Hi everyone!

I'm considering producing a relatively large batch of stock imagery (mostly illustration and 3D) on several selected subjects I'm familiar with. I'd like to outsource the grunt work to freelancers, while producing reference artwork and AI / MAX files myself.

My question is, do microstock agencies accept stock imagery produced this way? What kind of proof should I be able to provide to microstock sites to prove that I can legally sell such stock? Documents, contracts, links to posted projects on freelance sites etc.?

Thank you!
GStocker.

P.S. I'm new here at MicrostockGroup, so I apologize in advance if I used the wrong forum. If there were prior discussions on this, or if there's a dedicated forum for such questions, I'd be grateful if someone pointed me there.

Hi Gstocker,

 I am not sure if I understand your question. Do you want others to shoot for you and then represent their work on Micro or are you just outsourcing your images to have someone else help you with the post. Either is possible. You can buy the copyright off of the people ( I have used second shooters on Macro shoots on several occasions as well as many others ) that shoot for you or you can easily outsource your Post work lots of people do that you are still the copyright holder. Once a copyright has been transferred unless a specific agency has written something into their contract about that be not authorized or accepted by that agency then you might have an issue. Many people in Macro have purchase huge collections shot by other people and put them up under their name once they purchase the copyright. Even Getty does buy outs of copyright. I still might not understand your question so if I didn't get it right please try to explain your needs and I'll see what I can find out.

Best,
Jonathan

Hi GStocker,

 Not my strongest area as my wife runs our business side but I do know there needs to be some form of monetary exchange when signing over the copyright. Even $1 dollar shows payment for exchange. There are some smart people on this site when it comes to legal. Give it a bit and I am sure someone will offer helpful advice. I will also check into it but you should probably start by contacting the Micro sites directly to see what their contracts accept and how they operate.

Good Luck,
Jonathan

I've used a 2nd shooter once, and it was a good idea seeing the shoot was on location, and only 1 hour in duration.  It was a challenging lighting condition we were shooting in, completely overcast so we were getting shutter speeds down to 1/80, even 1/60th (the danger zone).  I was glad to have twice as many images to choose from.  Still, in the end you realize that for most shoots it's more profitable to keep it a solo operation.   I've also thought about the outsourcing of graphics creation, but how long until these same artists realize what you're doing with the images, and decide to start sell stock themselves?  It's a lot more work to keyword and upload, but I find that even my 2nd shooter caught on quickly when it came to the terms of how much I was going to make from these images.  I had to explain that it's a lot more work than it looks, and that the images alone will need editing, keywording, uploading to multiple sites, categorizing, and more - so it's not just as easy as creating the image.  Also that there was no guarantee that the images would even be profitable.  It all depends on the models, the theme, and the final results.

A "Work for Hire" contract usually covers a rights transfer for freelancers. I assume that would probably work. Like some of the others said, I'm also a little skeptical whether you would make enough from your work to pay a freelancer. But, I guess you don't know until you try.

Step 1
Find a woman that will allow you to reproduce with her
Step 2
Raise the child with a heavily intensive education in photography, art, and computer
Step 3
Employ your new creative genius and keep the business in the family

Problem solved! Only problem is it's not exactly a quick solution...

Everyone thanks for your replies -- actually I didn't expect that many!

Jonathan, cthoman -- yes, from my previous dealings with copyright transfers I know that "work for hire" or "transfer in writing" with accompanying "monetary exchange" are the key ingredients. I was more interested in microstock specifics -- perhaps the industry has an its own established traditions of copyright transfers, and I'd like learn more about them.

Helix, Arena, cthoman -- I know that microstock economy is harsh, and the margins are thin, but I'm willing to give it a try. As they say, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take".

Leaf -- thanks for the links! The Lookstat offer on keywording, uploading and tracking sounds very interesting. The fact that they're based in Seattle means that they have no shortage of competent native English speakers for keywording, but on the other hand, the same fact means that their pricing is likely not cheap compared to offshore outsourcing options. Unfortunately, their website has no info on pricing, so I guess I'll have to contact them.

Hi everyone!

I'm considering producing a relatively large batch of stock imagery (mostly illustration and 3D) on several selected subjects I'm familiar with. I'd like to outsource the grunt work to freelancers, while producing reference artwork and AI / MAX files myself.

My question is, do microstock agencies accept stock imagery produced this way? What kind of proof should I be able to provide to microstock sites to prove that I can legally sell such stock? Documents, contracts, links to posted projects on freelance sites etc.?

Thank you!
GStocker.

P.S. I'm new here at MicrostockGroup, so I apologize in advance if I used the wrong forum. If there were prior discussions on this, or if there's a dedicated forum for such questions, I'd be grateful if someone pointed me there.

I think If I did this kind of work for someone I would at least charge $1000 per image.