MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Photography Discussion => Topic started by: ribtoks on November 24, 2022, 02:13
-
Hi folks
Alex and me just published a new blogpost about how to start with drone video for microstocks. The blogposts discusses everything from selecting a drone and passing exam to post-processing workflow and sales statistics.
https://xpiksapp.com/blog/drone-video-for-microstocks/ (https://xpiksapp.com/blog/drone-video-for-microstocks/)
What do you think about drone footage in general? Did you try it or wanted to try? Really curious of your experience!
-
That is a fantastic article, thank you so much!
-
Great article, thanks!!
Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar :)
-
Great article, thanks!!
Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar :)
Hi, thanks.
Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.
My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.
I had no issues getting authorizations to fly at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.
Hope this helps!
Alex
-
Good article! I'm sitting on the fence with the drone purchase for now.
-
Great article, thanks!!
Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar :)
Hi, thanks.
Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.
My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.
I had no issues getting authorizations to close to fly in at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.
Hope this helps!
Alex
Thanks a lot Alex, your answer is immensely helpful!!
Now I know how to approach the authorization process and will definitely try it in future! :)
Michael
-
Drone footage does not sell. Nobody has ever sold a drone shot so there's no point in buying one.
Sorry, couldn't resist doing a Stroker2014 impression.
-
Great article, thanks!!
Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar :)
Hi, thanks.
Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.
My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.
I had no issues getting authorizations to close to fly in at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.
Hope this helps!
Alex
Thanks a lot Alex, your answer is immensely helpful!!
Now I know how to approach the authorization process and will definitely try it in future! :)
Michael
Good luck! Otherwise, just go out into the countryside in the middle of nowhere and can risk not involving authorities...as you know, Portugal has a beautiful and extensive coastline.
All the best - Alex
-
i've been shooting drone since 7 years and i can say that it was worth it...nowdays with low commission and subscription to make up the expenses you need to focus on what to shot because nature drone shot is an oversaturated niche...
-
Drone videos don't sell, don't waste time and money
-
Drone photography and videography selling great. My Inspire 2 became my bread and butter. If your aerials are not selling, think about what you are doing wrong.
Sent from my LM-V600 using Tapatalk
-
If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business. But most of the time should be devoted to obtaining permission.
Well, models in some angles are also not bad to shoot.
However, if there is no time to get permission, it is better not to buy a drone. Or buy the cheapest one.
-
If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business. But most of the time should be devoted to obtaining permission.
Well, models in some angles are also not bad to shoot.
However, if there is no time to get permission, it is better not to buy a drone. Or buy the cheapest one.
This approach is wrong in general. To sell stock, you must pick your subject and it has to be unique, technically and logistically challenging - otherwise you will compete with millions of stock-monkey targeting "apples on white". Doesn't matter if it's aerial or not. If you are in stock for money, of course - I know many people who have different motivations to spend their lives here :)
Another hand... Drone photography is profitable because of less competition, and personally, I would like it will stay this way ;)
Sent from my LM-V600 using Tapatalk
-
If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business. But most of the time should be devoted to obtaining permission.
Well, models in some angles are also not bad to shoot.
However, if there is no time to get permission, it is better not to buy a drone. Or buy the cheapest one.
This approach is wrong in general. To sell stock, you must pick your subject and it has to be unique, technically and logistically challenging - otherwise you will compete with millions of stock-monkey targeting "apples on white". Doesn't matter if it's aerial or not. If you are in stock for money, of course - I know many people who have different motivations to spend their lives here :)
Another hand... Drone photography is profitable because of less competition, and personally, I would like it will stay this way ;)
Sent from my LM-V600 using Tapatalk
Indeed, not everybody is willing or crazy enough to risk their drone to capture quite close to the sea top down shots of stormy waves! Fortunately, no close calls. I've uploaded a large batch for book covers.
-
it's too risky, but amazing.
-
If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business.
That would be rather challenging considering that most cities around the world have banned drones. I don't think I would fly mine in a city regardless - the risk is too great with all the people and buildings around.
-
Celebrating my one-year anniversary since my first drone flight (with no crashes yet) and put together this free short guide on on my experiences with some tips.
PDF available to download via the following blog post:
https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2023/03/24/free-guide-five-brutally-honest-tips-to-achieve-drone-photography-photography-success-one-year-anniversary-edition/
I don't have a background in design but quite enjoying putting these together via Canva.
Alex
-
Dear Colleagues,
I recently upgraded to the DJI Air 3 and below is a link to my blog, where I share why I made this decision and provide some impressions after my first flight in Lisbon.
https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2024/07/06/elevate-your-stock-footage-game-five-reasons-to-invest-in-the-dji-air-3-today/
Alex
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
-
I have been flying drones for 3-4 years now. Mainly air 2s which I still own and fly it. I love my mini 3 pro and got the avata1 as well. Hard to learn FPV. You need to shoot specific place with your drone to make some sales. I have a port with around 800 drone videos, and sold only 1 on P5. Sold couple of times on Adobe.
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
Wait for dji air 3s. On the corner. I won't upgrade my drones yet. air 2s provide me with great images . If I were to upgrade my drone, will be magic 3 pro. Feel free to check my YT channel. ;)
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
Wait for dji air 3s. On the corner. I won't upgrade my drones yet. air 2s provide me with great images . If I were to upgrade my drone, will be magic 3 pro. Feel free to check my YT channel. ;)
Read about some rumours regarding the 3s....better battery, full obstacle avoidance sensors.
It's both frustrating and encouraging that there's always new and better on the horizon. Even though I just invested in the Air 3, it probably won't be until the Air 5 that I'll upgrade.
Who knows by then what they will have by then. Some of my predictions:
- Built-in ND filters
- At least average of 60-minute flight times due to more powerful yet lighter batteries
- 6x optical zoom at equivalent of 140mm
- Less noisy
But also who knows that in 2-3 years there will also be more restrictions on where and when we can fly especially with a heavier drone.
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
Wait for dji air 3s. On the corner. I won't upgrade my drones yet. air 2s provide me with great images . If I were to upgrade my drone, will be magic 3 pro. Feel free to check my YT channel. ;)
Read about some rumours regarding the 3s....better battery, full obstacle avoidance sensors.
It's both frustrating and encouraging that there's always new and better on the horizon. Even though I just invested in the Air 3, it probably won't be until the Air 5 that I'll upgrade.
Who knows by then what they will have by then. Some of my predictions:
- Built-in ND filters
- At least average of 60-minute flight times due to more powerful yet lighter batteries
- 6x optical zoom at equivalent of 140mm
- Less noisy
But also who knows that in 2-3 years there will also be more restrictions on where and when we can fly especially with a heavier drone.
I have already invested £4k in a good laptop for video editing. I won't upgrade my drones any time soon. All 3 drones are fit for purpose.
Also the weather in UK this year has been really bad. Only flown my drones couple of times.
I would say it's really nice to own a drone and live somewhere in tropical countries, get some nice videos :D.
Apart from that , a mini drone is all day round in Europe with less restrictions.
-
Hello Everyone,
How are your drone photography sales going? I have about 100 photos, but my sales haven't been great. What kind of shots are selling well for you? Should I take overhead or from the side? From 400 feet or close to the subject as possible?
-
Hello Everyone,
How are your drone photography sales going? I have about 100 photos, but my sales haven't been great. What kind of shots are selling well for you? Should I take overhead or from the side? From 400 feet or close to the subject as possible?
Sales are consistent but generally very low priced - average of 51cents per download. For videos it's also not great at an average of $4.23. Tough business.
Here are some of my best-selling images. Sweeping cityspaces and landmarks with nice light are popular.
-
Hello Everyone,
How are your drone photography sales going? I have about 100 photos, but my sales haven't been great. What kind of shots are selling well for you? Should I take overhead or from the side? From 400 feet or close to the subject as possible?
Sales are consistent but generally very low priced - average of 51cents per download. For videos it's also not great at an average of $4.23. Tough business.
Here are some of my best-selling images. Sweeping cityspaces and landmarks with nice light are popular.
I have some drone images that sell good, videos not really. But I stopped to upload video to stock agencies, And will try to sell them individually. May I ask what service are you using to see various income from agencies?
-
Hello Everyone,
How are your drone photography sales going? I have about 100 photos, but my sales haven't been great. What kind of shots are selling well for you? Should I take overhead or from the side? From 400 feet or close to the subject as possible?
Sales are consistent but generally very low priced - average of 51cents per download. For videos it's also not great at an average of $4.23. Tough business.
Here are some of my best-selling images. Sweeping cityspaces and landmarks with nice light are popular.
I have some drone images that sell good, videos not really. But I stopped to upload video to stock agencies, And will try to sell them individually. May I ask what service are you using to see various income from agencies?
Microstockr
-
Hmm, if I reed correctly you mean do not buy drone? I mean for more income, I love to buy for fun anyway.
-
Sales are consistent but generally very low priced - average of 51cents per download. For videos it's also not great at an average of $4.23. Tough business.
Thank you for sharing! Are you doing any postproduction or just uploading straight. I just trim the videos a little bit.
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
Well I caved. Couldn't help it. I finally sold my Mavic Air 2 and the very next day (Sunday) went and bought the Air 3 from a lady in north Sydney who was selling it for a decent price with a pack of freewell filters. Haven't used it yet but eagerly look forward to it and getting some content up on the stocks from that 70mm lens.
-
Hmm, if I reed correctly you mean do not buy drone? I mean for more income, I love to buy for fun anyway.
Don't buy a drone, they said.
Won't make any good sales, they said.
-
Sales are consistent but generally very low priced - average of 51cents per download. For videos it's also not great at an average of $4.23. Tough business.
Thank you for sharing! Are you doing any postproduction or just uploading straight. I just trim the videos a little bit.
Most of the time just straight out of camera, I try to get it as perfect as possible on the shoot.
-
Hmm, if I reed correctly you mean do not buy drone? I mean for more income, I love to buy for fun anyway.
Don't buy a drone, they said.
Won't make any good sales, they said.
I still own Air 2s and waiting Air 3s so I can consider buying. Is that was un shutter stock />? The sale?
-
Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.
Well I caved. Couldn't help it. I finally sold my Mavic Air 2 and the very next day (Sunday) went and bought the Air 3 from a lady in north Sydney who was selling it for a decent price with a pack of freewell filters. Haven't used it yet but eagerly look forward to it and getting some content up on the stocks from that 70mm lens.
You won't regret it! That 70mm is wow :)