the entire experience, and keeps asking me when I plan to take more pictures. Unfortunately, I need a new camera, so it will be a while before I can take any photographs suitable for Microstock.

When I was preparing the photographs for submission, which included mom's signed releases, my husband kept shaking his head in disbelief. He wondered how I ever persuaded my normally shy mother to participate in such a scheme.

Mom likes the idea she is a model at eighty. During one of her phone conversations with her sister, mom explained to my aunt about her new modeling adventure. Not sure my aunt understood, but I do believe she may have been a bit envious of my mother.

When I told my sister of what I'd done, I rather expected she would be horrified. After all, selling off our mother, a quarter a pop? Instead, my sister surprised me, and said she too wanted to be a model. In retrospect, I suppose that was far less surprising than mother's reaction. My sister has always been an extrovert.

So far, I haven't come across any Internet or print ads or articles using mom's photographs, but I know they are out there. Mom also knows they are out there, which may be one reason that my mother, now eighty, was willing and anxious to try something that for her, is both out of character and daring.