Author Topic: October 2021 Brutally Honest Earnings Report (Special Book Cover Edition) (Read 15291 times)

Brasilnut · « **on:** November 01, 2021, 03:06 »

Welcome to the October 2021 detailed monthly report during these increasingly normal times (on the surface at least).

In addition to the earnings report, check out a summary of a super useful/interesting chat with Nash Mascaro, Sales Director at Arcangel who served me a large portion of humble pie and valuable tips on improving my approvals/sales over at Arcangel.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/10/31/october-2021-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Hope you had a good month and keeping healthy.

Alex

Suspect · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2021, 03:57 »

Thanks for a great report as always. The Arcangel article is very interesting.

I contacted MM myself as I was confused about when/what I would be paid.

I made a few comments about communication with contributors. One thing MM said in his replies was this:

'We are working on a new module for the site that will streamline and simplify royalty payments all round'.

I think that would be very useful.

With regard to what you write, you have clarified something I wondered:

'Keep in mind that the more famous the book/author, the larger the potential royalties'.

Is that because what we are paid depends on the size of the print run? Also, am I right in thinking that under this sales model, we can be paid again for the use?

Thanks as ever for sharing your stock photography journey with us

Brasilnut · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2021, 04:28 »

Quote from: DOP on November 01, 2021, 03:57

'Keep in mind that the more famous the book/author, the larger the potential royalties'.

Is that because what we are paid depends on the size of the print run? Also, am I right in thinking that under this sales model, we can be paid again for the use?

Thanks as ever for sharing your stock photography journey with us

You're welcome...it's a fun journey which helps to take my mind off my relatively dull corporate day-job.

Not 100% sure how the royalties work (as not involved in the negotiations)...some details here:

https://arcangel.com/buy-stock-images-illustrations/

I only upload Rights-Managed to them so I've received repeat sales for the same image that were printed for different countries.

Following the logic, if an image is selected for a big-time author like Stephen King it will be printed in dozens of places for 100,000s of copies so would produce potentially large royalties. My USA and UK sales have earned me quite a bit more than a book cover published in Poland, for instance.

Suspect · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2021, 04:46 »

Thanks Alex.

For Real · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2021, 08:24 »

A well written monthly report Alex. I enjoy reading them and seeing where there is hope... Thanks

gemmy12 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2021, 23:09 »

Its always joy to read your sales report and your experience while shooting in public in different countries.. and i do wait for your monthly sale report email notice in my inbox haha
Do you face some difficulty in setting the mindset when you shoot a subject whether it should go for micro or to arcangel ?
and are the images one submit to arangel need to be exclusive ?

Suspect · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2021, 09:30 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 06, 2021, 23:09

Its always joy to read your sales report and your experience while shooting in public in different countries.. and i do wait for your monthly sale report email notice in my inbox haha
Do you face some difficulty in setting the mindset when you shoot a subject whether it should go for micro or to arcangel ?
and are the images one submit to arangel need to be exclusive ?

The images must be exclusive.
My experience is that the images I submit to Arc are nothing like micro (although I don't actually create for micro nowadays).
The images Arc tend to accept of mine are conceptual, especially vintage, and model released.
I can spend time at the beach taking lots of photos (as I recently did), upload a few, and have them all rejected (as I recently did) ...

Brasilnut · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2021, 06:50 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 06, 2021, 23:09

Do you face some difficulty in setting the mindset when you shoot a subject whether it should go for micro or to arcangel ?
and are the images one submit to arangel need to be exclusive ?

I don't shoot primarily for micros anymore...these days I'm only scouting for book cover scenes. Most of book cover stuff won't really sell as micros and vice versa, for instance this one that has been recently approved. During my scouting I may come across a microstock type scene and I'll send it off to Wirestock as they do their own keywording (the less I bother about microstock the better).

As DOP has mentioned, the images need to be exclusive. Arcangel do have a non-exclusive collection "NX" but you may only duplicate the images as Rights-Managed.

More details: http://www.imagebank.photography/wp-content/uploads/arcangel-contributors-photographers-and-videographers.pdf

gemmy12 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 09, 2021, 01:20 »

i thought its not bad to be a contributor there and sent my getty port link and they rejected lol i love the kind of images you and some other arcangel contributors uploading.. i used to shoot similar style of photos before coming to stock and i actually enjoy taking such shots

Suspect · « **Reply #9 on:** November 09, 2021, 04:51 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 01:20

i thought its not bad to be a contributor there and sent my getty port link and they rejected lol i love the kind of images you and some other arcangel contributors uploading.. i used to shoot similar style of photos before coming to stock and i actually enjoy taking such shots

I tried 3 times and on the 3rd (+ accepted) attempt I'd taken mostly new photos aimed directly at book covers (including model released) and uploaded them to a Google folder and sent Arc that link.
I think it's a minimum of 20 but am not certain of that.
Just linking to another stock site won't work I think.
Good luck if you try again

SariMe · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2021, 08:14 »

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 04:51

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 01:20
i thought its not bad to be a contributor there and sent my getty port link and they rejected lol i love the kind of images you and some other arcangel contributors uploading.. i used to shoot similar style of photos before coming to stock and i actually enjoy taking such shots

I tried 3 times and on the 3rd (+ accepted)

Same

gemmy12 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2021, 08:59 »

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 04:51

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 01:20
i thought its not bad to be a contributor there and sent my getty port link and they rejected lol i love the kind of images you and some other arcangel contributors uploading.. i used to shoot similar style of photos before coming to stock and i actually enjoy taking such shots

I tried 3 times and on the 3rd (+ accepted) attempt I'd taken mostly new photos aimed directly at book covers (including model released) and uploaded them to a Google folder and sent Arc that link.
I think it's a minimum of 20 but am not certain of that.
Just linking to another stock site won't work I think.
Good luck if you try again

Thanks for the advice. I will try that but I am more reluctant to keep trying kind of things these days.. Is it worth to upload exclusive images in archangel? How have your experience been there who are uploading there for a while...?

Suspect · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2021, 09:11 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 08:59

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 04:51
Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 01:20
i thought its not bad to be a contributor there and sent my getty port link and they rejected lol i love the kind of images you and some other arcangel contributors uploading.. i used to shoot similar style of photos before coming to stock and i actually enjoy taking such shots

I tried 3 times and on the 3rd (+ accepted) attempt I'd taken mostly new photos aimed directly at book covers (including model released) and uploaded them to a Google folder and sent Arc that link.
I think it's a minimum of 20 but am not certain of that.
Just linking to another stock site won't work I think.
Good luck if you try again
Thanks for the advice. I will try that but I am more reluctant to keep trying kind of things these days.. Is it worth to upload exclusive images in archangel? How have your experience been there who are uploading there for a while...?

I've had one sale when I got to about 100 images and have been uploading for a year.
Unfortunately I still don't know how much I've earned.
Alex is the more experienced contributor. He writes about his experience on his website.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/tag/arcangel/

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #13 on:** November 09, 2021, 11:16 »

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 09:11

I've had one sale when I got to about 100 images and have been uploading for a year.
Unfortunately I still don't know how much I've earned.

How do you not know how much you earned if you made a sale? Don't they tell you?

gemmy12 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2021, 11:28 »

Yes Dop. How can you not know about your sales..

Suspect · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2021, 11:39 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 11:28

Yes Dop. How can you not know about your sales..

Quote from: Uncle Pete on November 09, 2021, 11:16

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 09:11

I've had one sale when I got to about 100 images and have been uploading for a year.
Unfortunately I still don't know how much I've earned.

How do you not know how much you earned if you made a sale? Don't they tell you?

I'm awaiting an email telling me .. there's no interface like there is with Sstock etc.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2021, 11:54 »

Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 11:39

Quote from: gemmy12 on November 09, 2021, 11:28
Yes Dop. How can you not know about your sales..
Quote from: Uncle Pete on November 09, 2021, 11:16
Quote from: DOP on November 09, 2021, 09:11

I've had one sale when I got to about 100 images and have been uploading for a year.
Unfortunately I still don't know how much I've earned.

How do you not know how much you earned if you made a sale? Don't they tell you?

I'm awaiting an email telling me .. there's no interface like there is with Sstock etc.

At at beginning of a given month you'll receive a notification by email if you had a sale go through on a previous month.

In the meantime, the best place imo to check for sales is by searching your name + Arcangel on Google Books. Will also show some interesting results for sales via microstock agencies.

SVH · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2021, 14:46 »

I kind of dislike agencies that will not give you direct information about your sales. I personally never would join this agency. It doesn't fit in today's world. For the same reason I left Alamy (who relies on good trust and selfreporting downloads by clients). Left Dreamstime as well, I wonder if they sell anything at all, but my patience is long gone.

I'd rather stick with Adobe (immediate reporting, minimum 33ct and lot of times more than that, but not that many real biggies unfortunately) and even so Shutterstock (allthough the 10ct sales are getting almost insufferable, so they might have to go as well).

And OK, Istock, I'll hang on for just a while because they have some nice sales now and then.

For Real · « **Reply #18 on:** November 09, 2021, 16:12 »

Quote from: SVH on November 09, 2021, 14:46

I kind of dislike agencies that will not give you direct information about your sales. I personally never would join this agency. It doesn't fit in today's world. For the same reason I left Alamy (who relies on good trust and selfreporting downloads by clients). Left Dreamstime as well, I wonder if they sell anything at all, but my patience is long gone.

I'd rather stick with Adobe (immediate reporting, minimum 33ct and lot of times more than that, but not that many real biggies unfortunately) and even so Shutterstock (allthough the 10ct sales are getting almost insufferable, so they might have to go as well).

And OK, Istock, I'll hang on for just a while because they have some nice sales now and then.

Sad how we allow iStock to screw us over -myself included $:-\$

Suspect · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2021, 04:23 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on November 01, 2021, 03:06

Welcome to the October 2021 detailed monthly report during these increasingly normal times (on the surface at least).

In addition to the earnings report, check out a summary of a super useful/interesting chat with Nash Mascaro, Sales Director at Arcangel who served me a large portion of humble pie and valuable tips on improving my approvals/sales over at Arcangel.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/10/31/october-2021-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Hope you had a good month and keeping healthy.

Alex

Do you know Alex how many contributors Arc has?

Brasilnut · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2021, 05:42 »

Quote from: DOP on November 11, 2021, 04:23

Quote from: Brasilnut on November 01, 2021, 03:06
Welcome to the October 2021 detailed monthly report during these increasingly normal times (on the surface at least).

In addition to the earnings report, check out a summary of a super useful/interesting chat with Nash Mascaro, Sales Director at Arcangel who served me a large portion of humble pie and valuable tips on improving my approvals/sales over at Arcangel.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/10/31/october-2021-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Hope you had a good month and keeping healthy.

Alex

Do you know Alex how many contributors Arc has?

Don't know, but easily a few 1000. Most are no longer active.

As of today, Arcangel boasts 847,652 online images (of which 1,055 are proudly mine

). Drop in the ocean but growing!

Suspect · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2021, 14:34 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on November 11, 2021, 05:42

Quote from: DOP on November 11, 2021, 04:23
Quote from: Brasilnut on November 01, 2021, 03:06
Welcome to the October 2021 detailed monthly report during these increasingly normal times (on the surface at least).

In addition to the earnings report, check out a summary of a super useful/interesting chat with Nash Mascaro, Sales Director at Arcangel who served me a large portion of humble pie and valuable tips on improving my approvals/sales over at Arcangel.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/10/31/october-2021-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Hope you had a good month and keeping healthy.

Alex

Do you know Alex how many contributors Arc has?

Don't know, but easily a few 1000. Most are no longer active.

As of today, Arcangel boasts 847,652 online images (of which 1,055 are proudly mine ). Drop in the ocean but growing!

Just seen that you've had a whole raft of new images published on Arc - that's no mean feat! Looks like your conversation with Nash paid off

Also, just read your interview with Kerem Gogus on your website.

Great article + what a brilliant artist he is.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #22 on:** November 14, 2021, 06:04 »

Quote from: DOP on November 13, 2021, 14:34

Quote from: Brasilnut on November 11, 2021, 05:42
Quote from: DOP on November 11, 2021, 04:23
Quote from: Brasilnut on November 01, 2021, 03:06
Welcome to the October 2021 detailed monthly report during these increasingly normal times (on the surface at least).

In addition to the earnings report, check out a summary of a super useful/interesting chat with Nash Mascaro, Sales Director at Arcangel who served me a large portion of humble pie and valuable tips on improving my approvals/sales over at Arcangel.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/10/31/october-2021-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Hope you had a good month and keeping healthy.

Alex

Do you know Alex how many contributors Arc has?

Don't know, but easily a few 1000. Most are no longer active.

As of today, Arcangel boasts 847,652 online images (of which 1,055 are proudly mine ). Drop in the ocean but growing!

Just seen that you've had a whole raft of new images published on Arc - that's no mean feat! Looks like your conversation with Nash paid off

Also, just read your interview with Kerem Gogus on your website.

Great article + what a brilliant artist he is.

Appreciated Kerem's attitude to creating art and not just thinking about the $, I trust that he'll have success at Arcangel much more so than at the micros where they don't value his work.

Here's a link to the article for all those reading: https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/11/13/interview-with-keremgo3d-creative-digital-artist/

As for my port at Arcangel, having a record month number of accepted at currently 48 (here's 4 recent ones)

Nash's talk has certainly helped to bring down the rejections to a much more reasonable 30-40%!

Suspect · « **Reply #23 on:** November 15, 2021, 13:45 »

I've been paid for my 1st Arc sale. A little disappointed in that it was just under a 3 figure £ sum. However, it's a lot better than microstock.

I believe from what I've read that the smaller sales £ amount is probably due to lower distribution/licensing numbers. It's a German language novel only, as far as I know only printed in Switzerland.

I think that English language international best sellers will earn more.

So, the project is that everyone who reads this please buys this novel, to turn it into a bestseller, that will then be translated into several languages (for which I think I'll be paid again).

You may have to learn German 1st.

Christof Gasser: 'When the Shadows Die'.

Incidentally, for anyone who cares to look, the red brush strokes are mine (on an authentic vintage photo).

I was in an email discussion today with Ole (formerly of the Sstock forum) about whether the contributors who spend more (in money and time) say on models, sets etc, are paid more, but my gut feeling is that it's just down to distribution numbers/usage of the image. I'd love to know the answer to this question ...

Brasilnut · « **Reply #24 on:** November 15, 2021, 17:02 »

Quote from: DOP on November 15, 2021, 13:45

I've been paid for my 1st Arc sale. A little disappointed in that it was just under a 3 figure £ sum. However, it's a lot better than microstock.

I believe from what I've read that the smaller sales £ amount is probably due to lower distribution/licensing numbers. It's a German language novel only, as far as I know only printed in Switzerland.

I think that English language international best sellers will earn more.

So, the project is that everyone who reads this please buys this novel, to turn it into a bestseller, that will then be translated into several languages (for which I think I'll be paid again).

You may have to learn German 1st.

Christof Gasser: 'When the Shadows Die'.

Incidentally, for anyone who cares to look, the red brush strokes are mine (on an authentic vintage photo).

I was in an email discussion today with Ole (formerly of the Sstock forum) about whether the contributors who spend more (in money and time) say on models, sets etc, are paid more, but my gut feeling is that it's just down to distribution numbers/usage of the image. I'd love to know the answer to this question ...

Congrats again on your first sale, many more to come.

I don't have a huge sample, just 17 sales but my UK and US royalties are about double that of other countries. So, you're right that if it's translated into English you should expect some good returns.

Repeat sales are the beauty of the Rights-Managed model and one such book has sold 4 times, earning me commission on each sale.

Yes, it's purely down to print run and perhaps resolution size of the image used. There is also negotiations going on between Arcangel and the client, especially if they are a regular client.

Investing in make-up, clothes, setting and post-processing with a strong concept should help the image stand out and in turn sell. I'll be heading down to Granada during the Christmas break with my girlfriend and research some Arabic clothes she may wear when we visit Alhambra!

For Real · « **Reply #25 on:** November 15, 2021, 18:18 »

congrats on your first sale! Hopefully more to come

gemmy12 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 16, 2021, 02:49 »

Quote from: DOP on November 15, 2021, 13:45

I've been paid for my 1st Arc sale. A little disappointed in that it was just under a 3 figure £ sum. However, it's a lot better than microstock.

I believe from what I've read that the smaller sales £ amount is probably due to lower distribution/licensing numbers. It's a German language novel only, as far as I know only printed in Switzerland.

I think that English language international best sellers will earn more.

So, the project is that everyone who reads this please buys this novel, to turn it into a bestseller, that will then be translated into several languages (for which I think I'll be paid again).

You may have to learn German 1st.

Christof Gasser: 'When the Shadows Die'.

Incidentally, for anyone who cares to look, the red brush strokes are mine (on an authentic vintage photo).

I was in an email discussion today with Ole (formerly of the Sstock forum) about whether the contributors who spend more (in money and time) say on models, sets etc, are paid more, but my gut feeling is that it's just down to distribution numbers/usage of the image. I'd love to know the answer to this question ...

Congratulations.. its always the best feeling to see 1st sale

even to listen someone's :p After how many images accepted, u guys got your 1st sale in Arcangel ?

Suspect · « **Reply #27 on:** November 16, 2021, 04:49 »

Congratulations.. its always the best feeling to see 1st sale even to listen someone's :p After how many images accepted, u guys got your 1st sale in Arcangel ?
[/quote]

Thank you Alex, For Real, and G12 for your congrats

G12 - it was a year + 100 images for me before my 1st sale..

Alex - Alhambra looks wonderful - hope you enjoy your photo shoot - pastures new (literally and figuratively)

S2D2 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 31, 2022, 08:05 »

Only 15% acceptance rate on Arcangel for January

I'd be interested to know if it's only me, or if they have become much stricter with acceptances, as it seems to me.

SariMe · « **Reply #29 on:** January 31, 2022, 09:37 »

Quote from: DO on January 31, 2022, 08:05

Only 15% acceptance rate on Arcangel for January

I didn't submit anything in January, but all in all my acceptance rate is 16.31%

I really need to get my act together and find some inspiration.

S2D2 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 31, 2022, 09:43 »

Quote from: SariMe on January 31, 2022, 09:37

Quote from: DO on January 31, 2022, 08:05
Only 15% acceptance rate on Arcangel for January

I didn't submit anything in January, but all in all my acceptance rate is 16.31%
I really need to get my act together and find some inspiration.

Thanks for letting me know Sari. I hope it picks up for you too.

I did get some inspiration using broken glass this time, but they were all rejected, so it's rather demoralising.

I need to get some people to dress up in 19th Century costume and look moody

S2D2 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2022, 09:55 »

Quote from: SariMe on January 31, 2022, 09:37

Quote from: DO on January 31, 2022, 08:05
Only 15% acceptance rate on Arcangel for January

I didn't submit anything in January, but all in all my acceptance rate is 16.31%
I really need to get my act together and find some inspiration.

I just worked out my acceptance rate for the 15 months I've been contributing and it's only 19.47%

Brasilnut · « **Reply #32 on:** January 31, 2022, 12:10 »

For January, I'm at 39.5% acceptance 79/197...whole lot better than 5% back in the summer

Yes, they have become stricter in the past year.

S2D2 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 31, 2022, 12:24 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 31, 2022, 12:10

For January, I'm at 39.5% acceptance 79/197...whole lot better than 5% back in the summer

Yes, they have become stricter in the past year.

Thanks Alex. You clearly have the fighting spirit

Any idea what your acceptance rate is for the past 12 months?

Brasilnut · « **Reply #34 on:** January 31, 2022, 12:39 »

Quote

Any idea what your acceptance rate is for the past 12 months?

Good question. From the beginning of January 2021 until January 31, 2022 I've had 294 images accepted.

As for the number of rejections, too many to count as there were dozens of batches (with some being outright rejected).

During this period, I estimate that I've had about 1500 images rejected, so an acceptance rate of about 20% on average.

If we want high acceptance rates, plenty of Microstock agencies that will take all our work, but would they sell and if so for how much?!

S2D2 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 31, 2022, 12:51 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 31, 2022, 12:39

Quote
Any idea what your acceptance rate is for the past 12 months?

Good question. From the beginning of January 2021 until January 31, 2022 I've had 294 images accepted.

As for the number of rejections, too many to count as there were dozens of batches (with some being outright rejected).

During this period, I estimate that I've had about 1500 images rejected, so an acceptance rate of about 20% on average.

If we want high acceptance rates, plenty of Microstock agencies that will take all our work, but would they sell and if so for how much?!

That's a good mindset.

SariMe · « **Reply #36 on:** January 31, 2022, 14:05 »

Quote from: DO on January 31, 2022, 09:43

I need to get some people to dress up in 19th Century costume and look moody

and make them wander on the moors on a foggy day

csm · « **Reply #37 on:** January 31, 2022, 15:09 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 31, 2022, 12:39

Quote
Any idea what your acceptance rate is for the past 12 months?

Good question. From the beginning of January 2021 until January 31, 2022 I've had 294 images accepted.

As for the number of rejections, too many to count as there were dozens of batches (with some being outright rejected).

During this period, I estimate that I've had about 1500 images rejected, so an acceptance rate of about 20% on average.

If we want high acceptance rates, plenty of Microstock agencies that will take all our work, but would they sell and if so for how much?!

I once made a good living from 500 images.
Everyone needs to stop obsessing with numbers.
Sometimes its quality not quantity.
The success rate with Corbis probably even less.
Often I'd go on a trip abroad and get 20 images accepted, and that felt like a success.
They sold them well though.

everest · « **Reply #38 on:** January 31, 2022, 15:12 »

Yes, unfortunately they are quite predictable in what they like and accept. There is brilliant work there, but many images are not very original where we see the same Victorian women back looking at a field , sea or pathway, the same man running and the same house in darkness with a window lit. I guess they sell lots of those, so no problem with that. If you want images accepted shoot models and in period costumes that rate will go up. :-)

Or be bold and create a very unique style. I think what they are tired of is old doors, abandoned houses, most landscapes or cityscapes.

I am at a 50+% acceptance and I am fine with that. Sometimes I agree with rejects and sometimes not but usually when I look back when time has passed I agree with the rejection. They are quite good at spotting what has sale potential.

Quote from: SariMe on January 31, 2022, 14:05

Quote from: DO on January 31, 2022, 09:43
I need to get some people to dress up in 19th Century costume and look moody
and make them wander on the moors on a foggy day

wordplanet · « **Reply #39 on:** January 31, 2022, 17:37 »

I know I read this a few months late -but thanks so much for sharing the tips re:Arcangel

I've been concentrating much more on fine art this past year with growing sales and I realize that some of my moodier concept art might be right for Arcangel. I've considered applying before but fear of rejection kept me from doing so. Your post has me thinking it should be on my resolutions for 2022 and since it's still January it's a timely goal to add to my list.

Thanks as always for your in-depth report.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #40 on:** February 01, 2022, 05:27 »

Quote from: wordplanet on January 31, 2022, 17:37

I know I read this a few months late -but thanks so much for sharing the tips re:Arcangel

I've been concentrating much more on fine art this past year with growing sales and I realize that some of my moodier concept art might be right for Arcangel. I've considered applying before but fear of rejection kept me from doing so. Your post has me thinking it should be on my resolutions for 2022 and since it's still January it's a timely goal to add to my list.

Thanks as always for your in-depth report.

You're welcome

No harm and sending over a first batch, even if it's rejected you may receive some feedback to improve for next time. Embrace it and try to improve...we often think that our work is better/more commercial than it actually is.

Glad I stuck with them, already anticipating that my goal for 2023 is to give up completely on Microstock (right after SS adopts the "free-download model"). Let's see!

S2D2 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 01, 2022, 15:26 »

My Arc acceptances for January just jumped to 35% as, very unusually, some more were accepted a day later.

50% of my February ones so far have been accepted.

Thanks Alex, for your great report, as always.

Love the term for Sstock 'mega golden turd'

It's not a popular company, is it?

With regard to your Arcangel acceptances, one of them inspired me to rush out and photo my underwear on the washing line

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2022/02/01/january-2022-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #42 on:** February 01, 2022, 15:42 »

Quote from: csm on January 31, 2022, 15:09

I once made a good living from 500 images.
Everyone needs to stop obsessing with numbers.
Sometimes its quality not quantity.

Sometimes it's shooting trending images and useful subjects.

Being accepted has no connection with actually making a sale after that.

Archangel requires exclusive images.

Sometimes for me, it's a matter of self review and I reject images, before I upload them, as they might be on the edge of pass or not pass, but I also ask myself, will anyone ever download this, or am I just adding useless filler to make numbers. Yes, I have been guilty of uploading crapstock, just to make a number. I do less of that and waste less time now, caring about numbers. Except the numbers that start with $

Less is More.

Wilm · « **Reply #43 on:** February 01, 2022, 16:18 »

When over 13000 images bring $39, then it's time to question whether it still makes sense.
The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

Thanks for your info, Alex. As far as the trend goes, it's in line with my experience.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #44 on:** February 01, 2022, 16:37 »

Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18

When over 13000 images bring $39, then it's time to question whether it still makes sense.
The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

Thanks for your info, Alex. As far as the trend goes, it's in line with my experience.

Indeed, probably time to pack it in soon or relegate it to some sort of masochist hobby.

If I do ever decide to commit to Microstock I'll have to have a business strategy like Kaspars who I interviewed in January.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2022/01/10/interview-with-kaspars-grinvalds-lifestyle-microstock-photographer/

The guy is a Microstock beast and earns regularly EUR 4K a month on "just" 9,376 images and 4 agencies. His content is really technical excellent with trending concepts.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #45 on:** February 01, 2022, 16:56 »

Quote from: DO on February 01, 2022, 15:26

With regard to your Arcangel acceptances, one of them inspired me to rush out and photo my underwear on the washing line

Better that then playing around with some of the torture items I shot at the Inquisition Museum!

Just submitted a batch of 30 images to them and I'll bet my left brasilnut that from the batch this one is almost a guarantee to be accepted...

Firn · « **Reply #46 on:** February 02, 2022, 06:55 »

Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18

The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

No, they show that it is a discontinued model for Alex, unless he changes his model or microstock changes. Obviously it is not working for him the way it is now. There are people with smaller port size, but bigger earnings.
I made more in January from Shutterstock alone than he made with 16 agencies combined and SS wasn't even my best earning agency. Whenever I write stuff like this I fear people might think I am here to boost. I am really not. Compared to some other people my microstock income is a joke.
I just feel the need to point out that Alex is not representative for the whole microstock market. Different people produce different content, some things work for microstocks, some don't. Some things work better at certain times than other things. For example, it's not surprising that someone who spend years building a microstock portfolio focused on travel photography will not see the greatest results during a still ongoing world pandemic with travel restrictions.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #47 on:** February 02, 2022, 11:15 »

Quote from: Firn on February 02, 2022, 06:55

Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18

The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

No, they show that it is a discontinued model for Alex, unless he changes his model or microstock changes. Obviously it is not working for him the way it is now. There are people with smaller port size, but bigger earnings.
I made more in January from Shutterstock alone than he made with 16 agencies combined and SS wasn't even my best earning agency. Whenever I write stuff like this I fear people might think I am here to boost. I am really not. Compared to some other people my microstock income is a joke.
I just feel the need to point out that Alex is not representative for the whole microstock market. Different people produce different content, some things work for microstocks, some don't. Some things work better at certain times than other things. For example, it's not surprising that someone who spend years building a microstock portfolio focused on travel photography will not see the greatest results during a still ongoing world pandemic with travel restrictions.

Well put and pretty much sums it up.

My results are disappointing to say the least but I'm of course largely to blame. I've focused on a travel niche that is both expensive and not highly paid, while not hugely sought after, especially during the middle of a pandemic.

It's been a choice all along and even though I've delved into model released lifestyle stuff and composites, it's not something I particularly enjoy(ed) even if I know for a fact that it would bring in more returns. For those that have been following me for a while, about 3 years ago I decided to focus more on videos but even that isn't bearing fruit. Perhaps with some quality drone shots that will change.

I'm not greedy and have no intentions to make this a full-time job, my expectations have always been realistic but anything under $800/month at this stage in the game is simply a disaster. Hope that this year at least the average earnings will balance out at $1k/month on average which would be acceptable but seems quite unrealistic at the moment (only real hope are the book covers). $1k a month would be enough for guilt-free gear upgrades and travel with enough leftover for some surprises. The rest, to cover my living expenses, I can make with my dayjob, photography commissioned work and freelance writing.

If I choose to continue with Microstock it's insanity which is defined as "doing the same thing over and over and expecting expecting different results". I'm glad I managed to get a bit of tail-end of the good times of the business back in 2012/2013. Nowadays, I'm hoping that I can give away most of my Microstock images for a one-time fee for $5 as was done with AS and not look back.

Happy about book covers and it shows

Greener pasture there, or I should say a torture chamber of dark themes

Here's to death of Microstock!

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #48 on:** February 02, 2022, 12:52 »

Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18

When over 13000 images bring $39, then it's time to question whether it still makes sense.
The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

Thanks for your info, Alex. As far as the trend goes, it's in line with my experience.

Yes and so much for many people their former success and all the hard work. The model is not what it was when many of us started. I really can't understand why new people are still believing there's some kind of future or residual earnings in Microstock?

Oh yes, and I do still upload.

I try to force myself to complete one new image a day. One better image that's something in the news, or maybe topical or something that's going to add to a subject that isn't well covered or dominated. Not Sliced Vegetables.

Yes Firn I represent my own small place and not anyone else. And yes I know people personally that made more for years on smaller collections of highest quality and interest. I'm just not as smart or good as they were.

cascoly · « **Reply #49 on:** February 02, 2022, 14:11 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on February 02, 2022, 11:15

My results are disappointing to say the least but I'm of course largely to blame. I've focused on a travel niche that is both expensive and not highly paid, while not hugely sought after, especially during the middle of a pandemic.
...

I'm not greedy and have no intentions to make this a full-time job, my expectations have always been realistic but anything under $800/month at this stage in the game is simply a disaster. Hope that this year at least the average earnings will balance out at $1k/month on average which would be acceptable but seems quite unrealistic at the moment (only real hope are the book covers). $1k a month would be enough for guilt-free gear upgrades and travel with enough leftover for some surprises. The rest, to cover my living expenses, I can make with my dayjob, photography commissioned work and freelance writing.
....

Similar story here; income has been $500-600/ mo for last 2+ years; down about 25% from a high 3 yrs ago. SS decline offset by AS/Wirestock 1-time payments & Canva monthly sub payments.

My main emphases are travel, historical/archaeological sites(!) and other nature. It doesn't cover all my travel but pays for 2 intl trips (in non-covid times) with minimal new gear. additional travel expenses reduce my taxes. i live frugally but comfortably - my living expenses come from social security, a small IRA, ebay/amazon & Medicare, with house paid off years ago.

so nowhere near full-time, but a reason to stay w MS (and working on acceptance in Arcangel)

S2D2 · « **Reply #50 on:** February 03, 2022, 04:51 »

All the best with your Arcangel application Cascoly.

I was accepted on the third attempt when I'd included people.

I reckon I wouldn't have been accepted without those few model released photos ...

Brasilnut · « **Reply #51 on:** February 03, 2022, 05:10 »

Quote

Working on a batch for Arcangel

@cascoly: When you're ready to submit your first batch, if you would like, first send me over the low-resolution files and I'll give you some comments.

cascoly · « **Reply #52 on:** February 03, 2022, 14:00 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on February 03, 2022, 05:10

Quote
Working on a batch for Arcangel

@cascoly: When you're ready to submit your first batch, if you would like, first send me over the low-resolution files and I'll give you some comments.

thanks - much appreciated

Wilm · « **Reply #53 on:** February 05, 2022, 17:09 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on February 01, 2022, 16:37

Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18
When over 13000 images bring $39, then it's time to question whether it still makes sense.
The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

Thanks for your info, Alex. As far as the trend goes, it's in line with my experience.

Indeed, probably time to pack it in soon or relegate it to some sort of masochist hobby.

If I do ever decide to commit to Microstock I'll have to have a business strategy like Kaspars who I interviewed in January.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2022/01/10/interview-with-kaspars-grinvalds-lifestyle-microstock-photographer/

The guy is a Microstock beast and earns regularly EUR 4K a month on "just" 9,376 images and 4 agencies. His content is really technical excellent with trending concepts.

I've had a look at the portfolio, Alex.

You wrote that he earns $4000 per month with just under 9,500 images. That's certainly a decent rate these days. But I also see a lot of different models in his portfolio. Are the costs for that taken into account?

$4,000 is an average gross income in Central Europe. If there are too many additional costs (models, rent, equipment, software...), then there won't be much money left over to live on.

Therefore, the figures are not extremely impressive by local standards.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #54 on:** February 05, 2022, 17:44 »

Quote from: Wilm on February 05, 2022, 17:09

Quote from: Brasilnut on February 01, 2022, 16:37
Quote from: Wilm on February 01, 2022, 16:18
When over 13000 images bring $39, then it's time to question whether it still makes sense.
The other figures also brutallyhonestly show that microstock is a discontinued model.

Thanks for your info, Alex. As far as the trend goes, it's in line with my experience.

Indeed, probably time to pack it in soon or relegate it to some sort of masochist hobby.

If I do ever decide to commit to Microstock I'll have to have a business strategy like Kaspars who I interviewed in January.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2022/01/10/interview-with-kaspars-grinvalds-lifestyle-microstock-photographer/

The guy is a Microstock beast and earns regularly EUR 4K a month on "just" 9,376 images and 4 agencies. His content is really technical excellent with trending concepts.

I've had a look at the portfolio, Alex.

You wrote that he earns $4000 per month with just under 9,500 images. That's certainly a decent rate these days. But I also see a lot of different models in his portfolio. Are the costs for that taken into account?

$4,000 is an average gross income in Central Europe. If there are too many additional costs (models, rent, equipment, software...), then there won't be much money left over to live on.

Therefore, the figures are not extremely impressive by local standards.

True, he mentions gross earnings...not sure how much he spends on models, etc.

He did mention in the interview that he often photographs his wife, so that should help to keep his costs lower.

Just_to_inform_people2 · « **Reply #55 on:** February 05, 2022, 23:31 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on February 05, 2022, 17:44

He did mention in the interview that he often photographs his wife, so that should help to keep his costs lower.

I am not sure if a wife costs less then a model

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