My Experience as a Getty Images Stock Photographer
Flash Back Friday: Stock Images from 2009/2010
Stock Photo by David Cordner
As well as being a commercial / corporate photographer I also shot stock pictures for Getty Images which was a fascinating chapter in my career. It gave me the opportunity to push creative boundaries while honing a unique skill set (sorry sounds a bit like Liam Neeson in Taken)—capturing universal yet compelling moments that resonate across industries, audiences, and cultures. Unlike client-specific work, creating for Getty demanded a different mindset: producing images that were both commercially appealing and conceptual, while still maintaining artistic integrity.
From dynamic corporate settings to lifestyle shoots that captured authentic human emotions and interactions, every shoot challenged me to think about storytelling from a global perspective. The process was also an exercise in discipline, as I had to ensure every image met Getty’s stringent technical and creative standards. This experience shaped how I approach my current work, embedding in me a deeper understanding of how visual content can connect with diverse audiences.
Being part of Getty’s vast network meant seeing my work reach corners of the world I could have only dreamed of—appearing on websites, in magazines, and on billboards. Selling images in the high 4 figures was not unusual and the odd 5 figures sale was a real buzz. Sadly those heady days have long gone. It was both humbling and exhilarating to know that my images were helping brands and publications tell their stories. Looking back, my time with Getty not only sharpened my technical and creative skills but also gave me invaluable insights into the global visual content market.
Sadly the photo stock market crashed along with the financial stock market never to return to its former heights.
