Please Review my Work & Anticipate the sales

[stockyme]

Hi All,
I've recently started to develop a big portfolio of stock photography. Please review my portfolio here & give me estimated success rate. I will upload about 500 photos initially in a month & then 500 every month to all stock agencies.

Link: https://www.colourbox.com/supplier/stockyme-227891

Thanks!
Stockyme

[Sean Locke Photography]

Sorry, but those look really cheesy.  Very 2000's.  It's the kind of thing Russia and China can turn out by the hundreds.

Of course I'm not sure what "success" actually means here, so ...

[Noedelhap]

My thoughts:
1. Don't upload to Colourbox, their policy devaluates stock images.
2. Your usage of words and fonts gives your photos a cheap look.
3. I've seen those 'finger faces' before, is this a copied idea?
4. Your business images aren't really original. I've seen those concepts many times before.

I'd say: don't get your hopes up. Focus on originality and image quality, rather than quantity.

[stockyme]

With those 3 random vacation images, I estimate success at 1.9%.  Of course I'm not sure what "success" actually means here, so ...

I don't have any vacation photos & to success is, I want atleast 10 sales every day on each site with initial 500 images. Your feedback on these photos is most welcome & that will help me to earn better experiences.

Thanks!

[ShadySue]

My thoughts:
1. Don't upload to Colourbox, their policy devaluates stock images.
2. Your usage of words and fonts gives your photos a cheap look.
3. I've seen those 'finger faces' before, is this a copied idea?
4. Your business images aren't really original. I've seen those concepts many times before.

I'd say: don't get your hopes up. Focus on originality and image quality, rather than quantity.

Huh? Like Sean, I only saw 3 pics.

[Sean Locke Photography]

Sorry, my cut and paste lost the 1 at the end.  See previous msg, but don't expect good news.  You're just copying what others have done.

[Noedelhap]

My thoughts:
1. Don't upload to Colourbox, their policy devaluates stock images.
2. Your usage of words and fonts gives your photos a cheap look.
3. I've seen those 'finger faces' before, is this a copied idea?
4. Your business images aren't really original. I've seen those concepts many times before.

I'd say: don't get your hopes up. Focus on originality and image quality, rather than quantity.

Huh? Like Sean, I only saw 3 pics.

I saw 48 pics in his portfolio.

[EmberMike]

Youre username is appropriate. This stuff looks very "stocky". It's a lot of old concepts and old styles, all of which have been done before and often. People don't want this stuff anymore. The trend now is towards more real, authentic-looking images.

Sorry, just being honest. These types of images aren't going to get you far.

[loop]

I's weak, quite outdated and it lacks originality. I my view, you would need about 4.000 of those to have 10 subscription downloads a day. I'm sure you can do better.

[stockyme]

There's no way to be sure about predictions, but based on what you posted, I'd say you're targeting areas of stock that are already well supplied and your offerings are very similar to what's already out there. I don't see how this will work well for you long term.

As an example, if I search for success failure sign on Shutterstock there are over 4,300 results, so your image is fine, but not really any different from the big stack of others.

Thank you so much for going through my work & for realistic review. I will surely think in a unique direction produce original graphics but most of these websites suggest us to check the top selling images to get an idea of what works best so I believed I will have to consider that in mind while producing my art...

[Zero Talent]

... while producing my art...

Microstock is not art.
It is rather a craft.
For some it can even be a profession.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[Sean Locke Photography]

Sorry, but those look really cheesy.  Very 2000's.  It's the kind of thing Russia and China can turn out by the hundreds.

Of course I'm not sure what "success" actually means here, so ...

And the kind of thing that Americans do turn out by the thousands.

Shallow post Sean, sorry.

Sorry, what?  It's exactly the sentiment echoed by others and I mentioned those countries, because most of the images don't show a "western" model in them - mostly anonymous - so it's easy to turn them out.

And the OP didn't define "success".  Acceptance?  Downloads?  Money?

[wds]

Best bet is to try it and see. If you are able to generate and upload 500 images per month, it gives you a lot of room to try different concepts, styles etc. and see what in fact works the best for you.

[Cesar]

you copied existing images 100%, not good

[Rose Tinted Glasses]

Sorry, but those look really cheesy.  Very 2000's.  It's the kind of thing Russia and China can turn out by the hundreds.

Of course I'm not sure what "success" actually means here, so ...

And the kind of thing that Americans do turn out by the thousands.

Shallow post Sean, sorry.

Sorry, what?  It's exactly the sentiment echoed by others and I mentioned those countries, because most of the images don't show a "western" model in them - mostly anonymous - so it's easy to turn them out.

And the OP didn't define "success".  Acceptance?  Downloads?  Money?

Okay, work with me here Sean...

How can the first reply have "sentiment echoed"? I am struggling with this one.

Okay, mentioning China as per models I get, because the odds of a "western" model is slim. But Russia? You really need to get out of the house more, there are many Russian models that look "western".

And now the part where a am very confused... Do all models have to be "western"?

Your original post really does come across as arrogant and condescending.

[Rose Tinted Glasses]

Lifestyle images sell best.

You need a niche, and as you're in Pakistan I suggest positive Muslim lifestyle images might be a winner for you. I'll bet there aren't many studios doing that, and I'm sure there's a need waiting to be filled.

Superb! +1000

[Digital66]

Hi All,
I've recently started to develop a big portfolio of stock photography. Please review my portfolio here & give me estimated success rate. I will upload about 500 photos initially in a month & then 500 every month to all stock agencies.

Link: https://www.colourbox.com/supplier/stockyme-227891

Thanks!
Stockyme

You are just a copycat.   

[Sean Locke Photography]

Sorry, but those look really cheesy.  Very 2000's.  It's the kind of thing Russia and China can turn out by the hundreds.

Of course I'm not sure what "success" actually means here, so ...

And the kind of thing that Americans do turn out by the thousands.

Shallow post Sean, sorry.

Sorry, what?  It's exactly the sentiment echoed by others and I mentioned those countries, because most of the images don't show a "western" model in them - mostly anonymous - so it's easy to turn them out.

And the OP didn't define "success".  Acceptance?  Downloads?  Money?

Okay, work with me here Sean...

How can the first reply have "sentiment echoed"? I am struggling with this one.

Okay, mentioning China as per models I get, because the odds of a "western" model is slim. But Russia? You really need to get out of the house more, there are many Russian models that look "western".

And now the part where a am very confused... Do all models have to be "western"?

Your original post really does come across as arrogant and condescending.

Don't overthink it.  I was on my phone.  If you want a detailed analysis, my consulting fee is $150/hr.

[Difydave]

$150 an hour would be money well spent I reckon.


The OP wanders in here, and asks for opinions on a PF which is from "A team of professional photographers and graphic designers" according to the blurb on the site where the PF is. Also states that he / she / they intend to upload 500 images a month to all agencies.


Now this isn't some newbie trying to make a few dollars, and willing to learn about the game. This is a professional team, who, let's admit it, should understand the business and (particularly in the case of graphic designers) know what sells at the moment.


In short the competition doing their market research.

[stockyme]

$150 an hour would be money well spent I reckon.


The OP wanders in here, and asks for opinions on a PF which is from "A team of professional photographers and graphic designers" according to the blurb on the site where the PF is. Also states that he / she / they intend to upload 500 images a month to all agencies.


Now this isn't some newbie trying to make a few dollars, and willing to learn about the game. This is a professional team, who, let's admit it, should understand the business and (particularly in the case of graphic designers) know what sells at the moment.


In short the competition doing their market research.

You are 100% right  but we have been doing freelancing from last 5 years with clients from USA, UK & Canda, this is first time we are trying to dive into the world of stock photos so wanted your opinion about the initial few photos we uploaded.

[Difydave]

$150 an hour would be money well spent I reckon.


The OP wanders in here, and asks for opinions on a PF which is from "A team of professional photographers and graphic designers" according to the blurb on the site where the PF is. Also states that he / she / they intend to upload 500 images a month to all agencies.


Now this isn't some newbie trying to make a few dollars, and willing to learn about the game. This is a professional team, who, let's admit it, should understand the business and (particularly in the case of graphic designers) know what sells at the moment.


In short the competition doing their market research.

You are 100% right  but we have been doing freelancing from last 5 years with clients from USA, UK & Canda, this is first time we are trying to dive into the world of stock photos so wanted your opinion about the initial few photos we uploaded.

Fair enough. It's not as if you are trying to hide who you are.
I reckon you already have the answer above, and what to do about it. Use what you have that is unique to you locally.

[Gel-O Shooter]

Anticipate the sales...

If I could do that, I'd already be a stock photo millionaire.  I am consistently amazed at what sells in this business.  What I consider to be one of the worst medical stock photos ever....poor lighting, bad composition, and one of the first med photos I ever attempted....is also my number 1 seller.  Go figure.

[stockyme]

Thank you for all for feedback but really not sure how you found it copy of anything. I can show you more than 1000 same composition images but that really not mean copy.....

Here is the latest batch on fotolia: https://us.fotolia.com/p/205687351

[Holmes]

dated and gimmicky

[Shelma1]

Anticipate the sales...

If I could do that, I'd already be a stock photo millionaire.  I am consistently amazed at what sells in this business.  What I consider to be one of the worst medical stock photos ever....poor lighting, bad composition, and one of the first med photos I ever attempted....is also my number 1 seller.  Go figure.

Same here. I have an image I almost didn't bother uploading that's by far my best seller, and even now after being on the site for years it sells every day, sometimes 5 or 6 times a day. I would think everyone who was going to download it would have downloaded it by now, but I guess not.

[akaWinning]

I agree with the comments from Jo An Snover.....  but as far as others saying your photos being copycats of millions of others already for sale I'd say no more copycats than the crap that people keep posting on wood backgrounds and such.  And they never stop; you'll find Halloween, Christmas, Mardi Gras, lights, candles and the list goes on and on.... all on various wooden backgrounds of different shades and colors... You can get some of the fake wood (wallpaper samples) from Home Depot online in the wallpaper section and get free shipping to get you started.  Just saying you may as well get your share of that pie too, just like the other 30 million contributors.

[Sean Locke Photography]

K, that's not very nice .

[cascoly]

.....  but as far as others saying your photos being copycats of millions of others already for sale I'd say no more copycats than the crap that people keep posting on wood backgrounds and such.  And they never stop; you'll find Halloween, Christmas, Mardi Gras, lights, candles and the list goes on and on.... all on various wooden backgrounds of different shades and colors... You can get some of the fake wood (wallpaper samples) from Home Depot online in the wallpaper section and get free shipping to get you started.  Just saying you may as well get your share of that pie too, just like the other 30 million contributors.

the point is you're not going to make $ by copying for what's already an oversaturated market -- yet another reason why it's hopeless to predict what a given few hundred images will earn

[Hongover]

Don't let some of these guys bring you down. It's a tough market and you need to find your identity. There's no better way to find out than to start uploading.

You'll learn your lessons and you'll become better at it. You find out what sells and what doesn't. I can see a few of your images selling decently with the right keywords.

If I ask people about my own portfolio, I may get some similar responses, but I'm probably doing better than many contributors. Just start uploading and understand your market.

[akaWinning]

Sean,  just frustrated that I don't seem to find a way to make it worth my while money wise to do any stock photography.  You can't hire models these days to produce a decent shoot because it takes too darn long to get the money back to cover the cost of the shoot, and that's IF you are lucky enough to make it all back.  On a better note though, I was finally able to get total control of the language learning company, and looking to go ahead with versions for Iphone, Ipad, Android and Windows, as well as possibly a web based version all done in XOJO.... and a youtube channel with some free video lessons as well, so I may be approaching you for a package deal for a whole bunch of photos.  Figured you'd do a lot better that way than getting the sub sale price on the site where I sell my photos.  Glad you got your several thousand stock shoots with models back in the day when it paid off.  At least newcomers with any brains won't try going after that piece of the pie, unless they feel like losing money

[akaWinning]

Heck, anybody with young kids (aged 6 to 14 or so)  can ask who PewDiePie on youtube is if you like money.  He produces free videos on yt targeted at kids and his royalties from youtube last year were just over 4 million dollars.  I've got a buddy in STL that has about 125k subscribers and he makes a nice check every month too, but more like 1-3k per month...  maybe we're in the wrong business, but I imagine it is just a matter of time until Google (owner of yt) decides that video contributors will take much less for payouts rather than removing their videos and getting zero.

[littleny]

500 images is very ambitious

[stockyme]

To update you all!
One of my photo is sold twice on fotolia today. I've earned 2.1 credits. Somebody please explain how much money I have actually earned?

Thank you all!
Tan

[Rage]

I think for fotolia that's 2.1 dollars only.

[dingles]

Isn't the fun of this uploading different types of things at first and seeing what sells and expanding upon those ideas, styles, etc>?

[Rinderart]

To the OP...Yes your port is dated, so is mine and so is just about everyone here. In My time of selling and doing Images professionally Looooog before microstock I learned one thing.  NO ONE knows what will sell. NO ONE.At least no one i've ever met from the stock world to the fineart world. Your work is very reminiscent of 2003/2004/05 kinda stuff. Hell, Maybe that will come around again but in My honest view your in a uphill Battle.


"Being Unique" Being Unique is quite simple really all it means is try and forget what you think will sell "No one has that answer" concentrate on what turns you on as a artist or creative person, that is what will separate you from the pack and trust me, The buyers will find YOU.


I know for a fact there are 25 things that no one has shot 50 ft from where you are right now. Your job as an Image maker is to see them. anyone can do whats been done. The true talent is being original and unique and trying to escape that "BOX" we got ourselves into and one of the reasons I Paint, ....To escape and do something for me.

Give it a try.Loose the business guys shaking Hands or holding laptops type of work. It's not retro enough yet.
But, Hold on to it....LOL
I search and look at work constantly. I haven't seen anything fresh in a long time. thank goodness the Instagram,Faded Polaroid,Back Lit,bleached out Blurry Look is coming to an End.
Good Luck.

[etudiante_rapide]

I know for a fact there are 25 things that no one has shot 50 ft from where you are right now.

how true  no not joking. a colleague has the best sales after giving up on food, people, animals..on white background. she got drunk one day and took shots of her toes, pimples, cankers, bald spot,etc..
even toiletry and specimen her doctor wanted for prostate cancer checkup.

she got more earnings from shooting herself literally.  hubby said she would have taken a shot of her post natal incision marks from having babies, but she is too discreet for that. i am sure that is a rare shot too which could get EL from medical book usage

[etudiante_rapide]

furthermore, take a look at the most seen ads on social medias.  floppy tummy, celulite, wrinkle,.. before and after.  need we say more. most of these i am sure came from microstock.

[Hongover]

Sometimes people mistaken artistic value for commercial value. His portfolio has little artistic value, but has more commercial value than a portfolio filled with landscapes.

We have to think more about what kind of companies have subscriber accounts. Design/advertising firms, healthcare/medical companies, software development firms out of India with American clients, supply companies, International trading, food processing companies, financial firms, technology/software companies, news outlets etc.

That's why landscape/nature photography isn't as profitable as they used to be. They aim to be everything yet, not specific enough to fit into any category well and there's are simple too much of it out there. Sometimes, non-artistic images are best sellers.

[etudiante_rapide]

hey, you must take all these not to nice comments with a grain of salt.
just go to ss forum and look at those "my latest download" threads and you will see that all those
whoopy yea sales images are even more crappy and same old same old.

fact is, there are lots of ppl uploading the same old same old stuff even after having 6 digit numbers to their portfolio . unfortunately, boring is what keep microstock alive.

then again what do you expect for pennies per download.
just don't pay too much for a model or rent a studio, because you will never recover that outlay
unless you also have tons of same old same old. it's all a numbers game, nothing to do with
good photography, these days.

get a chimp , set the PNS to high multiple frame shooting mode,
and then submit them . you probably get past the robot-reviewer.
    ... but seriously... you never can tell with microstock

[KB]

even toiletry and specimen her doctor wanted for prostate cancer checkup.

Unless she's a transgender, that would be most unusual.     

[ShadySue]

I know for a fact there are 25 things that no one has shot 50 ft from where you are right now. Your job as an Image maker is to see them. anyone can do whats been done. The true talent is being original and unique and trying to escape that "BOX" we got ourselves into .

You can have any number of unique subjects, but that's no good on the micros unless they attract multiple buyers. The true talent would be to see what is unique and which there is a market for.

[etudiante_rapide]

even toiletry and specimen her doctor wanted for prostate cancer checkup.

Unless she's a transgender, that would be most unusual.     

oops, LMAO, sorry, whatever those things the OBGYN do. you can tell i am no medical genius...
i didn't even laugh when jack nicholson said this city needs an enema.
i thought he meant an enemy... so i said, so what's so funny about that 

[stockyme]

To Update you all,
I've now manged to upload 132 vector, photos on my Port so please go through my work again & give me an estimate of sale per day.

The link: https://www.fotolia.com/p/205687351

Thank you!

[marthamarks]

even toiletry and specimen her doctor wanted for prostate cancer checkup.

Unless she's a transgender, that would be most unusual.     

LOL!!!!

[sweetgirll]

Hi,
Do you want a realistic opinion?  If so, I would say $10 dollars every 6 months with the current portfolio, being optimistic here.
You need to improve, study more.

For instance, you need at least be able to spell correctly...What does "Christems Sales" mean? Is it Christmas?
https://www.fotolia.com/id/87541568

This doesn't look like it was made in USA, the flag is messed up.
https://www.fotolia.com/id/88128339

To Update you all,
I've now manged to upload 132 vector, photos on my Port so please go through my work again & give me an estimate of sale per day.

The link: https://www.fotolia.com/p/205687351

Thank you!

[Sean Locke Photography]

No idea.  Give it a week and let us know.

[marthamarks]

For instance, you need at least be able to spell correctly...What does "Christems Sales" mean? Is it Christmas?
https://www.fotolia.com/id/87541568

This doesn't look like it was made in USA, the flag is messed up.
https://www.fotolia.com/id/88128339

Sweetgirl is giving you some very good advice, Stockyme.

I also looked at your portfolio and had the same reactions. Your images seem heavily slanted toward the US market, yet there is something not quite "American feeling" in many of your images, even those that are in English and use the American flag. They feel so "off" that I can't imagine any American ad agency, blogger, etc, even thinking of buying/using them.

My suggestion would be to aim at the market in your own country and others more like it than the US.

[tickstock]

To Update you all,
I've now manged to upload 132 vector, photos on my Port so please go through my work again & give me an estimate of sale per day.

The link: https://www.fotolia.com/p/205687351

Thank you!

I can give a 100% accurate answer.....You will make exactly what you are making.

[Difydave]

For instance, you need at least be able to spell correctly...What does "Christems Sales" mean? Is it Christmas?
https://www.fotolia.com/id/87541568

This doesn't look like it was made in USA, the flag is messed up.
https://www.fotolia.com/id/88128339

Sweetgirl is giving you some very good advice, Stockyme.

I also looked at your portfolio and had the same reactions. Your images seem heavily slanted toward the US market, yet there is something not quite "American feeling" in many of your images, even those that are in English and use the American flag. They feel so "off" that I can't imagine any American ad agency, blogger, etc, even thinking of buying/using them.

My suggestion would be to aim at the market in your own country and others more like it than the US.

That just sums it up for me, it's "off" somehow, trying too hard or something. Some of the stuff looks almost like a parody. Too much somehow.
As already said, nobody really knows for sure what will sell. Do what you know, what is available from your own location.

[stockyme]

For instance, you need at least be able to spell correctly...What does "Christems Sales" mean? Is it Christmas?
https://www.fotolia.com/id/87541568

This doesn't look like it was made in USA, the flag is messed up.
https://www.fotolia.com/id/88128339

Sweetgirl is giving you some very good advice, Stockyme.

I also looked at your portfolio and had the same reactions. Your images seem heavily slanted toward the US market, yet there is something not quite "American feeling" in many of your images, even those that are in English and use the American flag. They feel so "off" that I can't imagine any American ad agency, blogger, etc, even thinking of buying/using them.

My suggestion would be to aim at the market in your own country and others more like it than the US.

That just sums it up for me, it's "off" somehow, trying too hard or something. Some of the stuff looks almost like a parody. Too much somehow.
As already said, nobody really knows for sure what will sell. Do what you know, what is available from your own location.

Some of my images are selling well on fotolia & I am happy with overall results. I've made $10 in a week time not sure why some people are only here to make you feel disappointed & no word of encouragement.

[SandBoxStudio]

Its because they do not like your work. And to be realistic your work can be done much much better, but you will improve by the time. If your tactics are bringing you money so far, than just keep doing it.

Your question here was how much money you can make from your portfolio? Well that is very hard to answer. People here gave you very realistic opinion about your porftolio. And they are right. But that doesn't mean that you wont make any money. There are always all kind people who will need all kind of images. Now imagine if you would improve quality of your work and focus on specific concept  ? You would double or triple your earning in no time.

As i said by the time you will see what is market demanding from you, which images are selling which not. Make rough plans for weekly shoots, see what is selling best, what are world trends at the moment, set yourself and your team weekly and monthly target to be achieved, and most important keep track of your sales and precise statistic. (would recommend excel) Plan few months in front, shoot xmas concept already at the end of september to be ready for upload one/two months before xmas.. Planning - > Production -> Postproduction -> File menagment

I wish you a lot of new sales.

Cheers.

PS. pm me if you want me to send you master copy of our excel statistics , its on Serbian but im sure you would be able to translate it.

[Difydave]

People tell it how they see it. Nobody is trying to put a down on you as far as I can see, but if you don't want to hear any negative comment, then don't ask the question.
There really is no point at all in people saying "Oh yes mate, your work is fresh and new, spot on concepts and you'll make a fortune" when they don't see it that way.
Nobody ever learned anything by being told that whatever they did was excellent. Unfortunately that seems to be the modern way.
Glad to hear you are selling.