How to Submit Your Photos to Getty Images for Review

Submitting your photos to Getty Images can be an exciting opportunity for photographers to get their work seen by a global audience. Getty Images is one of the world’s leading stock photo agencies, and becoming a contributor can lead to substantial exposure and financial gain. However, the process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to submit your photos for review, including what you need to do to ensure your work is accepted and the key factors Getty Images considers during the review process.

Understanding Getty Images Contributor Guidelines

Before you submit your photos to Getty Images, it is crucial to understand their contributor guidelines. Getty Images has specific standards for what types of images they accept, and following these guidelines will increase your chances of having your photos approved. The guidelines cover various aspects, including image quality, subject matter, and legal requirements.

• Image Quality: Getty Images expects high-resolution images with sharp details. Avoid blurry, grainy, or poorly exposed photos.
• Composition: Pay attention to the framing, lighting, and balance of your shots. Clean compositions with good lighting are preferred.
• Subject Matter: Popular themes include business, lifestyle, nature, and technology. Be mindful of trends and think about what buyers are looking for.
• Model and Property Releases: If your photo includes recognizable people or private property, make sure you have the necessary releases signed.
• Exclusivity: Getty Images prefers exclusive content, meaning you cannot upload the same photos to multiple stock agencies.

By following these guidelines, you increase the likelihood of your photos being accepted into their marketplace and being licensed by buyers.

Preparing Your Photos for Submission

Proper preparation is key to successfully submitting your photos to Getty Images. Getty has specific requirements to ensure the images meet their standards for quality and relevance. Here's what you need to do before uploading your photos:

• Resolution: Images should be at least 4 megapixels or higher to ensure they meet Getty's quality standards.
• File Format: JPEG is the preferred file format for photos. Make sure your images are properly compressed to avoid unnecessary file size.
• Editing and Post-Processing: While light editing is acceptable, excessive manipulation or unrealistic filters should be avoided. The goal is to maintain natural-looking images.
• Metadata: Include descriptive titles, keywords, and image descriptions to make your photos easier to find in Getty’s search results. Accurate metadata improves the visibility of your photos.
• Image Review: Before submission, review your images for any defects or issues. Check for sharpness, color accuracy, and overall visual appeal.

By following these steps and ensuring your photos meet Getty's high standards, you’ll be on your way to successful submission and possible approval.

How to Create a Getty Images Account

Creating a Getty Images account is the first step to becoming a contributor. It's quick and easy, and it opens the door for you to upload your photos and start earning. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Visit the Getty Images Website: Go to the Getty Images website and find the “Become a Contributor” link at the bottom of the page.
2. Sign Up: Click on the link, and you’ll be directed to a sign-up page where you’ll need to provide your personal details, including your name, email address, and a password.
3. Choose Your Contribution Type: Getty offers different types of contributor accounts, including photographers and videographers. Select the type that fits your work.
4. Upload Your Portfolio: Once your account is created, you’ll be asked to upload a selection of your best photos. This portfolio will help Getty assess your style and quality.
5. Agree to the Terms: Be sure to read and agree to Getty’s contributor agreement, which outlines the terms for uploading and selling your images.
6. Start Uploading: After completing your account setup, you’re ready to start uploading images to Getty Images for review.

Once your account is set up, you can start submitting photos and track your earnings and sales through your contributor dashboard.

Steps to Upload Your Photos to Getty Images

Uploading your photos to Getty Images is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Log Into Your Getty Images Account: Use your email and password to log into your contributor account on Getty’s website.
2. Select “Upload Images”: On your dashboard, look for the “Upload Images” button. This will take you to the upload page.
3. Choose Your Files: Click on “Browse” and select the photos you want to upload from your computer. You can upload multiple images at once.
4. Add Metadata: For each photo, you’ll need to add a title, description, and relevant keywords. Accurate and detailed metadata helps your images get found by buyers.
5. Set Release Information: If your image includes recognizable people or private property, you must submit signed model or property releases. This step is critical for approval.
6. Upload and Submit: Once you’ve filled in all the necessary fields, click “Upload” to submit your images for review.

Make sure you carefully follow each step, as Getty Images reviews all submissions before they are made available for sale. Accuracy in metadata and legal releases can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Review and Approval Process by Getty Images

Once your photos are uploaded, they enter the review and approval process. Getty Images has a team of reviewers who carefully assess your submissions. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Review: Getty Images will check if your photos meet their technical requirements. This includes resolution, composition, and image quality.
• Content Relevance: They will also evaluate whether your photos fit into the types of images that Getty buyers are looking for. Popular categories include business, lifestyle, nature, and technology.
• Metadata and Releases: Getty will review the metadata you provided for each image. They will check if the titles, descriptions, and keywords are accurate and descriptive. If applicable, they’ll verify that you’ve submitted the necessary model or property releases.
• Approval or Rejection: If your photo meets Getty’s standards, it will be approved and added to the marketplace. If not, you’ll receive feedback explaining why the image was rejected. You may have the option to resubmit after making the necessary adjustments.
• Time Frame: The review process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you can monitor the status of your submissions on your contributor dashboard.

It's important to understand that Getty Images has high standards, and only a small percentage of submissions get approved. However, if you consistently upload high-quality, relevant images and follow the guidelines, you can increase your chances of success.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

Getting your photos approved by Getty Images can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some key tips to help you stand out and improve your approval rate:

• Focus on Image Quality: Make sure your photos are sharp, well-lit, and in high resolution. Getty Images values images that are clear and crisp, free from any blurriness or imperfections.
• Stay on Trend: Look for trends in the market and try to capture images that fit those themes. For example, business, lifestyle, and nature-related content is often in high demand.
• Capture Variety: The more variety you offer, the better your chances of approval. Try shooting in different environments, with diverse models, and varying compositions. Getty Images looks for a wide range of content.
• Use Proper Metadata: Be thorough when adding titles, descriptions, and keywords. The more specific and accurate your metadata is, the easier it will be for potential buyers to find your images. Use relevant keywords that align with what people might search for.
• Submit Exclusive Content: Getty Images favors exclusive content. This means that if you submit photos that haven’t been uploaded to other platforms, your chances of approval may improve.
• Avoid Over-Editing: While it’s okay to make basic edits like cropping or adjusting exposure, avoid over-manipulating your images with heavy filters. Getty prefers natural, authentic-looking photos.

By following these tips and continuing to refine your photography skills, you’ll improve the chances that your photos will be approved and eventually sold on Getty Images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that new Getty Images contributors often ask:

• How long does it take for Getty to approve my photos?
  Typically, the review process takes between a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the volume of submissions and the complexity of your images.
• Can I submit photos I’ve already uploaded to other stock agencies?
  No, Getty Images prefers exclusive content. If your photos are available on other stock platforms, they are less likely to be accepted.
• What happens if my photo is rejected?
  If your photo is rejected, Getty will provide feedback. You can either choose to improve the image and resubmit or submit new images for review.
• Do I need a model release for all photos?
  If your photo includes recognizable people or private property, you will need a signed model or property release to submit it to Getty.
• How do I get paid for my images?
  Getty Images pays contributors based on image sales. You can track your earnings through your contributor dashboard, and payments are typically made via bank transfer or PayPal.

These FAQs should help clear up any confusion, but if you have other questions, feel free to explore Getty’s contributor support resources.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Submitting your photos to Getty Images can be a rewarding experience if you follow the right steps and approach the process with care. By creating a strong portfolio, adhering to the contributor guidelines, and taking the time to properly prepare your photos, you can improve your chances of approval and make your work visible to a global audience.

Now that you understand the process, here’s what you can do next:

• Create your Getty Images account: If you haven’t already, sign up as a contributor on Getty Images.
• Prepare your portfolio: Select a collection of your best, high-quality photos that fit Getty’s guidelines.
• Upload your photos: Follow the steps to upload your images, ensuring you add accurate metadata and releases where necessary.
• Monitor your submissions: Keep track of your photos’ approval status and use any feedback to improve your future submissions.

Remember, persistence is key. Keep uploading new photos, refining your technique, and following Getty’s guidelines. Over time, your portfolio will grow, and your chances of approval will increase.