Finding the new normal in stock photography

The new normal is omnipresent. One might ask if we rapidly transformed it into a marketing buzzword or if it’s still the kind-of-already-but-not-completely-here-yet megatrend caused by the global pandemic Covid19. When pointing out social developments, we must look more closely into our communities and talk to people steering their lives in the direction of their very personal approach to the new normal. 

Lizenzfreie Bilder New Normal

Ironically, in this case, we did not aim to do so. Still, while talking to one of our latest photographers, Sergio Nievas from Ermua in Spain, his development into a stock photographer made us get to that conclusion.

Lizenzfreie Bilder New Normal

Take a closer look at Sergios Portfolio!

But let’s start with how Sergio got into photography in the first place. He discovered his passion for photography at the age of 30. When everybody argued whether Canon or Nikon is the choice to go with, Sergio chose a nice Pentax camera to start his visual vocation. Working with cars and spare parts for over 20 years, Sergio knew how to solve individual problems and how to do so quickly. This he implemented into his photography skills. With his love for sports and working out, it was apparent to him what he likes to photograph the most: people and movements, some fast and some slow. Choosing event photography, sports, weddings, etc., can be a tricky choice as there often is a lack of time to compose or set up a shot. A perfect match for his skillset. After his employer asked to transfer to another company location, Sergio chose to quit his job and entirely focus on freelance photography, giving him freedom and the possibility to remain in his habitat.

A new perspective

Coming back to “new normal”: While most of Sergio’s work depended on people gathering in larger groups, the Covid19 pandemic evolved into his nemesis. Lockdowns and no crowds for an unknown time let the pandemic become his professional nemesis. This is where stock photography came into the picture. As Sergio often considered joining the market of royalty-free images, he now found the time to put together the needed things – time, productions, and commissions. The journey into a new way of working began, a new normal.

Lizenzfreie Bilder New Normal

So far, Sergio’s portfolio appears to be a visual recap of life in lockdown: people at home, workouts, the new-found love for nature, and medical images. While his passion for jobs in the broader public remains, he adapted to the situation, and his commissions are at the ravages of time. “Stock photography fascinates me much more than everything I did previously. I take the photos I want when I want and with the models that I choose,” he points out. Today he distributes 90 % of his work through Westend61 and is looking to make stock photography his primary source of income.

Lizenzfreie Bilder New Normal

Once the pandemic regulations are entirely lifted, he is looking forward to a long, long party with his friends celebrating life. We are sure he will also celebrate his new normal, which he found—a home in the world of stock photography and the community of Westend61.

Sebastian Bentzin

For over ten years Sebastian works in the digital media field. The Hamburg-based social media manager combines his professional background with his interest in photography contributing to the Westend61 outlets.