MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: Perry on August 01, 2012, 06:44
-
I have a few. I upload to two sites "nobody" is talking about (they have been mentioned here, they aren't that exotic!) and I get decent returns (think "half of what Fotolia earns me").
I don't want to talk about them, all microstockers rushing to the sites might spoil it, I'll rather have my own money :)
I have some photo techniques I don't want to share/show to anyone, because I haven't seen any other doing them the same way as I do, I have even tried to google them but got no results. Some of them are DIY lighting mods that give interesting results and some other save time and makes life easier.
I don't showcase my portfolio here, especially my bestsellers. I don't want them to be copied to death (it's already happening....)
How about your secrets?
-
You've asked for us to give you our secrets but you haven't told us what yours are just that you have some? Tell us one of yours and I might consider giving you one of mine ;D
-
If I told you, they wouldn't be secrets.
(But I don't have any, anyway.)
-
I didn't ask anyone to tell us their secrets, just to tell if they have any... Or is that a secret too? :D
-
My secret is that I hate cameras . . . . . . . . if we could only do without.
-
yes
-
I have a few. I upload to two sites "nobody" is talking about (they have been mentioned here, they aren't that exotic!) and I get decent returns (think "half of what Fotolia earns me").
I don't want to talk about them, all microstockers rushing to the sites might spoil it, I'll rather have my own money :)
I'm not sure that ALL that FT earns me would be worth the effort, never mind HALF ;)
-
I'm not sure that ALL that FT earns me would be worth the effort, never mind HALF ;)
It's half the sales each, together they make as much as FT. The thing is that the sites in question has some of the easiest uploads ever, so to get the extra earnings I just need to click my mouse a couple of times.
-
I've done searches on phrases like "microstock secrets" and the typical blogs come up, as well as some books on Amazon that may or may not have worthwhile info.
I think that if people want to share their "secrets" they want to see a financial return on that, like books by Rob Sylvan and Ellen Boughn. Anyone read any of those and get anything out of them? I've been thinking about getting them on my Kindle.
-
My wife doesn't know that I'm planning to buy a new camera. ;D
-
I think that if people want to share their "secrets" they want to see a financial return on that, like books by Rob Sylvan and Ellen Boughn. Anyone read any of those and get anything out of them? I've been thinking about getting them on my Kindle.
I've bought and read them - from what I can recall thinking back, they are nicely produced books that have some good stock images that may give you ideas for a few shoots of your own, but there are no secrets! I enjoyed them - it is always good to sit back and look/read about what others are doing.
There seems to be two types of book around - those glossy ones that make it sound easy to make a lot of money from your camera (and they need to do that to get the sales), and the nitty gritty eBooks/websites that go through the details of how to manage your files, upload smoothly, use the capabilities of the various agency websites to maximise your placement and revenue. They don't tell you what to shoot, just how to get your shots available for sale.
No guessing about where my eBook stands...
Steve
-
I'm Batman. Not the one on this forum, but the real one.
-
I'm Batman. Not the one on this forum, but the real one
I think Batman is copyrighted - you need a model release to be him ;D
Steve
-
Do you have (microstock) secrets?
Of course. I've got a site that isn't even on the list here but earns me about as much as DT does. And I've heard a few rumors lately about some companies, some of those things I'd discuss openly, others not.
We're all generally cordial and helpful around here, but to an extent. We're also competitors, and it would be foolish to disclose every trick and secret we know to a group of people who could use those tricks and secrets against us. There are just a few people who I privately discuss some of my microstock secrets with, because they are people I'm more personally friendly with and they are of a similar opinion about not wanting to share every advantage with everyone in the forums.
-
I think that if people want to share their "secrets" they want to see a financial return on that, like books by Rob Sylvan and Ellen Boughn. Anyone read any of those and get anything out of them? I've been thinking about getting them on my Kindle.
I believe the reaction here to both of these books was positive.
Be aware that one of these authors has all but severed connections with the agency he worked for and which represented him at the time he wrote the book, to the extent that he has not uploaded there since May 2010 and is no longer exclusive.
This must say something significant, but it's up to you to interpret what the significance is.
-
How about... if you submit SVG files to Fotolia, they get priced at 8 credits... or at least they used to. I haven't submitted there in a while.
-
I think that if people want to share their "secrets" they want to see a financial return on that, like books by Rob Sylvan and Ellen Boughn. Anyone read any of those and get anything out of them? I've been thinking about getting them on my Kindle.
I believe the reaction here to both of these books was positive.
Be aware that one of these authors has all but severed connections with the agency he worked for and which represented him at the time he wrote the book, to the extent that he has not uploaded there since May 2010 and is no longer exclusive.
This must say something significant, but it's up to you to interpret what the significance is.
Even beyond Ellen and Rob there are newer books out there that seemingly offer new takes that appear to be more specific... a search on Amazon turns up more than 30 books including one on selling footage and one on flickr (???)...
-
I think that if people want to share their "secrets" they want to see a financial return on that, like books by Rob Sylvan and Ellen Boughn. Anyone read any of those and get anything out of them? I've been thinking about getting them on my Kindle.
I believe the reaction here to both of these books was positive.
Be aware that one of these authors has all but severed connections with the agency he worked for and which represented him at the time he wrote the book, to the extent that he has not uploaded there since May 2010 and is no longer exclusive.
This must say something significant, but it's up to you to interpret what the significance is.
Even beyond Ellen and Rob there are newer books out there that seemingly offer new takes that appear to be more specific... a search on Amazon turns up more than 30 books including one on selling footage and one on flickr (???)...
Oh, I'm sure I could put together a book without much trouble.
Whether it would be worth reading is another question altogether.
-
...I upload to two sites "nobody" is talking about...
Only 2? You're missing out on the other 14 :)
-
yes.
-
I shoot in "S" mode. That stands for Stock, Semi-Pro and Sales....lol. Thats my secret..oops... I did not say this.
-
this really is a thread about nothing...
getting traffic , some comments, but really... nothing :P
-
this really is a thread about nothing...
getting traffic , some comments, but really... nothing :P
Not really. I would like to know if people here are completely open about things or if they are holding back on some good things :)
-
I like this topic and I totaly get what you mean! I think everyone has some succes with some kind of subjects or way of shooting. My portfolio is open to see but i never talk about my bestsellers and upcomming ideas. It gives me the feeling that people might steal it haha
-
I desperately need basement shots every month for the magazine I design and there is never anything. You can use that for a secret.
-
my main secret:
work hard! :)
my first post at MG so, hi to all!
-
All you need to know...
How to use Program Mode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zypNWwdQwGI#)
-
this really is a thread about nothing...
getting traffic , some comments, but really... nothing :P
Not really. I would like to know if people here are completely open about things or if they are holding back on some good things :)
so basically you're looking to feed off of others without contributing anything to the society -- do you remarket subprime mortgages as a sideline?
-
My secret is that I hate cameras . . . . . . . . if we could only do without.
My secret is that I love cameras. . . . . .. .and spend way too much money on it ( I have several systems from different brands but we all know one system is enough)
My second secret is that I make way too much pictures if I could ever upload them all I would earn several times more than I make now, I love shooting but hate all the rest :-)
-
I used to have secrets, but over time those secrets have been neutralized. I was really good at keywording - now Yuri's tool has made that skill unnecessary.
I came up with some good niche areas early on, but now they have been all been discovered and my images are just a drop in the bucket.
I was better than average at isolations, but so many articles and blogs have demonstrated how to do it, that's no longer a unique skill either. Not to mention that isolations have become so common that there's an oversupply and not much demand.
So no, I would not say I have any secrets anymore.
-
I upload to two sites "nobody" is talking about
how about telling me your two and I will give you my two too ;D
-
My secret to doing well in microstock is having a day job. Shhh. Don't tell anyone.
-
My secret is I do whatever I please... and still manage to make a living out of it. Actually, I should call it a wonder!
-
My secret site that I contribute to is called Shutterstock. I get a lot of sales there.
-
I haven't read Rob Sylvan's book, but I read Ellen Boughn's. Honestly I didn't get anything out of it. Douglas Freer wrote a book a few years back which I felt was very useful:
http://www.amazon.com/Microstock-Photography-Money-Digital-Images/dp/0240808967/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343883651&sr=8-1&keywords=douglas+freer (http://www.amazon.com/Microstock-Photography-Money-Digital-Images/dp/0240808967/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343883651&sr=8-1&keywords=douglas+freer)
He has interviews/quotes from many of our own long time MSG members. He also combines sample stock images with photos of setups (especially still life, isolated objects, etc). If I had to recommend a book to someone starting out in microstock, Freer's would be it.
I'm sure Rob Sylvan's book is great too, as he is extremely creative and cogent. He was one of the main reasons I liked iStockphoto enough to go exclusive with them. That "community spirit" is long gone unfortunately.
-
My secret is not to shoot RM for microstock.
-
I used to have secrets, but over time those secrets have been neutralized. I was really good at keywording - now Yuri's tool has made that skill unnecessary.
I came up with some good niche areas early on, but now they have been all been discovered and my images are just a drop in the bucket.
I was better than average at isolations, but so many articles and blogs have demonstrated how to do it, that's no longer a unique skill either. Not to mention that isolations have become so common that there's an oversupply and not much demand.
So no, I would not say I have any secrets anymore.
Lisafx,
I would have kept all that information secret. Its very revealing.
PS ;)
-
my main secret:
work hard! :)
my first post at MG so, hi to all!
Shhhhhh. Don't give it away.
That is actually the only real secret and one nobody wants to hear.
How is it people make six figures at micro? Well I guess several years of no weekends or holidays and 12+ hour days every day honing your skills, learning the business and building a portfolio.
Same way as anyone is successful in any business.
Thankfully few people are prepared to do it so the field is wide open for those who are.
-
My secret is that I shoot all day and night for about 18 hours, never shave or shower and submit as much as possible to make about $50 per day...
-
my main secret:
work hard! :)
my first post at MG so, hi to all!
Shhhhhh. Don't give it away.
That is actually the only real secret and one nobody wants to hear.
How is it people make six figures at micro? Well I guess several years of no weekends or holidays and 12+ hour days every day honing your skills, learning the business and building a portfolio.
Same way as anyone is successful in any business.
Thankfully few people are prepared to do it so the field is wide open for those who are.
I think you hit the nail on the head.
Sure there are some helpful tricks that people can use, but you use those while working hard. Even without all the tricks and secrets you aren't going to get anywhere unless you work very hard, and like you say, lukely very few are willing to do so.
-
Lisafx,
I would have kept all that information secret. Its very revealing.
PS ;)
I did keep my secrets secret, but they got out anyway. There's always some douch_bag or other who can't wait to print every trick or secret in this business.
-
Lisafx,
I would have kept all that information secret. Its very revealing.
PS ;)
I did keep my secrets secret, but they got out anyway. There's always some douch_bag or other who can't wait to print every trick or secret in this business.
That's me. ;D
But, I guess I don't think there are any real secrets. Like others already said, hard work, etc.
-
Lisafx,
I would have kept all that information secret. Its very revealing.
PS ;)
I did keep my secrets secret, but they got out anyway. There's always some douch_bag or other who can't wait to print every trick or secret in this business.
Sean Locke?
;D
-
I'm Batman. Not the one on this forum, but the real one.
Odd I'm not the real one, but I am the one on this forum? (now watch the real one show up and nab us both for lies?)
-
I did keep my secrets secret, but they got out anyway. There's always some douch_bag or other who can't wait to print every trick or secret in this business.
Sean Locke?
;D
ROFL! The most tight lipped guy in microstock?! I think NOT! :D
-
I'm Batman. Not the one on this forum, but the real one.
Odd I'm not the real one, but I am the one on this forum? (now watch the real one show up and nab us both for lies?)
No you aren't. :D
-
You would say that though wouldn't you?
-
The biggest secret in microstock is: "Don't expect anything."
This way you'll never be disappointed.
-
I did keep my secrets secret, but they got out anyway. There's always some douch_bag or other who can't wait to print every trick or secret in this business.
Sean Locke?
;D
ROFL! The most tight lipped guy in microstock?! I think NOT! :D
That's just a facade. He's a lamb in wolf's clothing. ;)
-
Just did another search on microstock secrets on Amazon and came across this book... someone is selling a collection of Wikipedia articles on microstock. Does Wikipedia allow this kind of thing?
http://www.amazon.com/Stock-Microstock-Photography-Characteristics-Companies/dp/1240961677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344545242&sr=8-1&keywords=microstock+characteristics (http://www.amazon.com/Stock-Microstock-Photography-Characteristics-Companies/dp/1240961677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344545242&sr=8-1&keywords=microstock+characteristics)
-
Just did another search on microstock secrets on Amazon and came across this book... someone is selling a collection of Wikipedia articles on microstock. Does Wikipedia allow this kind of thing?
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Stock-Microstock-Photography-Characteristics-Companies/dp/1240961677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344545242&sr=8-1&keywords=microstock+characteristics[/url] ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Stock-Microstock-Photography-Characteristics-Companies/dp/1240961677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344545242&sr=8-1&keywords=microstock+characteristics[/url])
:o she has 127 books based on Wikipedia.. they must sell or she would quit and stop "doing them"
http://www.amazon.com/History-Post-Mortem-Photography-Contemporary-Photographers/product-reviews/1240999313/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 (http://www.amazon.com/History-Post-Mortem-Photography-Contemporary-Photographers/product-reviews/1240999313/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)
-
Yikes.
Well, it looks like she stopped in November 2011. That was the date of her last one.
It's a shame that it's as high as it is in the search order on Amazon when you look up "microstock." There are 32 books on "microstock" and this one is in the top third or so. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=microstock&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amicrostock (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=microstock&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amicrostock)
By any rights, it would be at the bottom. Hopefully it's not fooling too may people.
-
1) My #1 Microstock Secret - look for things that other people DO NOT shoot, that buyers might want. Copying best sellers is like getting to the dock after the boat left, or closing the gate after the horses have escaped. Sorry, copying and chasing isn't the answer.
2) Don't pay attention to the little man behind the curtain. Which means, don't search your searches, don't watch the pot, don't check your placement every day, it doesn't change anything and will make you crazy! How many views before something gets a sale is just as much a waste of time. How many photos before you get a sale or steady sales? All that matters is What is the image of! Someone with 200 really appropriate, good concept photos will outsell someone with 3000 uninspired, dupes of inch by inch, repeating themes. It's not how many, it's what's in them!
3) Don't give away your real secrets on an Internet forum. There are probably 80-90% lurkers here who hardly ever write anything and are just absorbing all the wisdom of the rest of the people. Just like the copiers, who re-shoot best sellers for their collection, they also thrive on fresh information. Everything you write here is helping eight other people, take away some of your sales.
-
If you want to win in microstock produce photos cheaply and in large volume (meaning you have to do it full time).
-
Yes sometimes micro size shots cost much more on macro sites. Thank god some buyers don't look there.
5 MB
1093 x 1448 pixels
287 KB compressed
$ 35.89
Total sales $35.89
-
YES! but look! I dont want this to go any further then this table, OK! there is an agency called "Troubleshooter Inc" they contacted me for specific pictures, telling me they have got a very spoecial insight into the big, heavy Advertising world. Now Advertising means BIG revenues, so naturally I jumped onto it.
I supplied them with just 8 hi-res files of just Swedish winter sceneries, thats all. Well, bloody hell, it didnt take them longer then 3 days and all the pics were sold and in big advertising concepts.
My cut from this was a staggering: 4.5K ! how about that? there are still some hidden treasures out there, its just finding them, thats all.
This agency is based at Jersey, channel-islands, so they obviously pay no tax. They do accept photographers who has troubles with micro and macro, hence the name "Troubleshooter" this is a great idea, I recon. :)