How to get started with stock photography?

Eric Krouse wrote:

You'll get a million different opinions about this, and I'm sure several "stock is dead, dumb, boring, etc." posts. Here's what I wish I knew before entering stock two years ago:

The Microstock Group blog is very useful for ideas, questions, and agency reviews.

Yuri Arcur's online keyword tool is worth millions, and is free!

Keyword your images in Photoshop/Bridge/Lightroom rather than individual agency fields.

The Top Four Micro agencies worth your time are:
Shutterstock
Istockphoto
Fotolia
Dreamstime

Resist the temptation to go exclusive with any agency. You'll leave a lot of money on the table.

Start with Shutterstock, Istock, Dreamstime, Fotolia and 123RF. Shutterstock is rather difficult to get into (took me three tries) but is a big money maker once you get your foot in the door. I'm still to convince Istock that I don't suck

If you run Firefox, install the Picniche toolbar. It pleasantly announces your sales, and keeps you from checking your earnings 20 times a day.

Always enter "ejkrouse" as your referral just kidding. no, really.
--
Eric Krouse
Raleigh, NC
http://www.erickrousephoto.com