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Author Topic: Shutterstock Custom is born  (Read 53513 times)

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« Reply #50 on: September 24, 2017, 10:21 »
+4
They are going to get what they pay for ...

It will be like one of those Fiverr projects where the client picks the perfect design only to learn that the designer just lifted some stock art. They should change the name of that site to "recommend a stock artist to hire by stealing their stuff". That might need a clever acronym. :D


Chichikov

« Reply #51 on: September 24, 2017, 12:05 »
+1
Quote
Anyway, I look forward to your update now that you are accepted?

Yeah, for sure I'll update.

Quote
I hear payments are tiered like ELs and in the smallprint it says that they keep the copyright, would newbies sell their content for 20% or veterans for 30%?  I guess that would be a deal breaker for many, if true.

Yes, they keep the copyright which is fair enough as it's fit-for-purpose exclusive content tailored for a client. In return I would expect higher payments for this burden. It would be highly advisable not to license the content elsewhere.

I imagine SS will have no issue recruiting enough contributors from their current army of 250,000 Microstock contributors. Not sure yet what the % is yet - probably a bit higher than 30% I think because it's supposed to be a "premium" service (probably wishful thinking).

What I found encouraging is that some briefs will allow contributors to file expense reports for some briefs to receive some reimbursements. Here's from their FAQ:

"On some assignments, you may receive an allotted amount for an expense budget. Expenses are for you to purchase props and/or product depending on the brief specifications. Sometimes, you will have the ability to select props to your wish, but other times there will be a set guideline on what you are to purchase according to the brief. It is your responsibility to check the brief guidelines to find out exactly what your expense budget should be used on. You will be reimbursed for your expenses by submitting all receipts."

They go on to add that the contributor would still be reimbursed even if the client decides not to use the images once the brief has been accepted.

"If they dont use the images I submit, do I still get reimbursed for product?" Answer: "Yes, you will be reimbursed for approved expenses as long as youve completed the assignment. You can upload receipts for up to your allocated expense amount when submitting your images."

Quote
Did you get accepted or just the second email to complete the application?

Didn't receive any confirmation email but I can login into their dashboard. See screenshot.

Quote
Iam judging the author by his behaviour. Bruttaly heavy spaming...

I love haters, they make me work harder.

Same here.

The "funny" thing is that the data in my profile are different than the ones that I have given in the application form
Different address format (street number, town, ZIP code missing), wrong birthday (one day before), no interest, no portfolio and portfolio sites

So I don't think that the application has been accepted or even reviewed yet.

« Reply #52 on: September 24, 2017, 14:40 »
0
Quote
Anyway, I look forward to your update now that you are accepted?

Yeah, for sure I'll update.

Quote
I hear payments are tiered like ELs and in the smallprint it says that they keep the copyright, would newbies sell their content for 20% or veterans for 30%?  I guess that would be a deal breaker for many, if true.

Yes, they keep the copyright which is fair enough as it's fit-for-purpose exclusive content tailored for a client. In return I would expect higher payments for this burden. It would be highly advisable not to license the content elsewhere.

I imagine SS will have no issue recruiting enough contributors from their current army of 250,000 Microstock contributors. Not sure yet what the % is yet - probably a bit higher than 30% I think because it's supposed to be a "premium" service (probably wishful thinking).

What I found encouraging is that some briefs will allow contributors to file expense reports for some briefs to receive some reimbursements. Here's from their FAQ:

"On some assignments, you may receive an allotted amount for an expense budget. Expenses are for you to purchase props and/or product depending on the brief specifications. Sometimes, you will have the ability to select props to your wish, but other times there will be a set guideline on what you are to purchase according to the brief. It is your responsibility to check the brief guidelines to find out exactly what your expense budget should be used on. You will be reimbursed for your expenses by submitting all receipts."

They go on to add that the contributor would still be reimbursed even if the client decides not to use the images once the brief has been accepted.

"If they dont use the images I submit, do I still get reimbursed for product?" Answer: "Yes, you will be reimbursed for approved expenses as long as youve completed the assignment. You can upload receipts for up to your allocated expense amount when submitting your images."

Quote
Did you get accepted or just the second email to complete the application?

Didn't receive any confirmation email but I can login into their dashboard. See screenshot.

Quote
Iam judging the author by his behaviour. Bruttaly heavy spaming...

I love haters, they make me work harder.

Same here.

The "funny" thing is that the data in my profile are different than the ones that I have given in the application form
Different address format (street number, town, ZIP code missing), wrong birthday (one day before), no interest, no portfolio and portfolio sites

So I don't think that the application has been accepted or even reviewed yet.
I don't think mine has either ...hard to tell though pretty uninformative site.

« Reply #53 on: September 25, 2017, 09:33 »
+4
This is just another way of devaluing creative content.
I don't know what the rates will be, but I know it will be a lot less than an agency hiring a photographer the traditional way.
Sounds like the equivalent of the minimum wage, part-time, no benefit jobs in other industries.

JimP

« Reply #54 on: September 25, 2017, 09:35 »
+3
Those prices are absolutely appalling for a custom shoot. And according to SS these are "enterprise clients." Ad agencies/clients pay in the tens of thousands for custom photography. The last shoot I was on (we used one photoshopped image) we paid the photog $40,000, if I remember correctly. And that was a discounted rate we had to haggle over on the client's behalf.

Yes, I'm sure the average Shutterstock contributor can easily get $40k for some custom work.

Deadmau5 can get $200,000 per night, but that doesn't mean Joe Schmoe from Utah will get that at his local club.

"Famous" photographers charge hundreds of thousands. These are major clients, wanting photographers to do custom work for $2. That's insane. (If that's what the rates still are.)

easy, don't sign up and get your imaginary $40,000 yourself.

derek

    This user is banned.
« Reply #55 on: September 25, 2017, 09:52 »
+3
When you create custom content, commissions, briefs for lets say an AD, art-buyer, designer etc, etc. The dayrate is often start at around $ 1200 and thats a dayrate not on specs!

This stinks like imagebrief all over.

« Reply #56 on: September 25, 2017, 10:24 »
0
When you create custom content, commissions, briefs for lets say an AD, art-buyer, designer etc, etc. The dayrate is often start at around $ 1200 and thats a dayrate not on specs!

This stinks like imagebrief all over.

I don't think the real world need worry just yet and neither should the microstock world if they are offering $300 for 20 images.  If I were to produce 20 decent images I think I would take my chances with half a dozen microstock sites against selling my copyright for twice that.  It only takes one of them to take off and you would make more than what they are paying for 20.

« Reply #57 on: September 25, 2017, 11:30 »
0
Hmmm....when they were Flashstock typically $50 for 4 photos.
Any chance in Europe? All seen as one country - no expenses paid for briefs from Barcelona to Vladivostok! Jolly dee.

« Reply #58 on: September 25, 2017, 11:51 »
0
Hmmm....when they were Flashstock typically $50 for 4 photos.
Any chance in Europe? All seen as one country - no expenses paid for briefs from Barcelona to Vladivostok! Jolly dee.

Hmmm....that price of $300 for 20 images came from a Flashstock thread and I wouldn't say that the price is that far out as to say it was untypical $12.5 each against $15 each.

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #59 on: September 25, 2017, 12:39 »
0
Those prices are absolutely appalling for a custom shoot. And according to SS these are "enterprise clients." Ad agencies/clients pay in the tens of thousands for custom photography. The last shoot I was on (we used one photoshopped image) we paid the photog $40,000, if I remember correctly. And that was a discounted rate we had to haggle over on the client's behalf.

Yes, I'm sure the average Shutterstock contributor can easily get $40k for some custom work.

Deadmau5 can get $200,000 per night, but that doesn't mean Joe Schmoe from Utah will get that at his local club.

"Famous" photographers charge hundreds of thousands. These are major clients, wanting photographers to do custom work for $2. That's insane. (If that's what the rates still are.)

easy, don't sign up and get your imaginary $40,000 yourself.

It's not imaginary. I hate to tell you what clients pay to license music.

JimP

« Reply #60 on: September 25, 2017, 13:06 »
0
What ss is doing is simple.  They are taking another photography vertical, comissioned shoots, and turning that into cheap microstock royalties, effectively destroying another element of our business for personal gain. And the sad part is that photographers will do these shoots for pennies.

 Have to agree with you. Next time someone here has a $40,000 shoot why don't they hire one of us? I'd take 10 or $20,000 for the same work

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #61 on: September 25, 2017, 13:22 »
+3
What ss is doing is simple.  They are taking another photography vertical, comissioned shoots, and turning that into cheap microstock royalties, effectively destroying another element of our business for personal gain. And the sad part is that photographers will do these shoots for pennies.

 Have to agree with you. Next time someone here has a $40,000 shoot why don't they hire one of us? I'd take 10 or $20,000 for the same work

Maybe if you weren't so rude to Creative Directors here you'd be considered. (And maybe not anonymous, too.) Just sayin'. ;)

derek

    This user is banned.
« Reply #62 on: September 25, 2017, 13:33 »
+1
They can hardly sell micro pics anymore so how are they going to sell this??  down petticoat-lane?

« Reply #63 on: September 25, 2017, 13:39 »
+1
Hmmm....when they were Flashstock typically $50 for 4 photos.
Any chance in Europe? All seen as one country - no expenses paid for briefs from Barcelona to Vladivostok! Jolly dee.

Hmmm....that price of $300 for 20 images came from a Flashstock thread and I wouldn't say that the price is that far out as to say it was untypical $12.5 each against $15 each.
Actually the $50 for 4 very specific photos and that may incur expenses which are not reimbursed comes from personal experience.

Semmick Photo

« Reply #64 on: September 25, 2017, 15:26 »
+2
What ss is doing is simple.  They are taking another photography vertical, comissioned shoots, and turning that into cheap microstock royalties, effectively destroying another element of our business for personal gain. And the sad part is that photographers will do these shoots for pennies.

I couldn't agree more and joining without knowing the complete Deal and commissions? really?.

You signed up to SS 13 years ago for 20 cent a pop and you are still selling images on DP for 3% commission. Hardly in a position to criticize anyone for trying out a new opportunity imo.

And who joins, might find out more about the earnings. Doesnt mean they submit anything.

Semmick Photo

« Reply #65 on: September 25, 2017, 15:34 »
0
I am accepted as well.  Yay.

« Reply #66 on: September 25, 2017, 21:35 »
0
What ss is doing is simple.  They are taking another photography vertical, comissioned shoots, and turning that into cheap microstock royalties, effectively destroying another element of our business for personal gain. And the sad part is that photographers will do these shoots for pennies.

 Have to agree with you. Next time someone here has a $40,000 shoot why don't they hire one of us? I'd take 10 or $20,000 for the same work

Maybe if you weren't so rude to Creative Directors here you'd be considered. (And maybe not anonymous, too.) Just sayin'. ;)

Why don't you hire people like Sean or Paulie or others here who are well versed and capable, for lets say, $20,000 or $10,000? Why do you hire someone else for $40,000 for
Those prices are absolutely appalling for a custom shoot. And according to SS these are "enterprise clients." Ad agencies/clients pay in the tens of thousands for custom photography. The last shoot I was on (we used one photoshopped image) we paid the photog $40,000, if I remember correctly. And that was a discounted rate we had to haggle over on the client's behalf.

One image? Fly them in, do the photo, have a week.


It's not imaginary. I hate to tell you what clients pay to license music.

I can get you a whole band of studio professionals, for a week, in a practice studio and half a dozen new original songs. What do you pay? 

Why don't you hire from here? I think there are many quite capable people.


k_t_g

  • wheeeeeeeeee......
« Reply #67 on: September 25, 2017, 22:32 »
0
Are there rates and so on buried in there somewhere or are we expected to do custom work for .38 or 33%?


I didn't see any rates posted, but here's an earlier thread that included some info on what a Flashstock contributor got paid (not much but not 38 cents :) )

http://www.microstockgroup.com/new-sites-general/'on-demand'-site-flashstock-com-anyone-tried-this


Sounds like you would make more at a place called Fiverr. Hummmm 😐

derek

    This user is banned.
« Reply #68 on: September 26, 2017, 00:59 »
+2
What SS is doing here is expecting members to spend lots of time trying to create conceptual photography and high-commercial-value photography normally associated with Rights-managed content. Slowly they will turn this into some glorified micro-stock and lowering prices for contributors.

Its not a bad deal and could be an opening for those who sign-in. Personally for this kind of material I stick with the RM agencies since they have the know-how in this field.
Just on a note the intro to this show some SUV's in winter and snow. I gave that as a series to SS about two years back about 25 pictures. I've had one sale on that in two years time.

SS have lost some pretty good commercial and niched portfolios and this sounds like a warped way to get them back. Had they not been so eager and keen to direct everything towards the poorer countries contruibutors then things would have been pretty different.

« Last Edit: September 26, 2017, 03:19 by derek »

« Reply #69 on: September 26, 2017, 01:37 »
0
I'm in too to be honest that means the bar is set pretty low.  :o

« Reply #70 on: September 26, 2017, 02:53 »
0
Is this only photos, or videos as well?

Brasilnut

  • Author Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock & Blog

« Reply #71 on: September 26, 2017, 03:00 »
0
Quote
Is this only photos, or videos as well?

Both.

« Reply #72 on: September 26, 2017, 03:06 »
0
I'm in too to be honest that means the bar is set pretty low.  :o

I too have access to my account, but I have doubts this means one has been accepted. I'd wait for a formal confirmation.

Moreover, it's interesting to read their FAQ on Shutterstock Custom's Score. In particular, this may give more insight into their pricing models and the potential:

For example, a higher score will put you in a more elite category of Shutterstock Custom Photographers who will be given greater access to higher paying jobs, complex briefs etc. If you have a lower score, you may be given access to more general assignments or assignments with a pay-by-image rate until you improve it.

However, what is more concerning for me is that they appear to request (not desire) a 2-4x number of photos for each requested one, so that their team can select the final ones:

Submitting double images is a requirement, not a suggestion. Our curation team reviews all content from a brief and makes the final selections for the client. Submitting 2-4x your required images allows the team to have options to choose from, and ensures you have enough approved content to fill your assignment. This will also give you a bonus calculated into your overall score. This is a great, easy way to increase your points. Just be wary that all of your content uploaded is on brief, as this is also accounted in your score.

If the assignment is 5 final photos, then producing 10-20 is not a big deal. But if they require to have 10-20 final photos, then it becomes really burdensome to produce 20-80 photos for a single assignment (plus, it also depends on how much they'd be eager to pay for that).

« Reply #73 on: September 26, 2017, 03:13 »
0
You may be right originally I could only access the buyer side...now can see the contributor stuff. Whether it actually comes to be doing an assignment will depend on my estimate of cost vs potential reward.

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #74 on: September 26, 2017, 05:46 »
+3
What ss is doing is simple.  They are taking another photography vertical, comissioned shoots, and turning that into cheap microstock royalties, effectively destroying another element of our business for personal gain. And the sad part is that photographers will do these shoots for pennies.

 Have to agree with you. Next time someone here has a $40,000 shoot why don't they hire one of us? I'd take 10 or $20,000 for the same work

Maybe if you weren't so rude to Creative Directors here you'd be considered. (And maybe not anonymous, too.) Just sayin'. ;)

Why don't you hire people like Sean or Paulie or others here who are well versed and capable, for lets say, $20,000 or $10,000? Why do you hire someone else for $40,000 for
Those prices are absolutely appalling for a custom shoot. And according to SS these are "enterprise clients." Ad agencies/clients pay in the tens of thousands for custom photography. The last shoot I was on (we used one photoshopped image) we paid the photog $40,000, if I remember correctly. And that was a discounted rate we had to haggle over on the client's behalf.

One image? Fly them in, do the photo, have a week.


It's not imaginary. I hate to tell you what clients pay to license music.

I can get you a whole band of studio professionals, for a week, in a practice studio and half a dozen new original songs. What do you pay? 

Why don't you hire from here? I think there are many quite capable people.

You need a rep. A real one, not Shutterstock.

Each month reps come in to ad agencies and provide a catered lunch to the creative department to review photographers' portfolios.

Your rep is in touch with the art buyers, who are the poeple who negotiate licensing terms on behalf of the ad agency.

The creative team and creative director review portfolios that meet the needs of a particular concept. They recommend three or four photographers to the client, who has final say over who gets hired for the job (within the client's budget).

Creative people really don't look through stock sites to find photographers. They look for a stock shot that meets their needs. The reason they look for stock is the client's budgetary constraints. If the team has an idea tha requires a custom shoot, and the client has the budget for it, they ask the art buyer to get in touch with reps to send portfolios over.

The reps fight for high pay for the photographer, and the client usually fights to pay less. So some negotiation takes place.

The amount paid depends on many factors...budget, complexity of the shoot, location, the reputation of the photographer, and licensing terms. For example, the $40,000 we paid the photographer I mentioned earlier was for only one print ad in limited distribution for one year. And the client was Arm & Hammer. (That's why I used them as an example of someone who would now be able to  go through SS and pay you 50 cents for a box of baking soda.)



 

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