Hyperlocalists might be familiar with the idea of content syndication, where larger news outlets pay smaller ones for permission to republish (or rebroadcast) their timely hyperlocal news. I’m not sure how often it’s done these days, but given the big push into hyperlocal news, it’s probably a reasonable revenue stream for hyperlocalists to pursue.

But one form of syndication I’d never considered is that of photographic content, and not just shots related to news events. Last week, an art director for a regional magazine requested permission to reprint a photo I’d taken for my former hyperlocal news site. The photo (right) was taken at a fashion show last year, and as it turned out, the magazine was publishing a small blurb about the show’s return to the area.

The best part: The art director offered to pay me a nice fee to reuse my previously published photo.

Moreover, I made myself available to this art director as a stock photography supplier. I’ve got a hard drive loaded with copyrighted pics of street scenes, food from local restaurants, seasonal and recurring events, and of course topical news items that this magazine and other publications might be interested in using. Why not capitalize on existing works.

Admittedly, selling republishing rights to regional magazines might not bring in big bucks immediately, but the magazine industry seems to be recovering from the recession. Also, advertising agencies might be interested in using a hyperlocalist’s photos and video to meet their clients’ needs. And other local businesses might make use of such content for self-produced print, broadcast and online promotional material.

The easiest way to publicize the availability of stock photography is to slap photos on the web, either on Flickr, a hyperlocal news site, a photo blog or some other online venue. The photos (or at least the web pages on which they’re posted) should have search engine-optimized titles that point directly to where and when the pics were taken. And all content should be labeled with a copyright statement and contact information.

I don’t expect to retire from my non-existent day job with income from reuse licenses, but it’s certainly an efficient revenue stream that hyperlocalists should consider.

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  • Tags [photography, professional services, revenue model, syndication]