Stock photography
Discussion
A question to those of you who submit your work to stock photography websites. How do you go about selecting images to send? I have held an account with Shutterstock for a couple of years but not even got around to uploading the initial 10 photos they require.
Do you submit photos from your collection that you have taken for other reasons, and decide 'that would make a good stock image', or will you specifically go out to take a batch of stock images on a predetermind subject?
One other question. For example, i have some photos of the New York skyline, which inevitably include the Empire State Building. I have consulted the terms and conditions regarding copyrighted buildings, and cannot figure out if this would fall into the category where copyright would need to be obtained? Obviously, i could send the image and see what the response is from Shutterstock, but any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Do you submit photos from your collection that you have taken for other reasons, and decide 'that would make a good stock image', or will you specifically go out to take a batch of stock images on a predetermind subject?
One other question. For example, i have some photos of the New York skyline, which inevitably include the Empire State Building. I have consulted the terms and conditions regarding copyrighted buildings, and cannot figure out if this would fall into the category where copyright would need to be obtained? Obviously, i could send the image and see what the response is from Shutterstock, but any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
I have around 300 images on six microstock sites and a few on Alamy. I earn between £1,000 - £2,000 per annum, so I'm no expert. What I would suggest is to try a few shots from your "general" collection, but consult Shutterstock's guidance and read the Forum about what to do to increase your chances of acceptance. Landscapes, garden flowers, pets etc. need to be of exceptional standard, because so many 'togs submit these. Many sites (including SS) are notoriously strict about exceptance criteria.
With respect to "copyrighted" buildings, the general rule is that if they form part of larger cityscape they are acceptable. I would certainly advise against submitting these in the Initial 10 though.
Most of my stock earnings come from the images that were specifically "shot for stock". Look at the "best sellers" on the sites to get an idea of what's selling at the moment. Remember too, that most sites only pay out when accumulated funds reach $100.00 or more. I understand that a very large proportion of submitters, never reach a payout!
With respect to "copyrighted" buildings, the general rule is that if they form part of larger cityscape they are acceptable. I would certainly advise against submitting these in the Initial 10 though.
Most of my stock earnings come from the images that were specifically "shot for stock". Look at the "best sellers" on the sites to get an idea of what's selling at the moment. Remember too, that most sites only pay out when accumulated funds reach $100.00 or more. I understand that a very large proportion of submitters, never reach a payout!
Toyless said:
Thinking about, I miss Bob and his hamburger pics...
It was reading Bob's posts that got me really interested in stock. My 5D was the first thing I bought with stock income and I learned a lot as I practiced improving my stock images. I don't submit much now, but when opportunities present, I shoot a few "for stock" shots and submit them. To me, it's a useful part of my photography activities.
I started from scratch in September 2009. Like Ed_P I currently have about 300 pics on a number of agencies and make about £100 a month before tax. It is not going to pay the mortgage but having a goal of making some extra pocket money has certainly helped me improve my camera and Photoshop skills over the past year.
A few months ago I started writing up my beginner tips in a blog. It was not intended to be a blog with regular contributions just an FAQ for total beginners. I still have a few more articles to write but here it is:
microstocker.co.uk
Please let me know if there are FAQ type questions that I have not covered (or plan to cover).
A few months ago I started writing up my beginner tips in a blog. It was not intended to be a blog with regular contributions just an FAQ for total beginners. I still have a few more articles to write but here it is:
microstocker.co.uk
Please let me know if there are FAQ type questions that I have not covered (or plan to cover).
Edited by xrrr on Sunday 1st August 08:53
4hero said:
Veer looks excellent, good returns per shot too 
I haven't used Veer, but for those contemplating a "toe in the water" of microstock, be aware that typical income per sale is generally less than $1.00. I'm averaging $0.70 per sale (before tax) at the moment. Over 75% of my sales are from Shutterstock, iStockphoto, Fotolia and Dreamstime.Just out of interest, Lise Gagne (an exclusive iStock photographer), recently was their first to pass 500,000 downloads. Most sites offer a "premium" if you are "exclusive" to them.
Edited by Ed_P on Monday 2nd August 13:05
Ed_P said:
Toyless said:
Thinking about, I miss Bob and his hamburger pics...
It was reading Bob's posts that got me really interested in stock. My 5D was the first thing I bought with stock income and I learned a lot as I practiced improving my stock images. I don't submit much now, but when opportunities present, I shoot a few "for stock" shots and submit them. To me, it's a useful part of my photography activities.Ed_P said:
Oldred_V8S said:
Off thread, but where is Bob these days? I knew him through his ownership of a V8S and latterly through his interest in food photography.
Doesn't he now post at Phezant Pluckah (or similar), or is that someone different?(Apologies to Phezant Pluckah if I'm wrong!)
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