iChurchPhoto: Christian Stock Photos | for Churches by Churches

Will this be yet another "dead" stock photography site? No. iChurchPhoto.com has budgeted for a massive marketing plan. Currently, the site is gaining momentum through photographers like yourself. But, once iChurchPhoto feels that there are enough high-quality photographs in place we will begin marketing to the masses. There will be no shortage of site-traffic.

Will I know which of my photos is most popular? Yes. Detailed statistics are kept automatically. You can login to the photographer’s area and see real time statistics at any time. Each photo that is viewed is logged into the detail section in your account. Additionally, you can use this area to keep track of your sales.

Do you protect my photos from theft? We dynamically watermark all images on our public server. Surfers and guests view comp images until they pay to download the actual photo - at which point your account is credited for the download. The buyer is then subject to the terms of use.

My photo was rejected, what can I do? Unfortunately we cannot provide details on why a photo was rejected unless we did in the rejection email you received. Since we receive many photos each day, your best bet is to double-check the Photographer FAQ to see if your photo did not match our requirements.

What is the method that I use to submit? You can upload directly on iChurchPhoto within your account in the photographer’s area. After you create an account, instructions are provided inside your account for each method.

Can I upload any photo I want? We have guidelines that determine what photos you can upload into our system for sale. Simply put, your photo should be relevant to the church market, excellent image quality, and widely tasteful. Be sure to search our category list to get a good idea of what should be submitted.

Can I upload a photo that I didn't create? No, we only allow photos that are produced by the contributor.

What are the requirements of an uploaded photo/illustration? Photos must be at least 4MP (4 Million Pixels). To determine the amount of pixels in a photo, multiply the width by the length. For example: a photo which is 2400x1800 adds up to a total of 4.32 million pixels - a photo of this size is valid - however, a photo which is 1000x1600 adds up to a total of 1.6 million pixels which is smaller than our minimum size requirement. Photos and illustrations must also adhere to our Content Guidelines or they will be denied entry into the system. Keep in mind that the larger the photo - the higher the chance of selling it.

Can I change keywords after I upload a photo? Yes - you can. Simply go to your list of approved or pending photos, and click on the edit button for a specific photo. Keep in mind that any modifications to the description, categories, or keywords, will result in the re-queuing of your photo for approval.

How do I know where my photos will be used? You may not know where your photos are used - but buyers must agree to our Terms and Conditions allowing only certain uses per license agreement. A Standard License includes web, print, pamphlets, posters, etc. An Extended License allows buyers to use the photograph in a resalable product such as web templates, postcards, banners, etc.

Is there a limit to the number of photos I can submit in a day? Nope! You can submit 1 or 1,000 - We welcome all of your photos as long as they meet our guidelines.

How do I join as a Photo Submitter? Visit our Signup Page and fill out the required information. Your profile will be entered into a queue which is checked by our iChurchPhoto’s support team. Upon approval, you will receive an email with instructions on how to login and begin uploading your photos.

What file format do you want my photos? We only accept JPEG/JPG files at this time.

How long does it take for photos to be approved? Photos are usually approved within 48 hours. During busy times, it could take a few additional days to get approval for a photo.

Do photos I submit have to be approved? Yes. Our review team will approve/deny uploaded photos within 24-48 hours during normal times. If there are any unnecessary keywords provided for a photo, the photo may be rejected. We reserve the right to edit keywords or photo information in order to make the photo more relevant or “findable” on iChurchPhoto.

Do you accept illustrations or 3D renders? No, we only accept photographs at this time.

Can I remove a photo I submitted? Yes. Any photo you submit can be removed by you at any time. Removal is immediate and not reversible without resubmission.

Does it cost anything to become a submitter? No - We want to pay you! It's free to contribute photos - and you will get paid for each downloaded photo. Our current payout rate is: 25%. After earning at least $50, you will be mailed a check. Checks are mailed once a month on iChurchPhoto’s schedule.

Do I need to create several resized photos to be uploaded? No. Our system automatically created the different sizes that our customers will have access to. You should upload the largest version of the file that you have.

I am currently selling my photos on other sites - is that OK? Yes. iChurchPhoto submission terms are not exclusive; therefore, photos that you submit to iChurchPhoto can also be submitted to other agencies. However, iChurchPhoto may contact photographers to discuss an exclusive arrangement.

I will be scanning my photos - what DPI should I use? The higher the better! We suggest using at least 300 DPI for photos - but you will have to increase the DPI dramatically if you are scanning negatives. Use a DPI to reach a target size of around 3000x4000.

Can I add extra keywords to my images just so they will show up in more searches? You are responsible for choosing keywords for your own images, we do not recommend using a thesaurus. Keyword-spamming (using unrelated words) in order to be included in more searches is against our submission rules. We will disable your account if we find out that you are keyword-spamming. Please see our Submitter Guidelines for clarity on this and other related submitter policies.

Is there a minimum payout? Yes, you must accumulate at least $50 to be paid. All earnings are brought forward into the next pay period until you reach $50, at which time a payout will be issued during iChurchPhoto’s monthly payment schedule. If you close your account before your earnings reach $50, you will forfeit those earnings. The default minimum payout is set to $50.

How often will I be paid? Monthly, checks are sent out for the previous month's payouts. For example: On the 15th of March, payments will be sent for February downloads. If during any period you haven't reached the minimum payout, your earnings will be brought forward to the next pay period.

Do I need to request a payout? No - once you reach $50 in earnings, a check will automatically be cut and mailed to you.

How exactly do you compute payment? Each time a user downloads your photo, your commission is added to your earnings. You will be able to see detailed statistics in the member's area.

What if I don't receive payment? Payments don't go out till mid-month. Checks can take up to 4 weeks to arrive at their destination and 6 weeks if sent internationally. If you still do not have your check six weeks after the end of the calendar month, please contact support and we will send you a new check. We can only reissue payment in the original form of payout.

Does iChurchPhoto accept editorial stock? Yes. If you have an image that's newsworthy, and it contains people, and it doesn't have a release, then you can select 'Editorial, does not need release' at the keywording phase of the submit process.

Will iChurchPhoto subscribers know that the image isn't released? Yes. All editorial photos will have a disclaimer below them indicating that the image may need additional releases to be used in a commercial manner.

How is editorial stock different from commercial stock? Commercial stock images are used in advertisements, promotions, and anything that would endorse a product or service. Editorial stock is a newsworthy account of events.

Why will editorial stock photos be downloaded less? While we cannot guarantee that this will always be true, commercial designers will NOT be able to use your image. Your image will only be able to used by newspapers, magazines, TV, and other news organizations that aren't endorsing a product or service.

Where can I find more information? We found a great description here: http://www.photoaim.com/gen599.html. If you find any others, let us know - so we can add it to this list.

Is a photo with a person without a model release always considered editorial? It can be! However, we would like to keep this category of images newsworthy. Some examples of newsworthy editorial images are: a parade, a speech by a public figure, a missions trip, a crowd in a third-world country, a political demonstration - basically anything you would see in the newspaper that isn't endorsing a product or service.

How do model releases work with editorial stock? You do not need them. News is a separate arena - one where no model releases are needed. However, images with people without model releases will not be downloaded by commercial designers. Therefore, you should obtain a release form whenever possible to increase your sales.

Can I join if I am outside the USA? Yes! As long as you can receive and cash checks by air postal mail, and your pictures are 100% yours, you can join. Checks will be drawn in US dollars - so make sure your bank is capable of cashing this type of check.

Can my images be removed from the site? Yes. iChurchPhoto reserves the right to remove any image from the site, at any time, for any reason.

I have pictures of people from a 3rd world country who cannot sign their name on a release form. Can I upload them? Yes - you must upload these photos as editorial - please indicate it as such when you upload. These photos will be considered editorial/news photos.

How do I get my model/property releases to you? You must email iChurchPhoto any model or property release associated with a photo. The email must contain the exact file name, upload date, and photographer’s account email address associated with the photo in question. We do not accept faxing or snail mailing of model releases. Once the model or property release is received and processed, the photo will be accepted. Please email all releases to support@ichurchphoto.com.

Does every photo I upload require a model/property release? If you do not have a model release, you can upload the photo as an editorial photos. Photos that aren't model released can only be used by editorial designers - they cannot be used by commercial designers. Typically, a photo will be downloaded more if it has a valid model release.

If the picture I submit has myself in it, do I need a model release? Yes - you need to sign a model release yourself.

Where can I download a valid model/property release? Our Legal Documents page contains both an adult and minor (with adult permission) model release.

How do I get a model release for a deceased relative? The next of kin - or a close relative must sign the release on their behalf - Or you can upload the photo as an editorial image.

Does iChurchPhoto accept nudes? We do not accept photographs that could be seen as inappropriate for any age. Please do not attempt to submit such photographs as your user account may be deactivated.