Stock Photography Tips

[tandem]

I've been doing a lot of research on stock photography and I think I have most of the legal stuff under control (model releases, property releases, trademarks, etc), and I was looking at stock photography sites. I haven't used one before but liked what I've read about http://www.totallyphotos.com . I have 2 questions:
(1) Has anyone here used this site?
(2) Do you have any general tips for creating good stock photos?

I'm not out to make millions (yet ), but it would be nice to sell one now and then!

 

[pbickle]

With stock photography there is a lot of competition (as you will have probably seen in your research). My advice would be to develop your own style rather than copying what you see.
Of course image quality is important, but my philosophy is that something a little different is what would help you sell. The most popular selling subjects for stock photography are people (although as you mention there is the issue of model releases), but I've had some quite unexpected shots selling (eg a shot of an old rusty padlock).
There are many links with different takes on the business, such as:
http://www.apogeephoto.com/april2005/cborland4_2005.shtml

As for totallyphotos, I have used them for about 6 weeks now and I've found them to be very good. They are small, but growing and seem to have a very good team of photo checkers (who often give very useful feedback).

 

[longleyc]

I checked out http://www.totallyphotos.com and the site looks good.
Somebody said that $25 per High Res image was expensive. I dont think so considering the cost of hiring a phorographer.
That somebody is obviously happy at selling $1 a shot