top of page
PITCH DECKS, WEBSITES, SEO, GRAPHIC DESIGN, VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS,

MENU

  • Writer's pictureTatiana Davidov

Your Go-To Guide for Press Photographers: Navigating Stock Agencies with Ease


Photographers ready to capture images on red carpet
Event Photographers getting ready to work


Fellow press photographer! In the dynamic world of press coverage, specifically red-carpet photography, having access to reputable stock agencies can be the key to success.

Are you ready to elevate your game and get your work out there for the world to see?

Well, you're in luck because we've got the inside scoop on some of the best stock agencies in town.


Here is your curated Go-To Guide for Press Photographers: Navigating Stock Agencies with Ease" whether you're covering red carpet events, capturing breaking news, or documenting cultural moments. Choosing the right platform to showcase and sell your work is very crucial.

To assist press photographers in navigating the vast landscape of stock agencies, we've curated a list of some of the most reputable and influential platforms available today.


  • Getty Images: Pros: As one of the largest and most respected stock agencies worldwide, Getty Images offers unparalleled reach and visibility for press photographers. With a dedicated editorial section, Getty Images provides a platform for showcasing images from red carpet events, breaking news, and more. Their rigorous editorial standards ensure high-quality content. Cons: Getty Images can be competitive, and acceptance into their contributor program may be selective. Additionally, their commission rates may be lower compared to some other agencies.

  • Shutterstock: Pros: With a massive customer base and user-friendly platform, Shutterstock is a popular choice for press photographers. They offer competitive commission rates and a straightforward submission process. Shutterstock's global reach means that your images have the potential to reach a wide audience. Cons: While Shutterstock provides opportunities for press photographers, it may lack the exclusivity and prestige of other agencies like Getty Images. Additionally, their pricing model may result in lower earnings per image.

  • Adobe Stock: Pros: Integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock offers seamless integration for photographers already using Adobe products. Their platform is user-friendly, with clear submission guidelines and competitive commission rates. Adobe Stock's vast customer base provides opportunities for exposure and sales. Cons: Adobe Stock may face stiff competition from other agencies, and photographers may need to work harder to stand out. Additionally, their acceptance criteria may be strict, particularly for editorial content.

  • WireImage (A Division of Getty Images): Pros: Specializing in entertainment photography, WireImage is a go-to platform for press photographers covering red carpet events and celebrity news. As part of the Getty Images network, WireImage offers the prestige and credibility of a leading stock agency. Cons: WireImage's exclusivity and focus on entertainment photography may limit opportunities for photographers covering other genres of news and events. Their submission process may also be more rigorous compared to other agencies.

  • AP Images (Associated Press): Pros: With a reputation for accuracy and reliability, AP Images is a trusted source for editorial photography. Press photographers can benefit from AP Images' extensive distribution network and global reach. Their platform provides opportunities for exposure and licensing. Cons: AP Images may have strict editorial standards, and acceptance into their contributor program may be selective. Additionally, their commission rates may be lower compared to some other agencies.

  • Alamy is a diverse stock agency that accepts editorial imagery. They offer competitive commission rates and accept a wide range of editorial content, including red carpet events. Pros: Wide range of content accepted, fair commission rates. Cons: Less exclusive than some other agencies, potential for lower visibility among competitors.

  • iStock by Getty:  iStock offers a platform for both exclusive and non-exclusive content, making it accessible to a wide range of contributors. Submission process is straightforward, especially for non-exclusive contributors. Pros: Offers both exclusive and non-exclusive content, accessibility for a wide range of contributors. Cons: Lower commission rates for non-exclusive content, potential for high competition.

  • Dreamstime: Dreamstime is known for its user-friendly interface and fair commission rates. Submission process is relatively easy, with clear guidelines and support for contributors. Pros: User-friendly interface, fair commission rates. Cons: Lower visibility compared to larger agencies, potential for lower earnings per image.

  • Depositphotos:  With a large library of stock content, Depositphotos is popular among buyers. Submission process is generally straightforward, although contributors may face some competition due to the platform's size. Pros: Large library of stock content, competitive pricing. Cons: High competition among contributors, potential for lower earnings per image.

  • 123RF 123RF offers competitive pricing and a straightforward submission process. However, it may be less popular compared to some of the larger agencies. Pros: Competitive pricing, straightforward submission process. Cons: Less visibility compared to larger agencies, potential for lower earnings per image.

  • Bigstock (A Subsidiary of Shutterstock): As a subsidiary of Shutterstock, Bigstock benefits from its parent company's resources and reputation. Submission process is similar to Shutterstock's and is generally straightforward. Pros: Access to Shutterstock's resources, user-friendly platform. Cons: Potential for lower visibility compared to Shutterstock, lower commission rates for some contributors.

  • Splash News:  While Splash News specializes in celebrity news, it may have a more niche audience compared to other stock agencies. Submission process may vary depending on specific requirements for celebrity content. Pros: Specializes in celebrity news, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Niche focus may limit opportunities for photographers outside the entertainment industry.

  • Backgrid  Backgrid is a reputable agency specializing in celebrity news and editorial photography. With a focus on capturing exclusive celebrity moments and red carpet events, Backgrid provides high-quality content that is widely used by media outlets, entertainment websites, and publications globally. They offer photographers opportunities to contribute their work and provide extensive coverage of celebrity happenings, making them a valuable resource in the entertainment industry. Pros: Specializes in celebrity news, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Less widely known compared to larger agencies, limited information available on commission rates and submission process.

  • Featureflash Photo Agency:  Featureflash is an editorial photo agency that focuses on celebrity and entertainment photography. They accept contributions from freelance photographers and provide coverage of red carpet events. Pros: Focuses on celebrity and entertainment photography, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Niche focus may limit opportunities for photographers outside the entertainment industry.

  • CelebrityFootage:  CelebrityFootage specializes in video footage of celebrities and entertainment events, including red carpet coverage. They accept contributions from freelance videographers and photographers. Pros: Specializes in video footage of celebrities, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Limited to video content, may not cater to still photographers.

  • Everett Collection:  Everett Collection specializes in vintage and contemporary entertainment photography, including red carpet events and celebrity portraits. They accept contributions from photographers and offer licensing opportunities for their images. Pros: Specializes in vintage and contemporary entertainment photography, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Niche focus may limit opportunities for photographers outside the entertainment industry.

  • Starstock:  Starstock is a stock agency that focuses on celebrity and entertainment photography. They accept contributions from freelance photographers, including coverage of red carpet events and celebrity appearances. Pros: Focuses on celebrity and entertainment photography, potential for exclusive coverage opportunities. Cons: Niche focus may limit opportunities for photographers outside the entertainment industry.


Conclusion: Well, there you have it, folks – your ultimate guide to navigating the wild world of stock agencies. Whether you're chasing after celebrities on the red carpet or capturing the latest headlines, these platforms have everything you need to take your photography game to the next level.

So, what are you waiting for? Go forth, shoot amazing photos, and let your creativity shine!

Leave a comment about what you are looking to learn from us more

bottom of page