Awhile back I mentioned that I would be submitting my portfolio directly to Pixmac.  I have finished uploading roughly 6k images and they are starting to sell.  Also, they interviewed my for their blog, which was fun.  It was just posted today:
http://blog.pixmac.com/4070/lisa-f-young-microstock-photography-is-my-love/#more-4070

I mentioned that I would post my experiences once I got uploaded there, so here goes: 

The upload process was extremely easy.  Just FTP them over and then assign releases.  Releases are uploaded and stored in the release library.  No categories or other annoyances to bother with. 

Reviews were pretty fast - within about 4 days or so.  Very few rejections, but this may be because I didn't upload some of my earlier LCV images.  If I forgot to assign release, rather than reject, the images came back to the editing section to be corrected, which was very nice. 

I have started getting a few sales a week.  Since my full port has only been there less than a week, and it is a holiday week, I think those sales are quite good.  They are selling better than all the other lower tier/newer sites I am on, but not comparable to BigStock or CanStockPhoto yet. 

The staff has been very friendly and the communication has been outstanding.  All in all I would call it a positive experience and I am optimistic about future success with Pixmac. 

Hope that helps anyone who was considering them

Didn't they have a problem with images they had from other sites?  I remember DT removed their images.  Just found this http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-serves-termination-notice-to-pixmac/

I think that and a few other stories prompted me to remove most of my portfolio.  They aren't even in the low earners in the poll results, so I'm not going to waste time with them at the moment.

Interesting. I'd been wondering about this recently. I also was wondering about how the prices are determined. Your's are higher than mine (ones from an agency partner), but lower than Yuri's. Also, what royalty do they pay? Do they get rid of your partner images if you submit direct?

Quote from: sharpshot on April 25, 2011, 22:54
Didn't they have a problem with images they had from other sites?  I remember Dreamstime removed their images.  Just found this http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-serves-termination-notice-to-pixmac/

I think that and a few other stories prompted me to remove most of my portfolio.  They aren't even in the low earners in the poll results, so I'm not going to waste time with them at the moment.

Yes, I remember that situation very well.  For whatever reason, the facts were never revealed so we were all left guessing...  

After several conversations with Vita, the owner,  my concerns were put to rest and I decided to try uploading to them directly.  Just wanted to pass along that, so far, it is a positive experience.  

I completely relate to the reluctance to upload to an additional site.  With so many new sites popping up I figured it would be important to pass along info so people can decide which ones are worthwhile and which aren't.  

L
plz keep us posted on future "experience" w/PIX..thinking about uploading...I'll trust your impressions...heart for you 

Good questions Cory!  Here's the bit about contributor royalties from the license agreement:

http://www.pixmac.com/page/termsandconditions

The royalty for images uploaded after April 1st 2009 downloaded with the non-exclusive license is 30% for the contributor, and 40% for images downloaded with the exclusive license. After the volume of sales exceed $200 the royalty with the non-exclusive license is 40% for the contributor, and 50% for images downloaded with the exclusive license. The exclusive licence was terminated 1st January 2011.

I don't know how the image prices are arrived at, but from browsing around, it looks like other photographers who are on the site directly seem to be priced as I am.   Just as a guess, yours might be lower because you uploaded through an affiliate.  As for why Yuri's are higher, I don't know.  He may have a special deal with them because he is listed as an "Image Partner" - almost like he's an agency instead of a rank-and-file contributor.  

This would be a very good question to ask Pixmac support directly.  

As for uploading directly, yes, they have said they will replace your images that are through an agency if you upload to them directly.  You will also get to keep a lot more of the money from the sale by cutting out the middle man

Checking my sales, they range from .25 (only one of those thank goodness) to 2.61 in price, with an average of .87.  Very early days though.  I hope as my portfolio becomes established there that average will climb.  

PS - thanks for the heart Anonymous

Quote from: lisafx on April 25, 2011, 23:00

Quote from: sharpshot on April 25, 2011, 22:54
Didn't they have a problem with images they had from other sites?  I remember Dreamstime removed their images.  Just found this http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-serves-termination-notice-to-pixmac/

I think that and a few other stories prompted me to remove most of my portfolio.  They aren't even in the low earners in the poll results, so I'm not going to waste time with them at the moment.

Yes, I remember that situation very well.  For whatever reason, the facts were never revealed so we were all left guessing...  

After several conversations with Vita, the owner,  my concerns were put to rest and I decided to try uploading to them directly.  Just wanted to pass along that, so far, it is a positive experience.  

I completely relate to the reluctance to upload to an additional site.  With so many new sites popping up I figured it would be important to pass along info so people can decide which ones are worthwhile and which aren't.  

So is there still a problem between them and DT and SS? Last I heard, pixmac "couldn't talk about it", indicating to me there was some legal action going on.
I remain skeptical, and would rather focus what little time I have to devote to microstock on projects already in the works.

But having you contribute to their site is most definitely a feather in their cap. I hope it turns out to be good for you, too!

Have you seen agencies changing after your suggestions and discussions on forums?

"Yes, I have seen agencies raise the rates they were paying contributors, and improve contributor conditions in other ways based on comments and suggestions in the forums."

I'm not doubting you, but which agencies? Thanks for letting us know about what it's like on Pixmac :-)

Quote from: Microstock Posts on April 26, 2011, 08:28

"Yes, I have seen agencies raise the rates they were paying contributors, and improve contributor conditions in other ways based on comments and suggestions in the forums."

I'm not doubting you, but which agencies?

A few years ago, StockXpert raised their subscription rates to .30 based on a contributor campaign in the forums (this was before Getty bought them and lowered back to .25). 

When Fotolia introduced subs, they were originally on a scale from (I believe) .22 - .30.  Based on contributor action in the forums, they raised them up to current levels .30 - .42. 

Most recent example is the Istock Partner Program (Thinkstock, etc.) which paid non-exclusives .25 but has raised it to .28 due to activism in the forums. 

There are lots of other examples, but those are the three that come to mind off the top of my head. 

Quote from: lisafx on April 26, 2011, 17:11

Quote from: Microstock Posts on April 26, 2011, 08:28

"Yes, I have seen agencies raise the rates they were paying contributors, and improve contributor conditions in other ways based on comments and suggestions in the forums."

I'm not doubting you, but which agencies?

A few years ago, StockXpert raised their subscription rates to .30 based on a contributor campaign in the forums (this was before Getty bought them and lowered back to .25). 

When Fotolia introduced subs, they were originally on a scale from (I believe) .22 - .30.  Based on contributor action in the forums, they raised them up to current levels .30 - .42. 

Most recent example is the Istock Partner Program (Thinkstock, etc.) which paid non-exclusives .25 but has raised it to .28 due to activism in the forums. 

There are lots of other examples, but those are the three that come to mind off the top of my head. 

haha, power to the little (micro) people!! 

Oh well Lisa, you seem to be happy. Good luck to you.

I almost forgot about Pixmac

Seeing this thread, I remembered that while ago I accepted their request to transfer pictures from Polylooks (R.I.P.)
Now I went back to check and found 7 sales and $10

Uhh, something is going on here, several of my illustrations are for sale on that site, and I've never uploaded to Pixmac!
Wait, just checked and I'm listed as the artist. I have a whole portfolio of work there.  Now I'm really confused...

Quote from: lisafx on April 26, 2011, 17:11

Quote from: Microstock Posts on April 26, 2011, 08:28

"Yes, I have seen agencies raise the rates they were paying contributors, and improve contributor conditions in other ways based on comments and suggestions in the forums."

I'm not doubting you, but which agencies?

A few years ago, StockXpert raised their subscription rates to .30 based on a contributor campaign in the forums (this was before Getty bought them and lowered back to .25).  

When Fotolia introduced subs, they were originally on a scale from (I believe) .22 - .30.  Based on contributor action in the forums, they raised them up to current levels .30 - .42.  

Most recent example is the Istock Partner Program (Thinkstock, etc.) which paid non-exclusives .25 but has raised it to .28 due to activism in the forums.  

There are lots of other examples, but those are the three that come to mind off the top of my head.  

fotolia also had it set so subscription sales didn't count towards your Contributer rank.. after forum cries, they came back with a pacifier of 4 sub sales / rank credit

Quote from: Allsa on April 26, 2011, 19:57
Uhh, something is going on here, several of my illustrations are for sale on that site, and I've never uploaded to Pixmac!
Wait, just checked and I'm listed as the artist. I have a whole portfolio of work there.  Now I'm really confused...

They have a lot of image partners.  Your pics are probably there through one of those partners.  Here's a list, although I don't know if it's complete.  I don't see 123RF there, and I know they were one recently.  Are you on Yaymicro or Depositphotos?

http://www.pixmac.com/image-partners

123rf was a partner, but as far as I know, are no longer. You have to request directly from 123rf to have the images removed. I did so about a month ago, but they are still there.

Quote from: Blufish on April 26, 2011, 22:03
123rf was a partner, but as far as I know, are no longer. You have to request directly from 123rf to have the images removed. I did so about a month ago, but they are still there.

Thats a long time...my portfolio was removed in about five days after 123rf posted here about the break up with Pixmac...maybe you should contact them again IMO...

Yea, this thread reminded me.

Thank you Lisa! A few comments from Pixmac HQ:

The royalties
This article should help: http://blog.microstockgroup.com/major-press-release-from-pixmac-fairness-in-front/
- the price goes up 1cr. if the image is sold 2+ and 10+ times
- single image purchases (without credits) are more expensive = more for contributor
- get to 40% is pretty easy (after revenue of $200) compared to other sites

The current and ex-partner agencies
We're still working on that. It takes a bit more time than expected. Sorry for that. Be sure we are doing everything to make everyone of you happy and satisfied. In case anyone here feel insecure at Pixmac (even we have the content via our partners) just let us know at [email protected] and your pics will be removed within hours/days.

Thank you for support!
Vita

Uploaded a few today to check it out. You're right, upload is nice.

Got an email tonight that says
We are pleased to inform you that your images have been processed today.
To see more information please log in to www.pixmac.com and go to the Sell Images section.

I log in and don't see anything that say's Sell Images. Also, if I click my account and go to photographer, it shows everything is waiting, so not sure what Processed means.

May was my first full month at Pixmac.  I sold 61 images, so it definitely outperformed all the other small sites I am on. 

You guys are certainly bringing in the sales Vita.  Keep up the good work

That's encouraging Lisa. Keep us posted on progress every so often.

@Vita: are you planning to offer direct upload to Pixmac more broadly, or is it a case by case basis for large contributors only? I ask as I'm now returning to independent status after 2.5 years as an iStock exclusive and trying to make sure I explore all opportunities.

Quote from: jsnover on June 03, 2011, 01:48
That's encouraging Lisa. Keep us posted on progress every so often.

@Vita: are you planning to offer direct upload to Pixmac more broadly, or is it a case by case basis for large contributors only? I ask as I'm now returning to independent status after 2.5 years as an iStock exclusive and trying to make sure I explore all opportunities.

And another question:
If I upload directly to Pixmac, will all my partner program images be removed?

I want to maximize my royalties and I don't want to have partner downloads through Pixmac if I upload there directly as well.

Quote from: dbvirago on June 03, 2011, 00:28
Uploaded a few today to check it out. You're right, upload is nice.

Got an email tonight that says
We are pleased to inform you that your images have been processed today.
To see more information please log in to www.pixmac.com and go to the Sell Images section.

I log in and don't see anything that say's Sell Images. Also, if I click my account and go to photographer, it shows everything is waiting, so not sure what Processed means.

Thank you dbvirago for the comment. I'll pass that to Lucy, as she knows more about that part of Pixmac system.

Quote from: jsnover on June 03, 2011, 01:48
That's encouraging Lisa. Keep us posted on progress every so often.

@Vita: are you planning to offer direct upload to Pixmac more broadly, or is it a case by case basis for large contributors only? I ask as I'm now returning to independent status after 2.5 years as an iStock exclusive and trying to make sure I explore all opportunities.

You're welcome jsnover! Just sign-up at Pixmac and observe the system. Your "Photographers" section will be active right away for some time. If you've signed up earlier without any uploads, just send a request to [email protected] to re-activate the section for you and we'll do it. After the first upload the section remains active forever...