Author Topic: Getting started in footage - help please (Read 20359 times)

PZF · « **on:** January 28, 2016, 04:25 »

Ok, sales of photos are fairly stagnant. Something needs to be done. I could upload to a squillion more dodgy/small sites to get a bit more action. Or there's footage which could be worth a try.

BUT...how to begin?!!! It seems a completely foreign and confusing world.

Any advice for real starter info on settings, (cheap) software, resolutions etc for stock?

I have an OMD EM5 which I gather does this:
1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD / 1080i), 1,280 x 720 (720p), and 640 x 480 (VGA) recording
AVCHD compression at Full HD and 720p resolutions, or MotionJPEG compression at 720p or below
MOV file format for AVCHD, AVI for MotionJPEG
I understand virtually nothing of this.
Is even my camera ok?
Help much appreciated.... Google has not been my friend to date on this!

sharpshot · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2016, 07:12 »

The shutterstock forum should have all the info you need, that's where I got most of mine from. Judging by the long review queues with Pond5 and SS, everyone else seems to of had the same idea. I think it will be much harder to sell footage this year, unless you can so something that buyers like that isn't oversupplied.

PZF · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2016, 08:47 »

Hmmm...have you tried finding anything useful on the SS forum lately?

sharpshot · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2016, 10:54 »

Wow, they ruined it. There was loads of good info there. There were some threads here as well, like this one
http://www.microstockgroup.com/equipment-and-software/most-saleable-video-settings-on-5d-mark-iii/

I use Adobe Premier Elements for editing, quite cheap.

Holmes · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2016, 11:14 »

for stock, the equipment, settings and post processing learning curve is not too steep. a few online videos tutorials will do it.

but be prepared for LARGE files and LONG uploads unless you have HIGH SPEED upload bandwidth. most uploading will be running while you sleep at night.

it can be fun but unless you master smooth camera moves of unique content shot very well you will not earn much. it is not like photos where even mediocre stuff can sell.

PZF · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2016, 11:27 »

Thanks both. Really helpful. I'm not at all sure if it is for me, but I'm just considering options....
Nice point about the internet. Ours is really slow but I hear there is another provider now in our area with a better ie faster deal. I am seeing him tomorrow.
Did the spec of my camera sound good enough? If not,then that is a showstopper in any case and I won't waste any more time!

Karen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2016, 11:29 »

I have a very positive experience with video sales

ACS · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2016, 12:01 »

Quote from: PZF on January 28, 2016, 11:27

Thanks both. Really helpful. I'm not at all sure if it is for me, but I'm just considering options....
Nice point about the internet. Ours is really slow but I hear there is another provider now in our area with a better ie faster deal. I am seeing him tomorrow.
Did the spec of my camera sound good enough? If not,then that is a showstopper in any case and I won't waste any more time!

From Olympus' website;
[MOV]
Full HD: 1920 and1080, 30p (29.97fps)* 20Mbps (fine) / 17Mbps (normal), Aspect ratio 16:9
HD: 1280×720, 30p (29.97fps)* 13Mbps (fine) / 10Mbps (normal), Aspect ratio 16:9

It is technically okay. But you will use 1080p 30p (or 29.97, same) and fine 20mbps settings. You can use it.

When shooting stock video, you need to make it in the first place. I mean composition, lighting, exposure... Editing without degrading the quality is almost impossible for a beginner.

ChrisGardinerPhotography · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2016, 15:47 »

the camera itself will do just fine. I've gotten clips from Point and shoots, and cell phones accepted - and have them sell.

just imagine everything you used to shoot for stock photo, and now shoot that as video. a good place to start - i remember someone saying when i started with photos, is 'shoot what you know' which in most cases is going to be what you do for work, and then if you feel like you've shot that sufficiently, move on to shooting your hobbies - do you snowboard, mountain bike, surf, hike, sew, etc… and as it was mentioned already - its all about making it look good and smooth camera motions.

I've had a very positive experience with video and has certainly helped me ignore sometimes-dismal photo sales.
don't bother with spending your time on a million different small agencies. do what is worthwhile with the big ones.

sharpshot · « **Reply #9 on:** January 28, 2016, 16:13 »

The OMD EM5 should be OK but if you want to get a second camera, the Panasonic G7 body is cheap, can use all the Olympus micro 4/3 lenses and has much better 1080 and 4k video.

thepokergod · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2016, 04:15 »

I think a major challenge these days for new comers is to muscle their way into a marketplace which is now home to millions of clips - and getting noticed. Shoot around topics you love and find fascinating and be prepared to put in at least 12 - 18 months of hard work before seeing any meaningful results sales wise.

At places like Pond5 (which is a big player for video) it usually takes a year before my clips start gaining traction and selling, why I have no idea but that's how it is for me. And anyone seriously starting out in video should be shooting in 4K.

Harvepino · « **Reply #11 on:** January 29, 2016, 11:18 »

I agree with previous post regarding P5. I submitted my first large batches of videos in November. They are selling well on SS, VB, even got some sales on FT, but absolutely nothing on P5. Part of the problem is they only reviewed the content few weeks ago... hopefully they eventually produce some sales, or I'll stop believing that P5 is strong for video

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Rage · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2016, 22:07 »

P5 is really slow on the review front. But seems like it's the best bet for videos.

Tror · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2016, 04:57 »

Don`t hope that Video is gonna save you. Sales have slowed down there as well. There are -just like in still images - many companies and contributors on the market which developed and adjusted for the market needs since many years. Beyond that, it takes usually a looooong time until sales kick in.

However, obviously, it all depends on your personal style, but prepare to have your patience tested.

pkphotos · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2016, 15:57 »

Video is now over supplied and not worth it. Concentrate on trying to find better niches in photography.

Gannet77 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2016, 16:09 »

Quote from: pkphotos on February 03, 2016, 15:57

Video is now over supplied and not worth it. Concentrate on trying to find better niches in photography.

Well, I suppose it depends on your expectations, but I have a very small video portfolio (about 200) of very basic clips and I've sold 4 on SS already this month.

Seems well worth it to me...

pkphotos · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2016, 17:11 »

Quote from: Gannet77 on February 03, 2016, 16:09

Quote from: pkphotos on February 03, 2016, 15:57
Video is now over supplied and not worth it. Concentrate on trying to find better niches in photography.

Well, I suppose it depends on your expectations, but I have a very small video portfolio (about 200) of very basic clips and I've sold 4 on SS already this month.

Seems well worth it to me...

This is the reason video is becoming over-supplied, because people have to let everyone know their success stories. So it's nice that you can tell people your stats, but don't be surprised when new contributors act on this and become your direct comeptition

50% · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2016, 03:15 »

Photos is still way easier to make money for me than footage

vla · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2016, 12:18 »

Hi, this is my footage, please vote
newbielink:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGV8eHLeNvk [nonactive]

Gannet77 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2016, 13:10 »

Quote from: 50% on February 04, 2016, 03:15

Photos is still way easier to make money for me than footage

Oh yes, it is for me too - but I was responding to the OP - you have the equipment, you're out there anyway, why not shoot some clips and see how it goes - what's to lose?

I have some 200+ simple clips against some 3000+ images, and for 2015 I find the clips have made about 20% of my total income from stock. It won't last of course - as has been pointed out, the video market will become over supplied the same as the images one is; so best get in soonest!

Rage · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2016, 15:10 »

My problem is how to edit the clips in a quick and easy way. What is the light room equivalent for clips?

KnowYourOnions · « **Reply #21 on:** February 05, 2016, 02:18 »

Quote from: Harvepino on January 29, 2016, 11:18

I agree with previous post regarding P5. I submitted my first large batches of videos in November. They are selling well on SS, VB, even got some sales on FT, but absolutely nothing on P5. Part of the problem is they only reviewed the content few weeks ago... hopefully they eventually produce some sales, or I'll stop believing that P5 is strong for video

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Let's hope that new elitist recruit will save the sales and slow reviews on P5.
Career Fair is today, ONLY if you happen to study at Harvard (attachment)

Rage · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2016, 07:24 »

Good to know that they are beginning to bring in awesome talent to grow the business

KnowYourOnions · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2016, 07:35 »

Quote from: izzikiorage on February 06, 2016, 07:24

Good to know that they are beginning to bring in awesome talent to grow the business

Agree...super curious to see how ivy league will fit with circus artists. ;-)
Times are definitely changing over there with removal of CEO.

PZF · « **Reply #24 on:** February 22, 2016, 05:36 »

Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. Much appreciated! I doubt I will ever provide much sompetition, but another string to the bow may be helpful. If the camera is ok then I have little to lose. I'm thinking Adobe Premiere Elements for software. Sound sensible? Free trial and all that....!

PS Like the look of the DMC-G7 but no in camera stabilisation could be a pain as I have several Olympus lenses....

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Author Topic: Getting started in footage - help please (Read 20359 times)

PZF

sharpshot

PZF

sharpshot

Holmes

PZF

Karen

ACS

ChrisGardinerPhotography

sharpshot

thepokergod

Harvepino

Rage

Tror

pkphotos

Gannet77

pkphotos

50%

vla

Gannet77

Rage

KnowYourOnions

Rage

KnowYourOnions

PZF

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