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Where visionary photographers break the rules, build legacy, and get paid to bring their wildest visions to life.

YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO SHOOT SAFE.

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WELCOME TO

The Index,

the contributor side of The Stock Market where boundary-pushing photographers shape the future of visual content.

We’re not here to create fluff. We’re here to build bold, editorial-style stock collections that help brands stand out. That means working with photographers who have vision, style, and something to say. Whether you're shooting digital, film, or a bit of both — if you’ve got a creative edge, we want to hear from you.

Our vision is clear…

To reshape the stock industry with intentionally crafted, high-end visuals

✔

To elevate what’s possible for brands who care about art, story, and strategy

✔

To build a platform where photographers can push creative limits and get paid for their talent

✔

So what does this actually look like?

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We work with selected photographers to produce curated, cohesive collections — typically 25–30 images. Each collection tells a story — whether it’s quiet and poetic or loud and unignorable.

Two ways to collaborate

All contributors begin with a beta round (paid flat rate). If we’re a strong fit, we’ll explore future opportunities — including fully funded shoots, creative direction, and travel-based projects.

We allocate budget for props, models, venues, film, and other production needs.

This is a true partnership — and we treat you like the creative professional you are.

Pitch a concept — Got an idea you’re dying to shoot? Submit it. If it aligns, we’ll fund it.

Choose a brief — Prefer to be guided? We’ll share concepts you can execute in your own style.

Ready to submit your application?

Please read the Photographer FAQ below before submitting your application. You’ll be asked to confirm you’ve reviewed it before sending.

For our photographers, let’s answer all your questions.

  • No. Once submitted and approved, all imagery becomes licensed to The Stock Market with full commercial rights. You may not resell, redistribute, or reuse the images elsewhere.

    (This ensures our members are receiving exclusive, high-integrity content.)

  • Yes, all photographers begin with a beta round — a trial collaboration to produce one full collection (typically 25–30 cohesive, editorial-style images).

    You’ll receive a flat rate fee, agreed upon before the project begins. This round allows us to assess creative alignment, communication, and how well your work fits within our visual standards.

    If it’s a strong match, we’ll explore ongoing opportunities, including:

    • Paid commissioned collections

    • Travel-based shoots

    • Art direction roles

    • Deeper creative partnership

  • Yes — and we highly encourage it. You’ll have two options:

    • Pitch your own concept: If it aligns with our vision, we’ll fund it.

    • Shoot from one of our briefs: We’ll send curated concepts that match your style.

    All projects are shot with the intent to create cohesive collections — not just a random gallery of images.

  • We are drawn to visuals that are:

    • Cool-toned, crisp, and editorial

    • Refined and intentional, not overly styled or overly saturated

    • Full of story and subtle luxury

    We love:

    • Detail shots — product textures, hands, fabric, light leaks, and movement

    • Editorial storytelling — lifestyle or fashion-led with visual direction

    • Creative angles and framing — not overly centered or static

    • Conceptual work — especially collections with cultural, emotional, or seasonal depth

  • Please don’t send us:

    • Overly warm or filtered imagery

    • Cliché or generic "stock" poses

    • Flat compositions or stiff expressions

    • Mismatched or jarring editing

  • Either — or both. We love both formats, as long as the vision and execution are strong.

  • Yes, for portfolio use only. You may:

    • Share your collection on your website or social media

    • Tag @thestockmarket.co or credit as directed

    • Use images in a personal portfolio or creative resume

    You may not:

    • License, sell, or distribute the images elsewhere

    • Use the content for clients, brands, or other stock platforms

    (Please note you will not be allowed to showcase the images until after the collection is released publicly)

  • Yes. For each approved shoot (including beta), we offer a pre-determined budget to cover:

    • Models

    • Props

    • Film and development

    • Location fees

  • Absolutely. We work with contributors around the globe and are always open to new perspectives.

  • Sometimes. We’re open to reviewing pre-shot or previously unpublished collections if they align closely with our visual standards, licensing needs, and collection format.

    That said, most of our collaborations are concept-led and created specifically for The Index. We prioritize original, exclusive work that’s intentionally shot with the collection in mind (25–30 cohesive images, strong narrative, consistent editing).

    If you’re submitting a pre-shot collection:

    • It must not be licensed, sold, or distributed elsewhere

    • It must be exclusive to The Stock Market

    • It should feel editorial, refined, and aligned with our aesthetic

    If you’re unsure, submit the work and we’ll let you know if it’s a fit.