Hi PS Folks, For those that might be interested in the crazy world of MircoStock business here is a small book that I found very helpful- http://www.backyardsilver.com/ Good insight on what to expect and what it takes to make money in this field... Tom

Read 263 times

Reply 

From dogothunder/Tim (6,886) on March 13, 2012 9:10:53 AM CDT Tom, how is your MicroStock journey going, if you don't mind my asking? I know that you've been going at it for a couple of years now I think. Any insights you could offer the community? Cheers! Reply

From tab62/Thomas (4,337) on March 13, 2012 10:38:03 AM CDT Not all Tim. Rough to say the least. I wish I someone to guide me on my journey at the beginning to say the least. March 3rd was my first year in the business thus I have learn a lot! My sales have gone up about 60% in the last few month due to shooting high commercial shots and getting better technically. The book (pdf) that this guy is offering is a huge insight to the business that I wish had been available to me in the beginning. My tips would be for new folks entering the Microstock world- 1. Submit your first 10 pics to the following companies- Shutterstock, iStock, Canstock photo, Veer, 123RF, Folotia, Dreamstime, photodune and see if you get accepted 2. Send photos that have commercial value - people in action (work, home, sports), food, health 3. Send in clean photos- try to not do too much in photoshop 4 Bright photos- the thumbnail must be bright! Lighting has to be balanced 5. Handle rejection well- some companies will not like your style and you have to be able to make adjustments 6. Don't expect to make a killing- it takes time 7. Don't rush out and purchase thousands of dollars to do this business- any decent dSLR camera and a few strobes will do the trick 8. Never Quit! Sometimes you will get all your pics rejected and other times all will be accepted by the editors. For example, the other day I had Veer (Corbis) accept 87/88 of my pics! I approval rate is about 61% there thus I had a great day! 9. Educate, educate , educate - learn to light and composition. Check out the best of the best on Shutterstock and learn from them - don't copy the pics but study them and learn why they are the best 10. Find your niche and shoot the heck out of that area. For example, if you love golf than shot a lot of pics in that area. The advantage is that you have know how the photo is too look realistically thus a huge advantage over others 11. Use real life models- your direct family or friends. Don't use playboy bunnies to portray cleaning the house or working at the office LOL! The buyers will just laugh and say that that bunny has never cleaned a house her entire life! This should be a good dent into the Microstock world Good luck... Tom Reply

From dogothunder/Tim (6,886) on March 13, 2012 10:44:42 PM CDT Thanks for the info Tom. Not sure if Stock is an area that I will pursue, but it's great information nonetheless. I just want to capture one image that sells for $1,000,000. :) As soon as one of those pesky UFO's land in my yard, I'll be golden! Reply

From tab62/Thomas (4,337) on March 13, 2012 10:42:30 AM CDT Just looked at your pics on PS Tim. Your are well balanced in your photos thus a good candidate for the MS world. Here are my thoughts on your pics to make them more successful in the MS companies- 1. More Light- make them brighter. Try to shoot at iso 100 at all times. 2. Get Closer- fill the frame- for example, the golfer pic- get up close and take a shot of the club as it is hitting the ball! Great potential since it shows action. Tom Reply

From bcskier/Arie (6,354) on March 13, 2012 6:51:37 PM CDT 2. Get Closer- fill the frame I've been told not to do that. Graphic designers like to do their own cropping. They often need extra space around the subject for text. Reply

From tab62/Thomas (4,337) on March 13, 2012 9:49:05 PM CDT I agree on objects on white- you have to left space for text. Dreamstime will reject your photos if you leave any extra white or black space around the object they feel the buyer shouldn't pay for space that they can add. Reply

From sheenawilkie/Administrator (0) on March 13, 2012 12:25:33 PM CDT People are always curious about the kind of income one can make at stock these days. Now I know it is impolite to ask, but you've been posting about doing stock photography for a while now so I am dying to know, how much money do you make at stock photography? Like what is your income per month and how many hours do you spend at it? I wonder if it's something that might be worth my while. Reply

From steveheap/Steven (173) on March 13, 2012 3:25:39 PM CDT Hi, I'm new to the forum, so hope I follow the rules. I know Tom and he mentioned this discussion was starting. I've been doing stock photography for four years now and have got my income up to about $15K a year. Not great, but as there are no expenses, and the income continues if I stop shooting, it is not bad! I publish my earnings per site and also how many photos I have online on my blog each month (BackyardSilver.com). For reference, I now have about 2500 images online. It isn't an easy route to wealth, but if you like photography, it is not a bad way to pay for your equipment, trips and similar expenses. Steve Reply

From sheenawilkie/Administrator (0) on March 13, 2012 4:03:25 PM CDT Thanks Steven. I hope you created your account here to participate in the site, not promote your blog and book. I was interested in how much money Tom was making. Reply

From steveheap/Steven (173) on March 13, 2012 5:28:45 PM CDT Yes, I am a keen contributor on a couple of other forums as well - I only heard about this one recently. Steve Reply

From sheenawilkie/Administrator (0) on March 13, 2012 5:30:52 PM CDT Looking forward to seeing your photos and reading your critiques. Welcome. Reply

From steveheap/Steven (173) on March 14, 2012 9:43:14 AM CDT I've started critiquing - I am learning as I go, but hopefully my comments are helpful! Steve Reply

From tab62/Thomas (4,337) on March 13, 2012 9:47:38 PM CDT Initially the pay is horrible - long hours and working for a few dollars a day. I spend about 20 hours per week which includes processing and education- I am now generating about $200 a month just be getting up in the morning- basically went from $10 per month to $200 in one year due to my portfolio getting bigger and better shots. I project to be making from $300 to $600 per month by the end of this year at my current rate. My goal is to generate $2,500 to $5,000 a month within 6 years. Dedication and not quitting my daytime job just yet are key... Reply

Return to forum