Photographer's FAQ's

Is there a signing up fee or any other hidden costs?

No.

Can I undertake my own projects and submit them to socialstock?

Yes. We would encourage any projects you wish to shoot in the social sector and we may be able to help you by introducing you to some of our public sector clients. We publish a monthly 'shoot' list where we ask for specific images to be submitted.

Can I upload images to the socialstock library?

No. We are very strict about the subject matter and quality of each image. Any photographer who wishes to contribute to the library has to first register as a photographer on the socialstock site. Once this has been done we will contact you and then activate your account. We will also supply you with your own individual code to add to your images. You You can then upload at your leisure, where the picture desk will check for quality before releasing to the library.

Can I upload images in bulk?

Yes, you need to put together a CD or DVD with your images coded correctly (codes provided by us). Contact us and we will give you  the most convenient address to send the CD to. Once received, your images will then be put up on the site in your account holding area, ready for you to key word.

What Image Quality of image do I need?

Images need to be high-resolution jpg's. 2480 x 3508 minimum or 6 MB and higher but no larger than 10mb as a compressed file. Images must not be sharpened using filtering tools. All images must be sharp, exposed correctly and checked for any dust and scratches. Images must not be interpolated. All our images are checked before uploading onto our site.

Do I need to caption and key word?

Yes. Every image uploaded needs to be captioned, have a description and key worded with a comma and space between each key word. Remember this is your shop window to sell images.

Am I insured by socialstock?

No. If you are shooting documentary photography then we recommend you get personal and public liability insurance.

How do I get paid?

An invoice should be created at the end of each month and sent to accounts@socialstock.co.uk. We then pay on 30 days terms via a cheque. The invoice needs to have all the information that is found on your Socialstock account. This includes image code, image size, dated sold, amount and total amount adding VAT if applicable. 

How do I become a socialstock photographer?

If you would like to join our community and feel you are capable of producing top quality images for socialstock, then send us an email with a few words about your photographic background and three colour images that represents any social issues in Britain today. Keep it brief and to the point and attach the images as low-resolution, colour jpg's. We will then get in touch we you ... good luck and we look forward to seeing your work.

How do I keep track of my images?

Each photographer can track their images on their photographers account in the statements area.

How long does socialstock keep the images on their website?

Socialstock would expect each photographer, to sign up his or her images for three years. Socialstock reserves the right to remove any image at any time.

How do I get commissioned work?

Each year we have clients that need specific commissioned shoots. Socialstock commission our photographers to do these shoots. Photographers have to demonstrate an appropriate portfolio of work and we may ask a photographer to shoot a 'test' for socialstock to see their capabilities as a social documentary photographer.

Do I own the copyright?

Images that you (the photographer) have taken and submitted to the socialstock library, you will still own the copyright. Photographic work that socialstock, has commissioned, we own the copyright.

Do I need to get consent to photograph someone?

Yes. If you shoot someone you need to get written or verbal consent. We can provide socialstock model release forms, downloadable from our site. Please look at our 'terms and conditions' page. Please note in some circumstances, should you only get verbal consent, we may not be able to accept your images for the library.

Do I need to sign any legal documentation?

Yes. Every photographer will be sent a contract, out lining our 'terms and conditions'. This will have to be signed by the individual photographer before any images are uploaded to our website. To view the photographers contract download the PDF version click here. 

What commission do I receive from socialstock?

Photographers receive a 40% commissionon all sales.

Photographers who do commissioned work for socialstock have two choices for payment. you can receive  a flat rate of 70%.