Comments on: Microstock Update – How the Market has Changed and What That Means For Digital Photography Students

By: Louie

Louie — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:19:29 +0000

Great insights, thanks a lot!

This got me thinking: “If you prefer shooting your own way or highly artistic styles, then think twice before starting with microstock.” If I find that this is true for myself, what other earning venues do you think I can explore? How/where do “artistic styles” earn? I’ve already sold some images via Flickr, but I’m looking to earn more through photography, and hopefully through my current style. (I hope that’s possible!)

I realize the question isn’t really about microstock photography anymore, but I’d appreciate it if you can share some of your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:40:07 +0000

Hello: I contribute now to 3 sites, Shutterstock, Big Stock Photo and Fotolia. Often the photos shown in the newsletters are very creative, with eccentric color balance, blur and other effects. And they say they need more creativity. But when I submit something eccentric I’m rejected for color or other reason related to the eccentricity. Sure, my images may not measure up, but my impression is that the reviewers have a standard checklist which favors a standard response.
I also like to heavily manipulate images in Photoshop and would like to have an agency that accepts such work.

By: Vitezslav Valka

Vitezslav Valka — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:03:50 +0000

Hey, I just came from MicrostocDiaries and this is the same theme So it approves that the situation is changing for sure. And that is what will burry traditional stock even faster.

What scares me, is that Pixmac is understood as Fotolias affiliate only. But we do have our content!

By: Lee Torrens

Lee Torrens — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:38:09 +0000

@gunshe just click my name above my comment and it’ll take you directly there. I’m pleased I could help you.

-Lee

By: Gunshe Ramchandani

Gunshe Ramchandani — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:41:29 +0000

Hi Mr. Lee,
Thanks for your quick & clear response. I am very grateful to you. I would like to be a follower of your blog. Kindly let me know the address.
Thanks once again
Gunshe

By: Lee Torrens

Lee Torrens — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:13:41 +0000

@Gunshe, yes, all microstock agencies are non-exclusive by default. Some have exclusivity options for individual photos or for all your images sold with the ‘Royalty Free’ license model. Unless you tick the box for one of these options (it’ll be super-clear if you do) then you’re free to submit the same photos to multiple agencies.

Most contributors are non-exclusive and believe this enables them to earn more, though most contributors who have gone exclusive with one agency report being happy with their experience.

-Lee

By: Denis

Denis — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:59:03 +0000

Actually, I am a bit confused… if someone (me!) wants to start contributing to microstock websites, with which one should he/she stick?

By: Gunshe Ramchandani

Gunshe Ramchandani — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:12:46 +0000

Hi Lee Torrens,
Your article is superb. I am already contributing to http://www.dreamstime.com, but via your article I came thrua photographer Katrina Brown, who is contributing to more than a dozen agencies(almost the same images). My question is is that allowed & regularly practiced by all photographers? Do let me know.
Thanks in advance
Gunshe

By: Steve Kramer

Steve Kramer — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:31:59 +0000

Please don’t imagine that the great photos that all your friends love have an eager market out there ready to enrich your coffers. Stock photography is a different animal all together. Definitely follow the advice to work smart.
I have garnered meager sales and many frustrating rejections, but my work has improved markedly.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:20:53 +0000

@mystockphoto, thanks for the info I’ll give them a go!