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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 10:27

Title: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 10:27
Hi all! I'm pretty new to the micro world (2 or so months). I had a couple of questions for the more "seasoned". My portfolio of images is still pretty small, but wanted to know what is a decent size to have on line? I'm not looking to be one of those 30,000 images people. Also, I know it's a crap shoot as to the sales and income aspect, but generally at what point would you expect a modest income?

Thanks all! I enjoy reading this forum and have really learned a lot.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: sharpshot on July 19, 2010, 10:43
It depends on how much the buyers like your images and what you consider a "modest income" to be.  Some people will do well with 500 images, others will need 2,000 or more.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: donding on July 19, 2010, 10:57
It depends on how much the buyers like your images and what you consider a "modest income" to be.  Some people will do well with 500 images, others will need 2,000 or more.

I agree with sharpshot. It really depends on rather you have a niche or not and have good sales. Just because you have a ton of photos doesn't really make a whole lot of difference it they don't sale. It depends on where you live also. Some can make it on a few hundred a month whereas others it takes a few thousand.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 11:44
Ishould have been clearer. I'm not looking to support a household or anything, just extra income. I've made one sale so far for a whopping $.30!  I know it takes time and I have patience. Iwas just curious on what some of you had to say. If I can generate $100 to $200 a month I would be a happy camper

I love shooting nature, gee, that's original, but I've  also been shooting more industrial/business. No people. Ijust don't have the patience for things that talk back. The most I have on one site is about 50. It takes quite a while to build up, but I'm submitting to about 6 sites right now.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: FD on July 19, 2010, 11:49
If I can generate $100 to $200 a month I would be a happy camper
500-1000
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 12:39
Thank ya!  How long did it take you to build your portfolio?
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Dreamframer on July 19, 2010, 12:55
Thank ya!  How long did it take you to build your portfolio?

To how many sites you submit images? Do you submit to all major sites? I would say, you can make $100-$200 with 300 images online if you have them on all major sites.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 13:18
So far I have stuff at dreamstime,fotolia, big stock, graphic leftovers, depositphotos, and 123rf. I have tried shutter stock, but have been unsuccessful so far. That initial 10 is hard!
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on July 19, 2010, 13:20
Somewhere between 'small' and 30000 depending on a number of factors.  Assuming you keep uploading what is not currently proving successful, just multiply .30 by a number to find your target and multiply your port size by that.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Dreamframer on July 19, 2010, 13:37
So far I have stuff at dreamstime,fotolia, big stock, graphic leftovers, depositphotos, and 123rf. I have tried shutter stock, but have been unsuccessful so far. That initial 10 is hard!

Hmm... I was counting Shutterstock and Istock too.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: rubyroo on July 19, 2010, 13:39
My experience suggests that you will need to get into Shutterstock and iStock before you start to see reliably consistent and regular sales patterns.  With those two on board, I'd say about 500 images too.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 13:39
I'm still trying with shutterstock and stock. I just have to have the magical 10...
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 13:41
Rubyroo - thanks!  Iguess ill keep trudging along.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: donding on July 19, 2010, 13:44
I'm still trying with shutterstock and stock. I just have to have the magical 10...

Don't give up. It sometimes takes awhile to get through shutterstock watchful eye then it's much easier. Just keep on trying.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: louoates on July 19, 2010, 14:01
 WARNING--Important biased remark:
Without Istock and Shutterstock it wouldn't be worth the time to upload to all the others combined.
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: Blufish on July 19, 2010, 14:18
Thanks. I will I know how inconsistent the reviewers are and try and learn from the constructive stuff and not take it personally. Sometimes I just laugh.
@louoates - lol. I know you are probably right!
Title: Re: General question from a newbie
Post by: rubyroo on July 19, 2010, 17:30
He is  ;)