Great Escape Publishing

Posted July 2nd, 2019 by Bonnie Caton & filed under Travel Photography.

With the 4th of July holiday just two days away, there are TONS of opportunities for taking new seasonal photos that sell. Get your camera ready, and bring it with you to family gatherings, picnics, barbecues, and all that summer has to offer.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Americans of all kinds.

Photos of Americans—of all colors and creeds—out enjoying the day or doing patriotic things are going to be good sellers on stock sites, and can be great for editorial markets, too. Especially people who look happy and healthy.

2. American Food.

The 4th of July holiday is about freedom and patriotism… but it’s also about enjoying the summer and eating summertime food. Think iconic food, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, etc. Avoid logos and cluttered backgrounds.

3. Fireworks.

Photographing firework shows after dark can be tricky—definitely give it a try with a tripod. But if you want to take some simple photos you can sell, try for sparklers and other small fireworks that happen before dark.

4. Outdoor games.

Cornhole, lawn darts, croquet, bocce ball… take plenty of photos of the outdoor games happening this time of year, including detail shots like this one.

5. Simple summer fun.

Staying cool in the summer heat… enjoying outdoor activities… camping, kayaking, picnicking on the beach, and otherwise being outside are GREAT saleable photo themes you can catch this summer.

Of course, if you’re not in the U.S., apply similar themes to wherever you happen to be in the world.

No matter the season, taking photos that sell is about finding real, simple moments and capturing them with good composition. If you take your camera with you in your daily life, you’ll start seeing these moments everywhere.

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