1. Can I become a contributor?

Yes - anyone can become a contributor. As long as you can take a good photo, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or not.

2. Does it cost anything to become a contributor?

No. We don’t charge to host your images on the site and our commission is only taken after the sale of an image.

3. Can I still use and sell my images if I become a contributor?

Yes and no. All phone images are represented exclusively at Pocketstock, so no. You can, however, continue to use any other submitted images and also sell them on other websites. If you sign up with Pocketstock as an exclusive contributor for these images too, you will get a better royalty rate and not be able to sell these elsewhere either. See Agreements, Exclusive and Non-Exclusive for more information and Exclusive Content Program too.

4. What does the application process involve?

All you have to do is submit at least one image for review (we prefer at least 10, but we are not picky) and if we accept any of your submitted images, you're good to go.

5. Can I use an alias or different name?

Yes as your Member Name.

6. Why do I need to provide ID?

You need to submit a valid form of identification as you are entering into a legally binding agreement. We need to see a photo, your date of birth, full name and address but you are free to black out the actual passport number/ID number if you wish.

7. When can I expect my content to start selling?

Stock photos only sell when people want them, but the best ones are always in demand, so make yours the best. It's advisable not to wait for sales as they may not always come ultra fast, it's a good thing, therefore, to get shooting and uploading more high-quality content to increase your chances of sales. If your images aren’t selling, take a look at the Pocketstock Academy for guidance. Keep your mind sharp and challenge yourself to shoot beautiful, useful stock that will sell and you WILL make money.

8. Can I deactivate a file?

Yes. You can deactivate a file before it goes live by clicking the "delete" link in the "Manage My Images" section. Alternatively, if you want to delete an image that is already live on the site you can do so by sending an email request. Live images take up to 90 days to be deleted.

9. Can I remove all my images from Pocketstock?

Yes. You can submit a request to remove all images from the site as per the terms of our Agreements. Live images take up to 90 days to be deleted.

10. Who owns the copyright to my content?

When you upload your content to Pocketstock, you allow us to licence it to third parties under a Royalty Free licence agreement. Because these third parties never actually buy your image outright, you will always hold the copyright.

11. Can clients resell my content?

No. Our clients are allowed to sell a product with your content as a part of it (i.e. packaging or advertising) but they are forbidden to resell the content itself.

1. How do I upload files?

You can upload files through our website using FTP or the HTML upload.

2. How many images should I include in my initial upload?

We would recommend uploading a maximum of 10 images as you will need to get 1 accepted in order to become approved as a contributor.

3. How many images can I upload once my application is accepted?

There is no limit to the number of images you can upload per day.

4. Should I edit my submissions?

Yes, absolutely! The better the quality of images that you upload, the higher your status in our system and the more images you’ll be allowed to upload. If you don't edit your images properly or send us many similars, they may all be returned and if this becomes a consistent failing you may be disqualified as a member.

5. How long does it take for content to be approved?

All content is subject to our review system to ensure we only deliver the best content. It may therefore take up to 10 days to be approved.

6. Why have I had images that have been unaccepted?

Images are unaccepted for a number of reasons, for example, if the file size is too small, if there's a problem with image quality or if there are logos/trademarks included. We will always let you know if your images have not been accepted for Technical (not sharp, too much noise (grain) etc) or Creative reason (bad crop, not saleable content etc).

1. What is the minimum file size?

The minimum file size we accept is 5MP uncompressed.

2. Which cameras can I use?

You can use any DSLR camera and most pocket cameras. In addition many smart phones now also have cameras which are at least 5MP.

3. Can I upsize image files?

We do not recommend upsizing image files as it affects the image quality and may result in the image being rejected.

4. What format should I upload images in?

Image should be uploaded in JPEG format.

5. Do I need to upload images in different sizes?

No. Just upload the largest file size you have and we will create the smaller file sizes that we require.

1. What kind of images should I upload?

You should upload images that you think will be saleable i.e. usable by someone in a commercial arena.

2. What kind of images does Pocketstock need?

We need high quality commercial photos such as model released images of people, business, travel and concepts. To find out more, check our submission essentials.

3. What kind of content is not accepted?

We do not accept multiple images of the same thing, images which contain trademarks/logos/designs or images with heavy use of side effects. In addition, we do not accept mobile phone images which have been produced using filters such as Instagram which reduce the quality of the image.

4. Can I submit editorial images?

No. We do not currently accept editorial images.

5. Can I submit celebrity images?

No. We do not currently accept celebrity images.

1. What are keywords?

They are significant words or phrases that are used to describe an image and they are sometimes referred to as tags.

2. Do I have to add keywords?

Yes. If your image doesn’t have any keywords attached to it, no one will be able to find that image when they perform a search. Keywords are the most important information you can provide.

3. How many keywords can I use?

There are a minimum of 8 keywords required and a maximum of 40 per image. It is therefore important to make sure that you are using the most important words to describe the image.

4. How do I know which keywords to use?

Keywords need to be accurate and specific. It’s important to think about what’s relevant about the image and what the focus is. Our keywording tool can help with this. Adding inappropriate or erroneous keywords simply makes it harder for clients to find what they’re looking for which is bad for business.

5. What language should I keyword in?

All keywords must be submitted in English.

6. Can I edit my keywords if I’ve made a mistake?

Yes. You can edit your keywords.

7. Do I need to add a description and title as part of the tagging process?

Yes, you do need to add a title and description.

1. What is a model release?

A model release is a legal document signed by the model (or that person’s legal guardian/parent if they are below 18 years of age) which gives permission for the image to be used as outlined in our Terms & Conditions. See Pocketstock Model Release.

2. When do I need model release?

You need a model release for each identifiable person in the photograph. This is not limited to recognizable faces as there can be other identifying features and people can for example be depicted in photographs as well. Each person needs to sign a release.

3. Do I need a model release if I’m the only person in the picture?

Yes. You still need to sign a model release.

4. Do I need a model release for a deceased friend or relative?

Yes. You will need to get permission from the executor of the person’s estate if there is one. If not, then the next of kin would have to sign on their behalf.

5. Can I submit an image that doesn’t have a model release?

You can submit an image without a release but you are limiting how the image can be used as it can only be used editorially and not commercially.

6. Can I use my own model release form?

It is advisable and preferable to use our release form but you can use your own provided it includes the relevant information, specifically, a photo, full name, full contact details, date of birth, date and location of shoot and photographer name. The form then has to be signed and dated by the photographer and model or model’s legal guardian.

1. What is a property release?

It is a legal document signed by the owner of a property confirming that the image can be used commercially. It also extends beyond property and can include personal property such as pets. See Pocketstock Property Release.

2. When do I need a property release?

Generally, you need a release when photographing recognizable properties or details of properties. Anything that can be considered unique or easily recognizable qualifies.

3. What information needs to be included in a property release?

A property release needs to clearly include the following information: name and description of the property, name of the owner or legal representative, title (owner, legal representative etc), date of shoot and photographer name. It must be dated and signed by both the owner and photographer.

4. Can I submit an image that doesn’t have a property release?

It is not advisable to do so as it always best to get permission and it means the image cannot be sold commercially, only editorially, which will restrict potential sales.

1. What is the royalty structure?

It depends whether you are an exclusive or non-exclusive and how many images you have sold, so what Star you are. Full detail can be found here.

2. Is there a minimum payout?

Yes. There is a minimum of $30/£25/€30.

3. How often will I get paid?

Payments are made at the end of every month provided that the royalties due exceed $70/£60/€70. If you don't hit $70/£60/€70, then the royalties simply continue to accrue until such time as you reach the minimum.

4. How will I get paid?

You can decide whether to be paid through PayPal or Moneybookers – just set up an account and let us know the details. Alternatively, if this isn't possible in your country, then we can issue a cheque.

5. What should I do if there are problems with my payout?

If there is a problem you should contact Customer Support and outline the details of your problem.