Say something Positive Thread

[WarrenPrice]

It has gotten very negative and totally depressing in MSG.  Look back at all the recent threads; do you see anything good about microstock?  About photography in general?  I'm having a hard time believing that it is as bad as we seem to make things seem.

I'm starting this thread in hopes that you will think of something positive about your life in photography.  I hope I am not the only one enjoying a good run. 

Shooting a motocross race this weekend for a major publication.  Shutterstock is going great.  Dreamstime not quite so great but the RPD is up slightly.  iStock has been a major disappointment but ... haven't we beaten that horse to death?

So, how about you? 

[trek]

I love this site.  Three cheers for Leaf! 

[donding]

This is what keeps me positive... WATERFALLS I'm going hunting again next week hopefully.

[Jo Ann Snover]

It's a strain to find something positive about microstock, but about photography in general, I love it when I can go back to a time, place and feeling by looking at a picture I've taken - sort of a poor man's space time machine.

As it's cold and wet and thoroughly icky in Western Washington at the moment, my recent images from the Turks & Caicos are a lovely place to which to be transported

[cathyslife]

It's a strain to find something positive about microstock, but about photography in general, I love it when I can go back to a time, place and feeling by looking at a picture I've taken - sort of a poor man's space time machine.

Same here.

But I don't know why people keep saying there are no positive threads when there are. Hint: if it says istock in the title or as a subject, just don't read it. That will take care of all of your negative feelings. 

[sharpshot]

Perhaps the most positive thing for me about microstock is that my earnings have held up quite well, considering that I have either really cut down or stopped uploading to several sites.  I have been enjoying building up my video portfolio on Pond5.  I particularly enjoy doing time lapses but they aren't selling as well as my conventional clips.  I'm having a better year with alamy and starting to increase my portfolio that's not on the micros.

I bought a Pinwide pinhole body cap and have had fun taking pinhole photos again.

[cathyslife]

^^^that's cool, sharpshot!

[lisafx]

Well, I just dissolved my corporation, so I can go back to enjoying photography again, instead of spending much of my time on accounting and paperwork.  I feel like a huge burden has been lifted from my back!!

Got a fun shoot planned for this weekend with an older couple who are very popular sellers and game for anything.  Weather is supposed to be great too.  

Love your pinhole photo Sharpshot!

[Xalanx]

Well, I just dissolved my corporation, so I can go back to enjoying photography again, instead of spending much of my time on accounting and paperwork.  I feel like a huge burden has been lifted from my back!!

Got a fun shoot planned for this weekend with an older couple who are very popular sellers and game for anything.  Weather is supposed to be great too.  

Love your pinhole photo Sharpshot!

Yes, that's the spirit! And it's also the reason for which I'm not gonna turn microstock business into a company for myself, that burden.

ETA (on topic): here's something positive: a proton. 

[Blufish]

Thanks Warren. I'm still having fun. Going to take a drive through farm country next week and enjoy the peace with my camera. If I didn't love it, I'd quit. I do love photography, I just forgot for the last 20 years.

[rubyroo]

I love chocolate!

I agree - great pic Sharpshot, and congrats Lisa in relieving yourself of that burden.

As for me:  Shutterstock and DT are doing fantastically well at the moment.  A real leap on both agencies.

Spring is here and lots of outdoor shooting awaits.

and...

I don't need a new lens cap!  

[PeterChigmaroff]

 

[madelaide]

I have just had a session playing with my lovebirds. 

[klsbear]

I received a very kind and encouraging message from another contributor here at MSG and have had Zero rejections from my last several uploads to multiple sites (knock on wood - I hope I didn't just jinx myself!)

[Smiling Jack]

Remember "when you are over the hill even a bad day is a good day"

Smiling Jack

[melastmohican]

I am going to my homeland for two weeks. It's going to be first Easter there in 10 years.

[cthoman]

Perhaps the most positive thing for me about microstock is that my earnings have held up quite well, considering that I have either really cut down or stopped uploading to several sites.

That's my experience as well. Considering I've eliminated Fotolia and stopped uploading at the other big 4, I'm fairly pleased that my income has remained steady or better than 2010. I may not always be positive, but I still enjoy doing this. I also am optimistic about the future and growing my business. I just consider all the recent changes a delay or rerouting of my plans.

[pancaketom]

Positive at microstock - I can work when and if I feel like it and I still make money. Granted it isn't a lot, but it still is something. I am sure if I actually worked hard and smart at this I'd make more. Then again, if I wanted a real job I'd probably try to find one. Shutterstock is up this year, that is positive. DT earnings also seems to be recovering from the commission drop a year ago.

here is my latest "entertainment" that involved photography somewhat... a marathon day hike in the Grand Canyon - I even have got some pics to upload out of the deal.

http://www.electricant.net/grundyman/gchike2011.html

[louoates]

My positive statement: This shot I made this afternoon of my granddaughter.

[Elenathewise]

My positive statement: This shot I made this afternoon of my granddaughter.

What a cutie pie!!!

[Elenathewise]

My positive - income is pretty stable, in spite of me slacking out for the last few months; some up some down but overall numbers are good. Being able to spend time with my teenage daughter is really nice. Shooting whatever comes to mind. Enjoying other people's amazing work. Convincing my partner that I absolutely need that new super expensive wide-angle lens. Having a dedicated studio to hide from my family from. Lots of good stuff actually:)

[michaeldb]

Good thread IMO Warren. My positive thought: I used to make computer graphics just for fun, now I make money doing it. And a lot of people around the world find my efforts useful. What could be more positive than that?

[lisafx]

here is my latest "entertainment" that involved photography somewhat... a marathon day hike in the Grand Canyon - I even have got some pics to upload out of the deal.

http://www.electricant.net/grundyman/gchike2011.html

Oh my!  Stunning photos!  Looks like you had a perfect, and amazingly clear day.  Love the one of you kicking back and enjoying the view

[lisafx]

My positive statement: This shot I made this afternoon of my granddaughter.

Adorable!  Cute as a button!  And you can tell she loves her Grandpa.  Either that, or she's just laughing at you

[cathyslife]

Positive at microstock - I can work when and if I feel like it and I still make money. Granted it isn't a lot, but it still is something. I am sure if I actually worked hard and smart at this I'd make more. Then again, if I wanted a real job I'd probably try to find one. Shutterstock is up this year, that is positive. Dreamstime earnings also seems to be recovering from the commission drop a year ago.

here is my latest "entertainment" that involved photography somewhat... a marathon day hike in the Grand Canyon - I even have got some pics to upload out of the deal.

http://www.electricant.net/grundyman/gchike2011.html

Those are gorgeous photos. I have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. Drove through one time, but on a schedule, so couldn't stop.