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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: danielsbfoto on July 19, 2014, 04:44

Title: christmas at this time?
Post by: danielsbfoto on July 19, 2014, 04:44
When you think its betst time to upload seasonal photos. For example is good time to upload christmas at this time? SS is a referent for me and  I've noticed there some "christmas files" or so, are purchasing on these days.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: cobalt on July 19, 2014, 05:55
You should be producing and uploading christmas stock now, if you are seriously interested in getting money out of your files this season. Whatever you upload after August/September only has a chance with the sponateous buyers, but the many companies that plan in advanve for seasonal projects are selecting their files now.

To upload only in the most active buying season means you are ignoring a huge number of customers.

Same goes for other seasonal content.

I do still upload some files from the series in October - December, but this is just to always have some files present in the newest image stream series.

Anyway, have fun shooting. It is nearly 40 C here in cologne today but I'll be in the studio with artifial snow and christmas lights...
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: ruxpriencdiam on July 19, 2014, 08:57
And with all the new Back to School sales and such being put out way earlier this year because the people want it as they say then your back to school stuff should be started in January now.

Gotta keep track of how the market fluctuates.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: OM on July 19, 2014, 09:28
Funnily enough, I have a commission to shoot a Christmas brochure next week! The graphic design guys will be looking for accompanying material (stock) in around one months time! Unseasonal weather though for Christmas above 30°C here today. :D
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: danielsbfoto on July 19, 2014, 09:52
Good advice! thank you. here in barcelona we are 29C (a lot of humidity) too. I will star to upload some pictures that were waiting for coldest weather.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: StanRohrer on July 19, 2014, 09:59
Photos and brochure layout in August and September. Printing in September and October. Distribution in October and November. To the customer base in November and early December. Now is your time to upload stock photos for Christmas. Other holidays may not have this long of a cycle but Christmas is a big event for merchandising and related preparation.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: cuppacoffee on July 19, 2014, 10:55
New Christmas images will need to be really special and you will have to find some way to make them rise to the top. I'm not sure what Christmas niche is not already filled or which keywords to add to get them in front of buyers. Perhaps if a buyer searches for most recent but that is diluted as time goes on.

SS has 1,488,237 Christmas images
IS has 579,482
FT has 1,204,680
DT has 705,465
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: Goofy on July 19, 2014, 11:10
When you think its betst time to upload seasonal photos. For example is good time to upload christmas at this time? SS is a referent for me and  I've noticed there some "christmas files" or so, are purchasing on these days.

Anytime in my opinion. If the image is good it will raise to the top and sell. Sure, you want to be doing the season or holiday probably 3 to 4 months out but why not just do a few Christmas shots throughout the year thus now major rush...
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: ajt on July 19, 2014, 13:37
Today I sold a snowflake image at shutterstock, so you all are right, it's time to upload Christmas pictures :)
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on July 19, 2014, 15:07
Yesterday it was stockings by the fire; Thursday a garland with baubles and a Christmas border. The day before Christmas lights outside a snowy home. Before that snowflake candles

It picks up in volume later, but you will sell year round
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: cobalt on July 19, 2014, 15:23
There are new styles for christmas every year, just like with fashion. It can be black with silver, pink glamour, gothic christmas etc...if you are seriously interested in christmas go to one of the holiday trade shows for merchants to see the trends for the coming season. So you can shoot new stuff every year no problem at all.

Even more complex with people, and of course include the latest tech gadgets that people will be buying for christmas.

Like food etc...there is always a new style and  visual trend coming out.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: etudiante_rapide on July 21, 2014, 23:20
i got extended licence only recently on a shot about insulation, and another on snow removal.
so i assume they are already buying winter stuff now.
i remember reading here many moons ago, someone saying you upload one or  two seasons ahead.
then again, we are having seasons in reverse down under, so maybe the insulation and snow removal are not a good comparision with christmas.
just a thought.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: catklein on July 23, 2014, 11:45
Now! I sold a Christmas photo this week.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: DF_Studios on July 24, 2014, 16:04
I sold two boxes to Christmas cards last month.  Not even a commerical sale, just a regular person wanting to get a head start on the holidays.
Title: Re: christmas at this time?
Post by: Ariene on July 25, 2014, 01:12
Yes, xmas is moving now.