Commercial vs. Editorial Photos on Shutterstock

How can you upload images of people and buildings on Shutterstock or other stock photography agencies without a model or property release? This is the most frequently asked question on my KZbin channel so I figured it's time to make an in-depth video about it.
Yes - you can upload images of people and places without a release form as microstock - under certain conditions! In this video, I talk about the differences between commercial and editorial photos and what restrictions are in place for each of them. There are a number of rules, usage terms and conditions that you need to know about each of them.
Shutterstock has further information here: www.shuttersto...
And here: www.shuttersto...
Whether you upload to iStockPhoto, Getty Images, Alamy, Colourbox or any other stock photography agency or website, similar rules will apply.
My super awesome camera shirt: amzn.to/2RE79Je
Let's connect on Instagram! / nicolesglass
SIGN UP as a Shutterstock contributor (if you haven't already): submit.shutter...
My gear:
My camera - Canon 5D Mark IV: amzn.to/2LTFOwT
Canon 16-35mm lens (awesome wide angle): amzn.to/2Jsstx4
Canon 70-200 zoom lens (great for events): amzn.to/2Jms9A5
Canon 85mm 1.2 (my FAVORITE portrait lens): amzn.to/2kEuV5I
Canon 85mm 1.8 (a cheaper alternative): amzn.to/2LQMAnk
Canon 50mm 1.4 (second favorite portrait lens): amzn.to/2sAuKvN
DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone: amzn.to/2spNwqq
DJI Mavic Air (my mini drone): amzn.to/2Rx8YYB
My favorite drone backpack: amzn.to/2snNE9M
ND filters for my drone: amzn.to/2LPmS2x
GoPro Hero6: amzn.to/2LemFEF

[@darrengreen3984]

I've been in stock for many years and just discovered you on KZbin. You are by far one of the most educational and interesting artists on here, so sick of all the 'Hey hey whats up KZbinrs?' types. Also I think we have the same love for Beanie hats. Please keep up this fabulous channel.

[@NicoleGlass]

Aww thanks so much! That means a lot coming from an experienced stock photographer :) And yeah... I love beanies. And I think my head looks a lot better on camera when it has a beanie on it. Lol.

[@PeasLovePineapples]

I'm Obsessed with beanies too

[@khizarabid8414]

Lovely Video clip! Apologies for the intrusion, I am interested in your opinion. Have you heard about - Rozardner Spirit Activation Reality (search on google)? It is a good one of a kind guide for discovering the secrets of human anatomy and physiology in 3 days or less minus the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my m8 after many years got astronomical success with it.

[@michaelmarfell7442]

As a stock photographer I found Nicole's video spot on, and great advice for anyone wanting to jump into the business.

[@HollywoodConnection-JAST]

I agree.... and also a question I have for stock photography... I shot a father and son standing on a rock near the ocean with the sun and sky in the background. Their faces were Shiloutted out. And the shot was on state property (A state park) so perhaps it is protected under 1st amendment as News (in U.S.). Perhaps editorial? And could it be sold as commercial since they are not identifiable (no model releases, just a random shiloutte shot) By including the shoot details with the images, it might help answer their questions when they are determining whether or not they accept the photo (or not)... And my production notes obviously wouldn't be visible to the public if accepted. Thoughts?

[@michaelmarfell4690]

As stock photographer there a lot of depends when it come to shooting people in public. If you are shooting someone and they are the subject of the composition you need a release. If they can easily be identified, you need a release. Id have to see your grayed out image to see if there’s any issues that may be a concern. I have plenty of public image where people are present in a public setting where their backs turned in some action shot. Example would be a person on a bike riding away from me. I have no issues selling this images commercially on Getty or Shutterstock. I need to remove any copyrighted logos they may be wearing. Contact me directly if you have any questions.

[@Moodboard39]

⁠@@HollywoodConnection-JASTZIf not private property....could be used as edit

[@Moodboard39]

@@michaelmarfell4690no, incoorect. U need a model release you using for commercial purposes. Other than that, no.

[@TripHacksDC]

Super helpful! I've always wondered why some photos without people (like a photo with cars) are marked editorial. Now I know.

[@NicoleGlass]

Yes! It can be confusing at first. Whenever I'm in doubt, I upload as editorial.

[@KPleader1]

I just started on Shutterstock, thank you for this video. Subscribing right now :)

[@NicoleGlass]

I hope all these videos are helpful to you!

[@LifetheWildRide]

Thank you, I am just getting started and was trying to figure out why so many were getting denied. I was just missing the details thanks again a very helpful video.

[@hernanbarski814]

Really appreciate our videos, very clear, to the point. THANK YOU.

[@paulknights3701]

Thanks Nicole. As a newbie to uploading video stock I find myself being directed to a number of your great tutorials/insights/tips on the subject. They are very informative and explained in a very honest, open and friendly manner. Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@Solonomadjourneys]

Thank you soooo much. This video was gold. There is one thing that I don't understand is why all the time I had pictures rejected for having people or recognizable buildings on them, they didn't just tell me to upload them as non-editorial, instead of asking me a release.

[@NicoleGlass]

Hey Isabella, I'm glad this helped you :) I'm just getting back from China and finally have uncensored Internet again. Appreciate the kind words.

[@huzeyfemahmut5045]

I would like to thank you in a special way .. I dont know how .. but really a bunch of thanks from the deep of my heart dear 🌹🌹

[@NicoleGlass]

I'm glad it was helpful to you!

[@erikh9991]

I googled it and now I think understand the difference. Editorial is like here is a story or paper and to add visual aide, here is an editorial picture. Whereas a commercial to me you would put it on something you want to sell, like a T-shirt. Hence, if I was going to investing money into a T-shirt company, I would probably have the budget to get a professional photographer with a real release for the artwork. I am sure there are many more PowerPoint slides that need artwork than "T-shirt" companies.

[@bretthaddock8954]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this subject.

[@NicoleGlass]

You're welcome, I hope it was helpful!

[@fatimasaleem3733]

Thanks Nicole by giving Better understanding of Commercial and editorials very good explanation.

[@NicoleGlass]

I'm glad you found it helpful :)

[@tuckerhoranmedia]

Been into stock for about 2 years now, I used to use your shutterstock ftp video as reference ALL the time, finally dropped you a sub!

[@NicoleGlass]

aw thanks! :)

[@calebgondo6466]

I love your videos, Nicole Glass, your expectations are very clear and straight to the point, keep it up.

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@angeliquem.j.simard8437]

Your videos are excellent. The content is so useful, I love the barely noticeable music in this one, your fashion sense works and the videos are polished yet warm.

[@thattravellingguy]

Thank you Nicole, this was very helpful.

[@sardonicsophisticate3974]

Thanks for your great tips. I’ve recently started uploading editorial photos on shutter stock and I’m amazed how much better these photos are selling versus my commercial images. For some reason I was completely neglecting this category for too long. For future videos where you tell us which of you photos are selling, please let us know if it’s listed as commercial or editorial. For example your ghost tour lantern.

[@NicoleGlass]

That's awesome! I was like you when I first started out too. But then when I discovered the world of editorial photos, everything changed and there was so much more opportunity for me to be creative. I'll keep your suggestion in mind. But for the videos I've already uploaded, you can always look up my images and see what they are :)

[@siupofu8036]

черный магазин shutterstock is a black shop I bought a five-picture package from you for US49. I downloaded three pictures for the first time. When I downloaded the second time, you didn't show any price or it was different from the package I bought or prompted to download it, and my credit card was automatically charged. After the second US199, the credit card monthly statement was sent after the discovery. When registering an account, a credit card was naturally bound and different prices were mixed into the package I bought, but I didn’t know the situation and downloaded it, that is to say, your website design is a trap, and you don’t care about goodwill to protect your own interests. Now you send an email to express no. Refund, I suspect you are a black shop.

[@abhinavohri1428]

Good video with all required content. Properly answered all my queries in mind. Thanks

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad to hear that!

[@megakiller8868]

Found your channel last night and you know what its actually quite helpful! No lengthy discussions, and some really nice pointers in them. So thanks as you earned another subscriber.

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you find it helpful! :)

[@richardandlinda5309]

Just uploaded my first photos today. You absolutely answered my question about this issue. Thanks

[@NicoleGlass]

Sure thing, glad you found it helpful!

[@keithjohnson5398]

Hadn't noticed that option as I've recently explored various stock sales sites, good to know. Perhaps I'll give it a try now. I've shot editorial for many years.

[@NicoleGlass]

Go for it! :)

[@benmoore4008]

Nicole....you are AWESOME! 😎

[@NicoleGlass]

*making me blush* thanks!

[@evanmurnighan]

Recently found your channel and I am thrilled!! I’ll be doing a lot of binge watching 😃

[@NicoleGlass]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy :)

[@animalsareawesome7515]

Hey there. You are doing a great job. Really enjoy your videos. Very informative and enjoy your style.

[@MK-mu1yg]

your explanation is too much better...

[@iandavis1355]

Great stuff Nicole, many thanks. BTW, I really like your straight-ahead, conversational style of dialogue and not the typical "Wassup.....let's get at it" banter seen with many KZbinrs. I've now watched a few of your videos and found them friendly, professional, informative and to the point. You have another subscriber . . . cheers!

[@NicoleGlass]

Hey Ian, thanks so much! Just getting back from China and finally have access to KZbin again :) Appreciate the kind words.

[@lctrail]

Great vid, Thx! I know, one time I made $25 on an editorial! Crazy. Usually I make $. 33 per sale. I'm glad you made this bc it is a good reminder that I really should work on editorial more??

[@NicoleGlass]

Hi Leigh, yes, you can definitely make $ from them! I woke up once and had about 15 of my editorial images (from the same shoot) downloaded for $37 each. It added up... :)

[@BrettHondow]

Thanks for the tips, most helpful. I didn't know not to alter the scene in editorial images and have sometimes removed something I found intrusive in the image like light poles, power lines, electric boxes on buildings etc. Even blurring out licence plates. I will know not to do that in the future. :)

[@jst4curiosity704]

I just uploaded a bunch of images of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Festival, held Saturday, June 22, 2019 as editorial items. Thanks for this important distinction of how images must be submitted and the requirements for each! Great stuff!!! You've inspired me think of composition, layout, subject and purpose for everyday things I come across which may be of interest to others.

[@MoniJohnson]

Awesome info. You just saved me A LOT of trouble.

[@dominiondisc5240]

Thanks Nicole ... very informative .. been crazy about "editorial" and "commercial" .. and got some rejections bcoz of that LoL..

[@NicoleGlass]

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be so fast at it and you won't be getting many rejections anymore :)

[@TrickiKnow]

Thank you so much

[@kineticbe]

That explains it. Been looking for this kind of explenation for a while now. Thanks Nicole!

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad you found it helpful :)

[@CindyVine]

I'm enjoying your videos, been going on a watching binge. Lots of useful info. Thanks!

[@NicoleGlass]

Hey Cindy, thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying them 😊

[@markosborn3079]

Thanks for this, it’s really helpful for those of us just starting out in stock! Really appreciate this content 👍

[@NicoleGlass]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you find it helpful :)

[@motoTomislav]

i love your videos, your voice and simplicity...you are great, thx :)

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!

[@deepaksharma01041990]

Thankyou mam.. Its very help to understand diff. Between com. And edt.

[@adoun7]

I knew now why many of my photos were rejected ... Thank you.

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad this was helpful!

[@maxsummers]

Just found your channel and it's very helpful! I looked into this last year and uploaded just 13 old pictures I had and sold 1 the next day! But for various reasons I ended up not uploading more and forgot about it... Came back to it now and decided to really invest some time going through the 10+ years of travel pictures I have (from 29 countries) and gonna finally use thousands of photos I never did anything with. Last year I uploaded as commercial, but doing some research, and with your video, I think for my travel pictures I'll go with editorial! Anyway, thanks for the info and will subscribe from now on!

[@maxsummers]

came back to say that after posting this comment I upload 100 photos of Iceland, they got approved this momrning and two hours later 1 photo was sold!! So now I've got a grand total of 2 photos sold on Shutterstock... I am $0,50 richer! ha! I know it's nothing, but I'm happy! For me it shows that I can sell on Shutterstock, I just need to keep learning and experimenting with it! Your channel is helping a lot! Thanks!

[@NicoleGlass]

Hey Dani, congrats on your first sale! I hope you have fun with this :) It takes a while to build up your portfolio but now is definitely a good time to start doing that. All the best!

[@karwanekamran]

Your videos have helped me a lot. Thank you very much Nicole.

[@NicoleGlass]

You're welcome :)

[@filmingfamily]

thanks for super simple explanation, Nicole! (I don't like reading usually long rules of the game on their website) I am excited to start with editorial images because my frustration was always with all these releases. Even though I had a release for example when photographing my family, my kids were wearing some t-shirt with recognizable Micky Mouse or something and I was screwed :) thanks for doing these videos, I appreciate it!

[@deceptiontoday1871]

Have been struggeling with that issue of not having a permission release. Now i know whats the problem and why some of my photos got rejected. Thanks for the videos :)

[@NicoleGlass]

Sure thing, glad that it helped you make sense of it :)

[@alanpereira9076]

Very useful!

[@stulora3172]

Probably the most informative and useful channel about stock photography. Also cool shirts, not only in this clip ;)

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much! :) I do love dressing the part, haha.

[@ianpearson8567]

Thank you for all the infomation you have given, it have opened my mind a bit more to what areas I could learn to expand my photography, I have been told by some people that I have an natural eye for this, but it is what I believe what I see. I know every one see's different from everything but it is what you can cover that may make the differance in that you do, I will be watching more of what you do to learn more so please keep it up.

[@joicenyc]

Thank you for sharing. I learn a lot from your video.

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad to hear that :)

[@waseemarslan6254]

thankyou so much for clear, That where, and what, I can make and upload! thankyou !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NicoleGlass]

You're very welcome!

[@CarlosMinay]

Ok, after watching many of your videos I decided to give it a try to the stock photography world, created my acc with your referal link, lets hope everything goes well!! Nice videos and thanks for the advices!

[@NicoleGlass]

Happy to hear that! Just remember it takes a lot of initial work and patience (like anything in life), but you can definitely get to a point where it's worth it for you :)

[@sabirhadayat6170]

I really inspired by your information video's Thanks you very much..

[@raycloud01]

You really helped too many people like me, thank you very much! Already subscribed.

[@nuwansilva2505]

Thank you Nicole!! ❤️

[@NicoleGlass]

Any time!

[@MatthewBartolome]

I gave you another comment about this in one of your newer videos. HAHA thank you for the answer I was looking for.

[@NicoleGlass]

lol it’s okay... I still get this comment several times a day 😅

[@suryakantupadhyay5960]

Love from INDIA. I, really like your videos. And its very helphul for me

[@NicoleGlass]

Happy to hear that!

[@u40fit33]

It’s really helpful Nicole

[@marianonocetti377]

So helpful advises Nicole!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@NicoleGlass]

Sure thing! 😊

[@Catapults4U]

Watched a few of your videos now. All are well presented and informative and relevant. Keep up the good work!

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much :)

[@allrounder4367]

TQ 😍 for sharing such a great content ,really enlighted my mind 😍

[@charleslim77]

hai Nicole, thx for advicing us about shutterstock.. that really help me

[@charleslim77]

i looked through the non editorial photos and all of it has an very good composition and edit process.. i wonder if i can compete with them, and my recent thinking that, what if i upload all my photos to editorial? and of course i'll put context in my future shooting list thx

[@NicoleGlass]

Hey Charles, you're right: there are a lot of amazing commercial images out there and it's very difficult to compete in saturated categories. That's why I think I personally have a lot of luck with editorial images. Check out my video with a Shutterstock customer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5KxgH2oq7ejfbM He talks about the types of photos he wishes more photographers would upload. Lots of good insights from him.

[@the1stJabneel]

Just getting into stock photography myself, so this was super helpful. Thank you

[@NicoleGlass]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful :)

[@Wenerrix]

Thank you so much Nicole. You just answered my question that have stuck in my brain for like weeks. Thanks for your educational video. I just subscribed. Cheers 👍🏻

[@prynner]

thanks I love your presentation, no bullshit, good presentation style, no trying to be funny and very informative

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much! Although sometimes I wish I was a little better at being funny. Lol.

[@Aslowfade]

Great advice , I would just add that be prepared to miss what you think is a deadline for editorial content . You might take a snap of something that is going to happen in 3 or four days but the photo may take longer than that to be reviewed . This has happened to me a few times and the photos become out of date before being cleared for use.

[@NicoleGlass]

Yes good point! Shutterstock used to be faster but they have become quite slow to approve images these days :(

[@lawrencegleason4666]

Went back to look at this ancient bit of video, it being seven months old, a Great Redwood's age in internet years. Muchos gracias, as they say in Flin Flon.

[@NicoleGlass]

Haha yes I’d like to think my videos have improved since then! Glad you still got some value 😊

[@sabirhadayat6170]

Thanks for all the information.. Because I'm new user's from Pakistan

[@narutosaske6535]

So helpful, many thanks

[@kaustubh09]

that example helps a lot for me, thanks! 😅

[@morty_dk]

Thanks Nichole, you actually got me interested in stock photography with your videos, and this is probably very nice to know! 😁 I also have to look up the Danish laws on this in addition to Shutterstocks! 😎🤘

[@NicoleGlass]

That's great! I know it's a little bit trickier in Europe now with the new data protection laws, unfortunately.

[@JollyKitchenwithKiet]

Thanks so much for the explanation. I've been having searching for proper explanation for a long time.

[@NicoleGlass]

You're welcome :) I'm glad it helps!

[@yunuensan6434]

Gracias por compartir tu conocimiento

[@ferik.-aerodron1854]

Excellent video thanks for sharing

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks for watching!

[@leilahijazi6313]

Thank you. It was very helpful for me❤

[@KrasimiraStoeva]

Thanks for the very informative video! I still struggle to fully understand the editorial photos. In Plovdiv last week there was a free to attend event organized by the Indonesian embassy for popularization of their new capital. It was at the Roman Theater - a place that is usually visited with tickets and there is a fee if you want to shoot for example a wedding photoshoot there. But the place is used for many free events like this one. So that`s what happened - Alamy took the photos, Shutterstock wants press credentials (that I don't have and I`m not sure how that works in Bulgaria) and Pond5 wants a property release (that obviously there is no way to obtain). These photos are not so important for me but I want to clarify for myself if I can shoot other events at the same place.

[@NicoleGlass]

Sometimes it helps if you put "free public event" in the caption somewhere so that it's clear to whoever is approving the content that this was indeed free and public.

[@KrasimiraStoeva]

@@NicoleGlass Hi, thanks for the reply! It seems that is the case. There is no box to check in Pond5 for Editorial content but I wrote a note for the curator and uploaded the pictures again.

[@Moodboard39]

⁠shutterstock seem too damn picky... Take money money than alamy

[@Maros_Mari]

Great useful info. Many thanks. I want to encourage you to continue, it is good content thanks to your willingness to share.

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks so much Maros!

[@tskjesusfreak]

Thanks! Editorial is the easier way! Yeah!!! Thanks Nicole!

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad this was useful :)

[@sherazphotography777]

cheers for the video getting lot of rejection on my images at the moment

[@NicoleGlass]

sorry to hear... do you use other stock platforms as well?

[@sherazphotography777]

Yep Getty images doesn't give me any problem but shutter stock is hard

[@jasnaivankovic]

Thank you so much! I love your videos!

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad you like them!

[@SkyLandVisuals]

Great video...Thank you!

[@ERUKIChannel]

Thank you for the explanation, very helpful, greetings from Indonesia, I just started uploading some photos on Shutterstock

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@rocus80m]

Thanks Nicole! Great stuff

[@NicoleGlass]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@rocus80m]

@@NicoleGlass hey can I ask you a question regarding only one picture why its getting declined from shutterstock? I dont know who to ask else :/

[@NicoleGlass]

@@rocus80m What is your rejection reason?

[@rocus80m]

@@NicoleGlass Initelectual Property - I dont see anything there which might fit this criteria :/

[@NicoleGlass]

@@rocus80m What is the picture of?

[@jhonathansaputra3072]

I've been wondering, thanks for the explanation 😉

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad it helped :)

[@davidserrano3601]

Thank you so much for this!

[@NicoleGlass]

Hope it was helpful!

[@KVergot]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@NicoleGlass]

sure thing!

[@lawrencehammersley4945]

Thank you once again

[@mosephina]

Hi Nicole...informative, thank you. Who would have a non commercial need for a branded product, such as Mountain Dew bottles? When I think of editorial, I seem to only think of news organizations. Please help expand my definition/understanding of organizations that utilize editorial images. When I google a similar question, I see only the definition of, where to acquire, and warnings about usage. thank you for your time

[@NicoleGlass]

I can only guess, because Shutterstock does not inform me where they are being used. E-books, blogs, magazines, newsletters, books, social media... just a few ideas. And honestly, there's always the chance that a buyer is using the image incorrectly. That can happen too.

[@herodot86]

you´re the best Nicole ;)

[@nirbhaydalmia6183]

Thank you so much ma'am. This was a much needed video for me. Love your videos.🙂

[@NicoleGlass]

Thank you :)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I would be interested in a video where you go through a batch of photos, classifying their suited purpose, the PP you do (and why)

[@NicoleGlass]

Thanks for the video suggestion!

[@ReformationsGlassArt]

yes - i too would love to see this :)

[@ericw2010a]

This video was very helpful. I enjoy this channel!

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad to hear that :)

[@WarrenWalksNYC]

Excellent description. Thank you.

[@zoranpetrovic1405]

Thanks a lot for this and many other videos, Nicole. You are amazing! ;-)

[@DreamLand20]

Thanks for sharing. Vrery useful.Subscribed👏

[@a.i.dimmer4616]

nice content,ill make use of my cameras now

[@NicoleGlass]

:)

[@joem1481]

Thanks for this video. I’m am shooting photos for fun but was looking to load to shutter stock.

[@NicoleGlass]

That's how it all begins! :)

[@TheAdventureTravelers]

You rock! Really appreciate all you do. It helps quite a bit. Now, of course, I have to watch all of your videos :-)

[@NicoleGlass]

Aww thanks 😊

[@yohangunathunga552]

Thank you soo much for the great video 👍👍

[@NicoleGlass]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yohangunathunga552]

@@NicoleGlass yeehh learn so many things from the video 👍👍

[@Moodboard39]

Pretty good information

[@JuneK618]

As usual thanks for sharing such great content!

[@NicoleGlass]

No problem, thanks for watching:)

[@wavestring21]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@albelarajasthann]

very nice i am already on shutterstock thanks for ur sharp ideas

[@johnmontana18]

Getty seems tight on editorial. Wanted property and model releases when I was out taking photos of cowboys on a private ranch. There was no signs or advertising for the ranch. I have stayed away from editorial since that cause I have no idea what their rules are and what they will accept. Thank you for your information.

[@siupofu8036]

чорний магазин shutterstock is a black shop I bought a five-picture package from you for US49. I downloaded three pictures for the first time. When I downloaded the second time, you didn't show any price or it was different from the package I bought or prompted to download it, and my credit card was automatically charged. After the second US199, the credit card monthly statement was sent after the discovery. When registering an account, a credit card was naturally bound and different prices were mixed into the package I bought, but I didn’t know the situation and downloaded it, that is to say, your website design is a trap, and you don’t care about goodwill to protect your own interests. Now you send an email to express no. Refund, I suspect you are a black shop.