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Author Topic: Uploading to big 4 (stopping exclusivity)  (Read 23943 times)

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Mactrunk

« on: July 02, 2012, 06:40 »
0
I've finally made the big step and ended my exclusivity at Dreamstime. I can now start selling from the 25th of this month on other sites and I am already uploading my portfolio on other sites. At shutterstock I will put them on hold. At Fotolia I will keyword them and then save them to finish later so I hope I can have 300+ images online at Shutterstock, Istock, Fotolia an Dreamstime at the end or half of next month. Those have my priority but I am also approved at Depositphotos and 123RF. I still have to make an account for Bigstock and I think that will be it. 7 should be enough.

I have been searching allot online. On this website and on online blogs and what I can see is that most people make 3 to 4 times what they make on Dreamstime. I am used to sell as an exclusive member and what I hear from other members that left the exclusivity, they make about 50% to 60% of what they used to so I am counting on 50% which would make my new average $55 at Dreamstime.

IF my port starts selling it SHOULD(?) make me 3 to 4 times that amount only on Shutterstock? I want to be on the save side so lets say 3 times.

I know that there are Poll results on the side but I would like to hear what your personal experiences are. I am very excited to sell at other agency's and it's fun to speculate about the sales I could get there. So how much more % of earnings do you get at Shutterstock and istock at this time compared to Dreamstime? There are many older posts and dated blogs but I would like to see what they are now.

I will keep this post up to date to tell you all my personal findings. My portfolio at Dreamstime is:http://www.dreamstime.com/Twindesign_portfolio_pg1

Thanks!


ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2012, 06:45 »
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You won't get 300+ images on iStock by the end of next month. You will only get 15 upload slots a week, assuming your files are still images, so the max you could have by then will be 120, if all are accepted.

You might find the June Sales thread interesting as it develops:
http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/june-microstock-earnings/msg261865/?topicseen#new
and also the May sales thread:
http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/may-microstock-income-how-was-it
It'll be interesting to read of your experiences.
Good luck!

Mactrunk

« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2012, 06:57 »
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I forgot! I read before that istock had this. :( And I am also still in approval mode. Did the quiz and passed. Uploaded 3 images that also got approved ad SS but it's been a week and still no answer.

Thanks for your reply and the threads you posted! :)

« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2012, 06:58 »
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Good choice dropping exclusivity. I had made the same move last year. In my case i had manage to get accepted around 400 pics from over 900 on SS, around 65% of FT, and 90% on 123RF.

michealo

« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2012, 07:05 »
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Nice port

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2012, 07:07 »
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I forgot! I read before that istock had this. :( And I am also still in approval mode. Did the quiz and passed. Uploaded 3 images that also got approved ad SS but it's been a week and still no answer.

Thanks for your reply and the threads you posted! :)


Most things on iStock are taking longer than usual. Check the bugs thread:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=345161&page=1
 >:( :(  >:(

« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2012, 07:18 »
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I'm interested to hear how it goes and what your earnings look like.  Getting accepted to Shutterstock is key to making non-exclusivity worthwhile.  I'd also consider submitting to all the sites in the middle tier - depending on your time of course.

Poncke

« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2012, 07:46 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2012, 09:39 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.

« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2012, 09:49 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.

you need to be invite ;D

Poncke

« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2012, 10:21 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.
Only the few elites have that, I dont have it, and I cant get it either. Its on invite, and probably only if they think  your port is worth it.

« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2012, 10:27 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.
Only the few elites have that, I dont have it, and I cant get it either. Its on invite, and probably only if they think  your port is worth it.

would be interesting to know how they "worth it", my earnings on BigStock are like 40-50x less than SS, BigStock made 2.5% of what SS have done (all time), they were my 14th best agency in 2011

« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2012, 10:39 »
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SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.

I stopped hearing anything about "Bridge for Bigshots" long ago.  As far as I know there's no way to even beg to get in on it.  And it seems to be a Bridge to Nowhere anyway.

« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2012, 11:16 »
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would be interesting to know how they "worth it", my earnings on BigStock are like 40-50x less than SS, BigStock made 2.5% of what SS have done (all time), they were my 14th best agency in 2011

Bigstock has never been a strong seller for me either. I'd put that as pretty low priority (or no priority) if I was starting out uploading today. Can Stock has always been a lot better earner. I'd choose that over Bigstock or Depositphotos.

lisafx

« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2012, 14:15 »
-1
I am always surprised when I hear people doing so poorly on Bigstock.  It's not in the top 4, to be sure, but they are consistently 5-6% of my earnings each month, which puts them in the #5 spot, above all other mid and lower tier agencies.  123RF, for example, is only at 3%, netting half what BigStock does. 

Strange to see such wide variance among who does well on which site...

WarrenPrice

« Reply #15 on: July 02, 2012, 15:04 »
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I am always surprised when I hear people doing so poorly on Bigstock.  It's not in the top 4, to be sure, but they are consistently 5-6% of my earnings each month, which puts them in the #5 spot, above all other mid and lower tier agencies.  123RF, for example, is only at 3%, netting half what BigStock does. 

Strange to see such wide variance among who does well on which site...

Yes it is ... strange.  And annoying.   :-\

I was doing quite well at the beginning of the year thru April.  Then, it came to a screeching halt.  Nothing - NADA since June 5. 
More of the mystery behind changes to search criteria?  ???  :'(

Poncke

« Reply #16 on: July 02, 2012, 17:01 »
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I am always surprised when I hear people doing so poorly on Bigstock.  It's not in the top 4, to be sure, but they are consistently 5-6% of my earnings each month, which puts them in the #5 spot, above all other mid and lower tier agencies.  123RF, for example, is only at 3%, netting half what BigStock does. 

Strange to see such wide variance among who does well on which site...

123RF is my second earner, sharing 2nd place with FT.

lisafx

« Reply #17 on: July 02, 2012, 18:59 »
-1

123RF is my second earner, sharing 2nd place with FT.

I have read of a lot of people doing great on 123.  I never have done too well there.  Although the last couple of months have shown marked improvement.  Don't want to jinx myself by complaining, but they are still half what BigStock brings in for me.   :-\

Mactrunk

« Reply #18 on: July 03, 2012, 01:15 »
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Thanks for the reply's! Oke. No Bigstock for me then. Saves a lot of work and I don't think I want to wait for payouts every 8 months. I'm accepted at istock! I emailed them and the next day I got approved. I can upload 18 images per week so my first 18 bestsellers are uploaded. Lets hope they get accepted.

So from the 25th of this month I will start selling at:

Dreamstime
Fotolia
Shutterstock
istock
123RF
Depositphoto's

Meanwile Dreamstime is selling great. $25,96 in 2 days. It's almost as if they are showing me reasons not to leave them haha. But I can still profit from exclusivity this month so I hope I will get a BME just before leaving them.

I must say that uploading to Dreamstime is nicer than some others. I like Istock. They are also fast and simple to upload. Fotolia is also nice. Shutterstock takes me the longest time to submit.

Thanks for all the kind feedback! I will keep you up to date! :)

Poncke

« Reply #19 on: July 03, 2012, 04:18 »
+1

Thanks for the reply's! Oke. No Bigstock for me then. Saves a lot of work and I don't think I want to wait for payouts every 8 months. I'm accepted at istock! I emailed them and the next day I got approved. I can upload 18 images per week so my first 18 bestsellers are uploaded. Lets hope they get accepted.

So from the 25th of this month I will start selling at:

Dreamstime
Fotolia
Shutterstock
istock
123RF
Depositphoto's

Meanwile Dreamstime is selling great. $25,96 in 2 days. It's almost as if they are showing me reasons not to leave them haha. But I can still profit from exclusivity this month so I hope I will get a BME just before leaving them.

I must say that uploading to Dreamstime is nicer than some others. I like Istock. They are also fast and simple to upload. Fotolia is also nice. Shutterstock takes me the longest time to submit.

Thanks for all the kind feedback! I will keep you up to date! :)


I find FT the slowest and SS is fairly quick for me. Kind of oposite to you

You might as well throw in Canstockphoto, they are same level as Deposit for me, but their uploading is seriously the quickest after 123RF. That would be no hassle at all. CanStockPhoto will start slow but if you keep adding sales will start to come.

« Reply #20 on: July 03, 2012, 06:30 »
-1
I took the same step last year around September. I dropped Dreamstime's exclusivity and started to upload in SS and IS. I had ~ 250 images in my portfolio at that time. Only around 10 % of them were accepted in Shutterstock and iStock. The amount of money I earned for the next several months.. well, you can guess. I was making around $200/month as exclusive at Dreamstime, so I kind of had some expectations, obviously wrong ones. I decided to go back as an exclusive at DT. And I don't regret it. It seems that the stuff I upload fits this agency only.

Mactrunk

« Reply #21 on: July 04, 2012, 01:51 »
+1
I took the same step last year around September. I dropped Dreamstime's exclusivity and started to upload in SS and IS. I had ~ 250 images in my portfolio at that time. Only around 10 % of them were accepted in Shutterstock and iStock. The amount of money I earned for the next several months.. well, you can guess. I was making around $200/month as exclusive at Dreamstime, so I kind of had some expectations, obviously wrong ones. I decided to go back as an exclusive at DT. And I don't regret it. It seems that the stuff I upload fits this agency only.

10% is not very much. I am hoping for a minimum of 50%. How do you get $200/ month with only 250 images? You only have about 1380 sales since 2009. That would be an average of $75 if I calculate that correct? My experience is that 500 sales is about $1000. Anyway... I hope my experience is difference and I am making the right decision. If not I will go back being exclusive at Dreamstime. Thanks for your reply!  :)

« Reply #22 on: July 04, 2012, 02:56 »
-1
I took the same step last year around September. I dropped Dreamstime's exclusivity and started to upload in SS and IS. I had ~ 250 images in my portfolio at that time. Only around 10 % of them were accepted in Shutterstock and iStock. The amount of money I earned for the next several months.. well, you can guess. I was making around $200/month as exclusive at Dreamstime, so I kind of had some expectations, obviously wrong ones. I decided to go back as an exclusive at DT. And I don't regret it. It seems that the stuff I upload fits this agency only.

10% is not very much. I am hoping for a minimum of 50%. How do you get $200/ month with only 250 images? You only have about 1380 sales since 2009. That would be an average of $75 if I calculate that correct? My experience is that 500 sales is about $1000. Anyway... I hope my experience is difference and I am making the right decision. If not I will go back being exclusive at Dreamstime. Thanks for your reply!  :)

I signed up in 2009, but started uploading in the late 2010. The average is $150, but there are months I'm hitting $200+.

Mactrunk

« Reply #23 on: July 04, 2012, 07:09 »
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That explains! Your doing very good then!!! My best mont ever was $145.

« Reply #24 on: July 04, 2012, 09:14 »
+1
Remember at shutterstock only your good stuff sells.
The competition is high.
When you have a good picture the earning potential is many times more than on DT.
on good pictures Fot, IS + SS will give you at least 10 times of what you get on DT.

If you are one of those who was nursed into dependancy and had not kept up with evolution.
You might be into a hard awakening.

Mactrunk

« Reply #25 on: July 23, 2012, 01:55 »
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They ended my exclusivity. So now I can opt in on Shutterstock and get my images approved at the other sites but I have one question. At Shutterstock the images that got approved did not show in my 'active images'. Also one disappeared and the original 10 are now 9 but the one that disappeared is in the approved images section.

But when I log in I get

0 images to be submitted
0 clips and images waiting for review
9 active images

How long will it take until my opt-in option will become active?

But I might have to be more patience... I know. Just cant start to get them active and online!

Lagereek

« Reply #26 on: July 23, 2012, 02:32 »
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After the, Bridge to Bigstock, tranfer,  Bigstock is selling well and for good money as well.

Mactrunk

« Reply #27 on: July 23, 2012, 04:09 »
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deleted message
« Last Edit: July 23, 2012, 07:26 by Mactrunk »

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #28 on: July 23, 2012, 05:03 »
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They ended my exclusivity.
What did you do 'wrong'?

Mactrunk

« Reply #29 on: July 23, 2012, 07:27 »
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I ended it myself but it took 30 days and the 30 days have passed. But If I read id again I understand how you see it haha.

But does anyone experienced opting in again?

« Reply #30 on: July 23, 2012, 07:53 »
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I am not sure if BS will add anything to your sales. Most people I know dont have a lot of sales, little to none. I know a few lads with ports the size of about 2000 and above images  and not hitting pay out every month. Nothing to do with the quality of the port imo as these guys have been around for ages and their ports do well elsewhere.

I am not saying dont add to BS, but the return might not be worth your time. Their editing and submitting system is a bit cumbersome compared to SS,  123RF and CanStockPhoto but a lot quicker then FT.

SS has the Bridge to BigStock program, where you upload all your images to SS and once approved they go to both SS and BigStock.  It eliminates the step of uploading to both sites.
Only the few elites have that, I dont have it, and I cant get it either. Its on invite, and probably only if they think  your port is worth it.

Good to know.  I didn't realize the program was limited to "invitation only."  I just assumed everyone could get in like I did.  My portfolio isn't anything to get excited about and I certainly don't consider myself an "elite" worthy of special privileges.  I guess I got in mostly because I have nearly 3000 images and have been on SS since 2005.   

« Reply #31 on: July 23, 2012, 07:56 »
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I ended it myself but it took 30 days and the 30 days have passed. But If I read id again I understand how you see it haha.

But does anyone experienced opting in again?

I opted in again after few months of being non-exclusive.

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #32 on: July 23, 2012, 08:04 »
0
I ended it myself but it took 30 days and the 30 days have passed.
;D

« Reply #33 on: July 23, 2012, 15:31 »
+1
After I dropped IS exclusivity my total earnings from 4 big sites dropped to about 30% of what they used to be in IS exclusive alone. I regret.

Shutterstock used to sell OK, but mostly 25 cent revenue, and stopped completely a few weeks ago after introducing a new best match system.

I miss IS exclusivity.

Mactrunk

« Reply #34 on: July 24, 2012, 01:34 »
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Shutterstock is opt-in again. My files are visible! No sales yet there but I had my first sale on Depositphotos for $0.30. It's not much but its a start for me! :)

Dreamstime earnings have dropped drastically. Still nice sales but the credit sales are MUCH lower! So I hope in a few days or weeks I won't regret my decision to stop exclusivity. Time will tell.

Wim

« Reply #35 on: July 24, 2012, 01:44 »
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After I dropped IS exclusivity my total earnings from 4 big sites dropped to about 30% of what they used to be in IS exclusive alone. I regret.

Shutterstock used to sell OK, but mostly 25 cent revenue, and stopped completely a few weeks ago after introducing a new best match system.

I miss IS exclusivity.

How long have you been independent? I would give it at least a year. Your work requires exposure and that can take quite a while on some agencies.
Why did you bail out of exclusivity if I may ask?

Good luck though mate, give it some time.

« Reply #36 on: July 24, 2012, 03:43 »
+1
Shutterstock is opt-in again. My files are visible! No sales yet there but I had my first sale on Depositphotos for $0.30. It's not much but its a start for me! :)

Dreamstime earnings have dropped drastically. Still nice sales but the credit sales are MUCH lower! So I hope in a few days or weeks I won't regret my decision to stop exclusivity. Time will tell.

Do not expect miracles to happen in one or two weeks. After i dropped exclusivity it took me 2 months to reach my exclusivity earnings and around 4 months to earn more than my BME as exclusive ( and all of that combined with hard work producing and uploading new content) . Now i am at 3,5-4 time more $$$ than my BME as exclusive.

This was a fact that i knew and assumed before dropping exclusivity (2-3 months with lower earnings).

Wish you luck.

Nik
« Last Edit: July 24, 2012, 03:47 by nicku »

Mactrunk

« Reply #37 on: July 24, 2012, 06:00 »
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Thanks!!! This really gives me some hope and will help with my patience! :)

Mactrunk

« Reply #38 on: July 25, 2012, 15:51 »
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I have 10 sales! :) My images are online for 2 days now and its going better than expected. If it will keep up like this Shutterstock alone will make up for my losses at Dreamstime not being exclusive anymore.

This is what I have online so far:
http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-809503p1.html

Only thing I dislike is that they don't accept some images for reasons I don't get. I have many images rejected for "out of focus" I know what out of focus is and I also know that sometimes they don't like it when parts are out of focus where I would think it's fine but the ones rejected are 100% overal in focus. I rather just have them say they don't like them. They are just some average subjects but they are shot outdoor and no way they are unsharp. And these are just a few of rejected because of focus:

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-industrial-pipes-image20787500
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-stacked-logs-image23903619
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-jobless-will-work-food-image21075453
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-old-bible-image19976684

Even my mother could not make simple shots like these out of focus!!!

But anyway... I like Shutterstock! :)
« Last Edit: July 25, 2012, 16:06 by Mactrunk »

« Reply #39 on: July 26, 2012, 06:09 »
0
I have 10 sales! :) My images are online for 2 days now and its going better than expected. If it will keep up like this Shutterstock alone will make up for my losses at Dreamstime not being exclusive anymore.

This is what I have online so far:
http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-809503p1.html

Only thing I dislike is that they don't accept some images for reasons I don't get. I have many images rejected for "out of focus" I know what out of focus is and I also know that sometimes they don't like it when parts are out of focus where I would think it's fine but the ones rejected are 100% overal in focus. I rather just have them say they don't like them. They are just some average subjects but they are shot outdoor and no way they are unsharp. And these are just a few of rejected because of focus:

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-industrial-pipes-image20787500
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-stacked-logs-image23903619
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-jobless-will-work-food-image21075453
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-old-bible-image19976684

Even my mother could not make simple shots like these out of focus!!!

But anyway... I like Shutterstock! :)


They are sometimes very picky with regards to focus. If you think it's worthwhile, try to downsize the images to minimum size (around 4 MP) and resubmit them. But when re-submitting always include a remark for the reviewer that this is a re-submit and that you have corrected the error the image was rejected for ("This is a re-submit, focus improved."). Works for me in most cases, and as Shutterstock does some upsizing on your images anyway, you won't lose out on the bigger sized on-demand sales.

« Reply #40 on: July 26, 2012, 06:32 »
0
I have 10 sales! :) My images are online for 2 days now and its going better than expected. If it will keep up like this Shutterstock alone will make up for my losses at Dreamstime not being exclusive anymore.



I dropped exclusivity 9 months ago, and now SS alone is earning more than twice the $$$ than my BME as exclusive. like i said work hard and upload more  content on all agencies ( the ones that worth uploading). Remember Quality and originality is the key not quantity.

Br,

Nik

« Reply #41 on: July 26, 2012, 07:37 »
0
I have 10 sales! :) My images are online for 2 days now and its going better than expected. If it will keep up like this Shutterstock alone will make up for my losses at Dreamstime not being exclusive anymore.

This is what I have online so far:
http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-809503p1.html

Only thing I dislike is that they don't accept some images for reasons I don't get. I have many images rejected for "out of focus" I know what out of focus is and I also know that sometimes they don't like it when parts are out of focus where I would think it's fine but the ones rejected are 100% overal in focus. I rather just have them say they don't like them. They are just some average subjects but they are shot outdoor and no way they are unsharp. And these are just a few of rejected because of focus:

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-industrial-pipes-image20787500
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-stacked-logs-image23903619
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-jobless-will-work-food-image21075453
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-old-bible-image19976684

Even my mother could not make simple shots like these out of focus!!!

But anyway... I like Shutterstock! :)


They are sometimes very picky with regards to focus. If you think it's worthwhile, try to downsize the images to minimum size (around 4 MP) and resubmit them. But when re-submitting always include a remark for the reviewer that this is a re-submit and that you have corrected the error the image was rejected for ("This is a re-submit, focus improved."). Works for me in most cases, and as Shutterstock does some upsizing on your images anyway, you won't lose out on the bigger sized on-demand sales.


The downsizing thing is a last resort.  First, contest the rejection by resubmitting and ask for a different inspector.  Sometimes these SS inspectors are completely in outer space and nobody knows for sure why.  I am of the mind that SS may get rid of Bigstock and incorporate a "size" pricing model and if you downsize you could be shooting yourself in the foot.

« Reply #42 on: August 03, 2012, 09:33 »
0
just read this whole post as i am currently hovering over leaving dt exclusivity myself, i currently have 56 files online (but inactive) at ss and 150 pending aproval, going to wait til i have atleast 400/500 aproved before i make the jump i think

Mactrunk

« Reply #43 on: August 07, 2012, 09:35 »
0
There is one image I downsized just about 200 px. It is accepted now. :) I mentioned that I had solved the problem but it most have been another reviewer since I did not see that much change at 100%  :-\

Anyway... it has been accepted. :)

Its been about 10 days now since I am selling on Shutterstock and I have 121 images accepted. So far it's going very steady with around 8 sales a day and no day's without sales. Except for weekends but even then I got one sale a day. Shutterstock has made me $27.27 since my files have been on-line and I think when I get to 200 images I can get much more than 8 sales a day. I've also had several images sold for 2 and 3 times that have not sold at Dreamstime yet! So what people say about Shutterstock is true. You get sales quick there!

Fotolia is selling but not that much. But I only have 48 images online since I have been lazy with keywording. I have 5 sales at Fotolia and they accept many images from Dreamstime so getting 300 online there should not be a problem if I put more time in it.

Depositphoto is also not selling really fast but I only have 97 images there. But the really accept EVERYTHING! So I have to get keywording to get all my 360 images online I have at Dreamstime. I have had 7 sales at Deposit.

Istock is the most time consuming with keywording. I really hate their system haha. So I only have 3 images online and they seem to reject some images that sell great and get accepted at EVERY agency! I have 30 waiting for keywording that I have to finish. My top sellers did not get accepted there so I'm not a big fan of them already and to lazy to go on. But I know I have to work on this since they seem to sell best after shutterstock.

I also have to start uploading at 123 since I have an account there but I will do this when I finished the rest.

Thats it for now.

« Reply #44 on: August 07, 2012, 10:23 »
0


Fotolia is selling but not that much. But I only have 48 images online since I have been lazy with keywording. I have 5 sales at Fotolia and they accept many images from Dreamstime so getting 300 online there should not be a problem if I put more time in it.




If you have the files on SS is very easy to upload on FT. Just copy - paste on FT.

I personally upload first on SS and then just copy - paste on other agencies. it took me under a minute to upload one file ( copied from SS) to other 4 sites.

« Reply #45 on: August 07, 2012, 10:24 »
0
Why not use IPTC ?

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #46 on: August 07, 2012, 10:58 »
0
Nicku's  theory didn't work for me.  100% of the images accepted by Shutterstock were rejected by IS and FOT?  ???

I'm only working with four sites now; IS and FOT aren't one of them.

« Reply #47 on: August 07, 2012, 13:24 »
0
Why not use IPTC ?

Really good advice = IPTC + FTP = painless uploading

Poncke

« Reply #48 on: August 26, 2012, 18:52 »
0
How can one not know about IPCT when you are in this business?

« Reply #49 on: August 26, 2012, 19:10 »
0
How can one not know about IPCT when you are in this business?

same goes for RC's

Poncke

« Reply #50 on: August 26, 2012, 19:15 »
0
How can one not know about IPCT when you are in this business?

same goes for RC's

Completely different story, but thanks for digging that up in another thread and posting in a different conversation that has nothing to do with you. Hope you feel better now that you have pointed that out.

« Reply #51 on: August 26, 2012, 19:29 »
0
How can one not know about IPCT when you are in this business?

same goes for RC's

Completely different story, but thanks for digging that up in another thread and posting in a different conversation that has nothing to do with you. Hope you feel better now that you have pointed that out.

you have no idea, much much better ;D

Mactrunk

« Reply #52 on: March 05, 2013, 07:24 »
+2
It's been a wile since I updated this topic. I guess some people might want to know how it is going now since I left exclusivity at Dreamstime.

It's going very well actually. My last month at Dreamstime as an exclusive made me $160. My last to months now in total including all sites are jan: $254 and feb: $268. I have only 222 images online at Shutterstock and at Dreamstime 452 at the moment but I have been shooting more lately and my goal is now to reach a minimum of 1000 images on Shutterstock and Dreamstime this year. But everything is going far better than expected and leaving Dreamstime was not a bad idea at all! I am still having very good sales there and last month I sold for $108 and $112 there. So Dreamstime is still one of my faforites. I did not put to much effort in istock. I really hate there keywording system. It takes forever to get one image done but I know I have to start working on it. I only have 24 images there and the made me $56,60 in the last 7 months.

My average income for the last two months are:

Shutterstock: $102.50 - 222 images
Dreamstime: $110 - 452 images
Deposit: $13 - 343 images online (lazy with keywording here. They accept everything)
Fotolia: $32 - 151 images

So far the update. Hope it helps some who are still thinking about leaving exclusivity.

« Reply #53 on: March 13, 2013, 17:56 »
0
Thanks for the reply's! Oke. No Bigstock for me then. Saves a lot of work and I don't think I want to wait for payouts every 8 months. I'm accepted at istock! I emailed them and the next day I got approved. I can upload 18 images per week so my first 18 bestsellers are uploaded. Lets hope they get accepted.

So from the 25th of this month I will start selling at:

Dreamstime
Fotolia
Shutterstock
istock
123RF
Depositphoto's

Meanwile Dreamstime is selling great. $25,96 in 2 days. It's almost as if they are showing me reasons not to leave them haha. But I can still profit from exclusivity this month so I hope I will get a BME just before leaving them.

I must say that uploading to Dreamstime is nicer than some others. I like Istock. They are also fast and simple to upload. Fotolia is also nice. Shutterstock takes me the longest time to submit.

Thanks for all the kind feedback! I will keep you up to date! :)

Have we upload to a  different Istock site??? ;D ;D ;D I hate Istock submission system. 18 files a week, very boring categories . Recently i write a text on IS forum about this and i receive that amazing hugh from them. They refuse good files, i think they have someone looking into my port in SS and DT only to refuse the files i sold there .... ;D ;D ;D I am seeing my life hard to build something there because i cant support that upload system, i have to wait more than a week to submit again 18 files and 3 approved......i not understand the rejections , they are simple rejected and thas the point. After i write this i have more files files accepted but my patience is not enough. In SS and FT you can see 1000 files approved in one week, is simple and easy build a port there if the files have quality,. You dont have limitations in quantity and SS provides you a system to submit releases, titles and keywords to many files at once.....i cant understand why you prefer IS.....

« Reply #54 on: March 13, 2013, 18:16 »
0
.
« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:54 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #55 on: May 10, 2013, 07:12 »
0
I simply can't justify the time it would take uploading to iStock, mainly because of their goofy model release policy that requires a new release for every shoot rather than just one release that covers a particular model forever.  This means I need to create like 750 new release files for photos with my own kid modeling. Not sure why they think they're more special than anyone else.

Add in the archaic keywording system and low sales; they're a waste of time.

« Reply #56 on: May 10, 2013, 07:25 »
0
Thanks for the reply's! Oke. No Bigstock for me then. Saves a lot of work and I don't think I want to wait for payouts every 8 months. I'm accepted at istock! I emailed them and the next day I got approved. I can upload 18 images per week so my first 18 bestsellers are uploaded. Lets hope they get accepted.

So from the 25th of this month I will start selling at:

Dreamstime
Fotolia
Shutterstock
istock
123RF
Depositphoto's

Meanwile Dreamstime is selling great. $25,96 in 2 days. It's almost as if they are showing me reasons not to leave them haha. But I can still profit from exclusivity this month so I hope I will get a BME just before leaving them.

I must say that uploading to Dreamstime is nicer than some others. I like Istock. They are also fast and simple to upload. Fotolia is also nice. Shutterstock takes me the longest time to submit.

Thanks for all the kind feedback! I will keep you up to date! :)

Have we upload to a  different Istock site??? ;D ;D ;D I hate Istock submission system. 18 files a week, very boring categories . Recently i write a text on IS forum about this and i receive that amazing hugh from them. They refuse good files, i think they have someone looking into my port in SS and DT only to refuse the files i sold there .... ;D ;D ;D I am seeing my life hard to build something there because i cant support that upload system, i have to wait more than a week to submit again 18 files and 3 approved......i not understand the rejections , they are simple rejected and thas the point. After i write this i have more files files accepted but my patience is not enough. In SS and FT you can see 1000 files approved in one week, is simple and easy build a port there if the files have quality,. You dont have limitations in quantity and SS provides you a system to submit releases, titles and keywords to many files at once.....i cant understand why you prefer IS.....
You have been on Istock for 11 months right?  That means you could have uploaded 800 images, but you have 30.   It may not be the 1000 you have elsewhere but it's pretty close.

Is there an 18 image limit for certain thresholds? Isn't everyone at 999 a week now? I agree with Tickstock only because I lived it. I had the same constraints but was diligent in taking advantage of those slots as often as I could.  I don't have a giant port but 2600 with all those constraints isn't bad.  Now I have all I own up and the 999 a week is meaningless to me.  The 30 a week was enough for me personally most of the time. Yes their upload system is quite different and more cumbersome than others but it's simply something we have to adjust to.  I will admit, even though IS is my #2 earner, I upload to them last just because of the keywording scrutiny required to avoid rejections.  I use DM.
« Last Edit: May 10, 2013, 18:46 by Mantis »


 

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