I hesitate to mention this among the doom and gloom posts in other sections of the forum, but I've updated and published the 2020 edition of my best selling book (OK, my only book) on Getting Started in Stock Photography.

https://www.backyardsilver.com/2019/12/getting-started-in-stock-photography-2020-edition/

It is aimed at beginners but does get good reviews (on Amazon) from a wider range of readers. It doesn't paint a rosy picture either. But if you are interested in getting started in stock, this is a way to learn the basics quickly and easily.

Steve

1. Build a time machine and go back to 2005
2. Buy a winning lottery ticket instead ;-).

Someone would need to be exceptionally talented and hard working to start from here I think.

1. Build a time machine and go back to 2005
2. Buy a winning lottery ticket instead ;-).

Someone would need to be exceptionally talented and hard working to start from here I think.

I think that's the problem. New people see the past, instead of looking to the true future.

People who are already involved, and still make something from years of work, don't want to give up, and keep hoping for positive change.

What we seem to be getting, in reality, is lower and lower earnings every year, no matter how hard most people work, there's no keeping up with the competition, and no holding past earning levels, with the many cuts.

Personally, there's still room for ideas, growth and some extra income. I wouldn't count on anything at all from Microstock, just something back for what I do and some extra income.

Getting Started in Stock Photography, 2020 editing: Don't Do It! 

Good writing and good reading Steve, I'm just commenting on the situation, not your book or blog.

I would pay for a book written by one of the best microstock photographers. Since they prefer to sell photos than writing books to earn money, I will not... 

Wow - that put me in my place! I guess any great microstock photographers don't come and post things on this forum either?

But seriously, aren't we being a bit hypocritical here? If you have been a long time contributor but have stopped uploading now that the industry is harder than it was, then I can accept that your advice that no-one should think of starting in stock photography now. However, if you are still submitting then you have decided that it is worth taking and submitting images and videos because the rewards are worth the effort. Not as good as it was, but still worth doing.

So why shouldn't a new photographer be able to do the same - take and submit images just as we presumably are still doing. All my book then does is help them with my view of the best way to do that in today's environment.

Steve

Well, this is pretty discouraging for someone who is relatively new to stock photography, but it seems that I take a somewhat different view than many of the members posting here.

I have dozens upon dozens of photographs, many of which are quite good. Heretofore they have just been sitting on my hard drive for the enjoyment of my family, friends and me. I have used my travel photos to give presentations to various groups, etc. and have had good responses.

I decided to try my hand at stock photography as a "hobby" and I think that is the key word here. I don't anticipate making a lot of money, but making some money is a good thing. I don't think it is a waste of time. When I am listening to music, some television, etc. I keyword and upload my photos when I have time.

I must say that Steve's book was an EXCELLENT place to start and I might add that I also purchased the new version. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting started in stock photography.

ALSO...as an added bonus, check out Steve's website, newbielink:https://www.backyardsilver.com/, [nonactive] which is a great source of knowledge and inspiration beyond the reasonably priced ebook.

I don't think it is easy to make a living with stock photography, but I find it very enjoyable to see which of my photographs sell and to bring in bit of revenue.

For whatever it is worth, I would encourage anyone to "give it a try!"

Steve keep doing what you do. Your post/articles on stock photography are very good. Your stock photography and your writings are very good. Steve you are a Pro....W.Scott McGill 

Congratulations Steve! I read the previous version of Getting Started in Stock Photography, and thought it was a great book and perfectly pitched to anyone starting in this industry. Well done on producing a 2020 edition.

Quote from: DiscreetDuck on December 28, 2019, 17:16

I would pay for a book written by one of the best microstock photographers. Since they prefer to sell photos than writing books to earn money, I will not... 

Steve is one of the best.

So Mr. Duck needs to back that up, and buy Steve's book? LOL 

Well, this is pretty discouraging for someone who is relatively new to stock photography, but it seems that I take a somewhat different view than many of the members posting here.

I have dozens upon dozens of photographs, many of which are quite good. Heretofore they have just been sitting on my hard drive for the enjoyment of my family, friends and me. I have used my travel photos to give presentations to various groups, etc. and have had good responses.

I decided to try my hand at stock photography as a "hobby" and I think that is the key word here. I don't anticipate making a lot of money, but making some money is a good thing. I don't think it is a waste of time. When I am listening to music, some television, etc. I keyword and upload my photos when I have time.

I must say that Steve's book was an EXCELLENT place to start and I might add that I also purchased the new version. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting started in stock photography.

ALSO...as an added bonus, check out Steve's website, https://www.backyardsilver.com/, which is a great source of knowledge and inspiration beyond the reasonably priced ebook.

I don't think it is easy to make a living with stock photography, but I find it very enjoyable to see which of my photographs sell and to bring in bit of revenue.

For whatever it is worth, I would encourage anyone to "give it a try!"

first post EVER!!!  eheh an AD from the op?

No, thx. I go my own way, and I'm sure it is the best for everybody.
Sorry, but I am not impressed by the table of contents, especially "how can I sell my photos and get rich". That's not my way.
It smells more like a teaser than anything else.

The first words of that chapter are (and I recognize I am giving the whole story away): You can't...

Steve

2020 Edition of Getting Started in Stock Photography

Epilogue: Quit while you are ahead!
Prologue: I told you so!