How To Sell Celebrity Photographs

Step 1: Avoid the crowds

The pictures that fetch the highest prices are those that no one else has got. Don't waste time standing outside a premiere- half of the worlds paparazzi will be there too.

Step 2: do your research

Find out where your local celebrity hangouts are. Study magazines and ask taxi drivers, waiters and doormen who can give you a good idea of where celebrities spend their time. But remember, shots that no-one's got are what pays best, so don't be too obvious.

Step 3: find an angle

If the picture tells a story or catches the celebrity doing something they shouldn't do or wouldn't normally do it'll be worth a lot more. Hang out for the right shot, and remember this when it comes to fixing a price for the photos.

Step 4: Privacy

Be very careful not to invade someone's privacy by trespassing on private property. Most publications won't print the resulting photos and you face prosecution.

Step 5: Find a buyer

There are now lots of international agencies that will buy photos from amateurs and sell them to publications. A simple search on an internet will bring up a number. Remember, they'll take a cut for their services, so if think your picture is important enough, try and sell it to the publications directly.

You can find their details on the internet.

Step 6: Act fast

Whether you go for an agency or publication, act fast. Most photos reduce in value as they become less current.

Step 7: Mark your photo

NEVER text the photos directly to them from the phone. This makes it very difficult for you to establish ownership or copy right. Handy hint: Instead develop your photos as quickly as possible then score them with a knife before scanning them into your computer and emailing them. This way a magazine can't print them but their subject is still visible. Alternatively, a water mark can be added using Photoshop. For speed it is best to email the scored photo to the publication or agency although you can also post them.

Step 8: Negotiate

If you go through an agency, they'll negotiate with different publications to get the going rate. If you're doing it yourself, approach several different potential purchasers. Hopefully, they'll try and out bid each other and you'll make a lot of money

Step 9: Read the small print

Before you enter into any agreement, read the terms and conditions carefully. That way, you'll know exactly how your picture could be used.

Step 10: Scan the papers

After you make a deal with an agency or newspaper, check the papers to make sure it is not being printed more times than has been agreed.

Step 11: Relax

Now that you're celebrity photograph is world famous, relax, and enjoy your earnings.