Keywording Guidelines
Submission Requirements
Adding relevant keywords is essential for making your photos searchable and increasing their chances of being found and purchased. We recommend adding at least five appropriate keywords to each of your images to maximize exposure.
How to Choose the Best Keywords:
Stick to the Basics:
Start with the most obvious aspects of the photo. Describe who, what, where, and when clearly. Keep keywords factual and directly relevant to what’s visible in the image.Use Conceptual Keywords:
Once you’ve covered the basics, include conceptual terms (e.g., emotions, themes) if they are evident in the image. Avoid abstract ideas that aren't easily understood from the photo.Think Like a Buyer:
Buyers search for both broad subjects and specific themes. Include a mix of general and detailed keywords to describe your content comprehensively.Avoid Keyword Spamming:
Only use keywords that are relevant. For example, a photo of the Eiffel Tower should not have keywords like “New York” or “London.” Avoid tagging images with unrelated details like camera gear or lens models.
Suggestions Based on Image Content:
For Images Without People:
- Composition & Style:
Keywords like Cropped, Vertical, Silhouette can describe layout and style. - Location & Time:
Add keywords related to continent, city, interior/exterior, or time of day.
For Animal & Nature Images:
Include both common and scientific names (e.g., Dog, Golden Retriever) and any distinctive features like stripes or colors.
For Food & Drink:
Use keywords like Breakfast, Beverage, Fruit or get specific with terms like Cappuccino. Add concepts like Organic sparingly.
For People-Based Images:
- Age, Ethnicity, and Gender:
Combine age and gender (e.g., Senior woman, Baby boy), and specify ethnicity. - Actions & Events:
Include keywords like Jogging, Wedding, Birthday for relevant activities or occasions.
Adding thoughtful and descriptive keywords will help buyers easily find your work. This simple task gives your photos the visibility they deserve.