MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: mobius121 on November 26, 2007, 02:23
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Ok I think this is the area to ask this but I am not sure so be polite if its wrong ;) I was wondering what make the best stock subjects? I am into landscape and weather photography but I hear they don't do so well. Any tips or suggestions? And what do I do with my landscape/weather stuff if it doesn't sell on stock sites? ???
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Hi there,
Landscapes are often regarded as not the best subject for stock, however yes they do indeed sell, in fact some of my best sellers and Flames are Landscapes ...... just make sure they stand out from the Crowd with Impact and Colours that Pop ;) that said I also lace my Portfolio with all sorts from Grunge to Glam ;D
Diversity my friend, good luck
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mobius121........ Yeah I was told that too when I started out a year and a half ago...
My top sellers are landscape/travel shots! Not only have they done well for me in the micros... but the exposure of them on the micros opened the door for me to the publishing world (magazines/books) where I am doing extremely well for absolutely minimal work and effort.
I made more money on just my last two publishing deals this year than I have from all my micro sales on all my sites this year! And it was all landscape from parks.
I'm sure that folks who shoot (and just to be clear, i'm not knocking it, more power to them, just not what I want to do) the same model from 52 different angles are waaaaaayyyyy outselling me on the micros. Don't doubt that at all, but... my landscape sells. Books, magazines, road maps, DOT websites, travel agencies around the globe... it sells. Somebody has to take pictures of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Acadia... and I am so sad to be forced... to go to those places, hang out for weeks and take pictures of them.... LOL
Open a book on national parks, a magazine on the outdoors, walk into a tavel agency... somebody had to take those shots. It could soon be you!!!
My point... If you shoot quality landscape... there is a niche out there for you.
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I don't think it has ever been the case that landscapes/nature do not sell in microstock. The problem is there are so many shooting it, that your own photos face an incredible amount of competition. But like anything else, if you shoot it very well, it can sell big for you.
Take a look at the SS Top 50 of the Week. Most of the time it features plenty of landscape and nature photography.
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I think you can have an edge by doing HDR although it has to be done with moderation to be accepted...
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Thanks for the replies guys! I gives me hope lol! What are the usual best selling subjects out there? Things that are business/school oriented?
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I think you can have an edge by doing HDR although it has to be done with moderation to be accepted...
This may be a stupid question but whats HDR? ^^
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I think you can have an edge by doing HDR although it has to be done with moderation to be accepted...
This may be a stupid question but whats HDR? ^^
I believe Idambies is refering to High Dynamic Range Imaging. HDRI is a technique that was used in computer imaging... now in photography to more accurately display the range of intensity in light levels between direct sun and deep shadows... kind of like the human eye is capable of... in fact some call it 'human eye imaging'. ..........or maybe he meant something else and I should let our friend reply... It can be a very powerful tool when working with large landscapes.