Author Topic: Expectations? (Read 17748 times)

jwsc101 · « **on:** August 10, 2010, 13:51 »

Hi All

So I am another budding photographer.. I recently bought my first dSLR and identified micro as a great way to learn how to shoot lots of different things and earn a bit of extra cash for some more equipment and maybe some lessons.

I aim to become a good portrait photographer but starting my micro with everyday things.

I started at the weekend and have submitted to 123 and GraphicLeftovers. 13 images accepted so far but the ones on 123 aren't showing up yet.

The link for my GL is: http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/jwsc101/ref=jwsc101/

My first target is to generate about $100 net a month (i.e. my share). I know this is difficult to answer but how many photo's do you think that would take and is it sendible just to start on 2 sites?

Thanks

Blufish · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2010, 14:01 »

Good luck to you. I also am relatively new some of the advise I have been given is
To really make money, you need to get into shutterstock and iStock., and along with those you have to be religious in weekly downloads. (I'm not in either yet)
The other piece of advise I got was to start making any money, the average amount you need to have on any given site is anywhere between 500 and 1,000 images. It really depends on what you shoot and how it resonates with buyers. I have quickly discovered that to make anything, it really can't be a part-time "hobby". My port is still really small, but I'm making progress v
Good luck. I hope that helps a little.

microstockphoto.co.uk · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2010, 14:11 »

welcome!

It's hard to say how many pictures to reach $100 per month; a few hundred, but it depends on subject and quality. But two sites - especially low sellers - are not enough: ShutterStock and iStock are the best sellers for most and you must absolutely join those sites as well. There's a test to pass but it's well worth it: no need to hurry, you may use your experience with the other sites to prepare for the test. Fotolia and Dreamstime are worth joining too in the meanwhile.

Having success in microstock now is not easy and takes a lot of time but it's still possible in my opinion. Upload constantly and have fun! The thing I enjoy most doing microstock is freedom. No boss. Free to travel everywhere and work at the same time. Just, don't expect to get reach soon

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2010, 14:14 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 13:51

So I am another budding photographer.. I recently bought my first dSLR and identified micro as a great way to learn how to shoot lots of different things and earn a bit of extra cash for some more equipment and maybe some lessons.

I aim to become a good portrait photographer but starting my micro with everyday things.

"Expectations?"

You can expect disappointment. Random "everyday things" are already fully covered. As are "portraits" of every type of person. If you want a great way to learn how to lots of different things, join flickr or some other commentary type site, or a local photo club. The trek from "bought my first dSLR" to being successful will be long and arduous. Are you sure you wouldn't like to buy a hammer on the road to being a cabinetmaker?

sharpshot · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2010, 14:47 »

Someone was asking the same question not long ago. My answer is in that thread

Perry · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2010, 15:38 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 13:51

I started at the weekend and have submitted to 123 and GraphicLeftovers. 13 images accepted so far but the ones on 123 aren't showing up yet.

The link for my GL is: http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/jwsc101/ref=jwsc101/

My first target is to generate about $100 net a month (i.e. my share). I know this is difficult to answer but how many photo's do you think that would take and is it sendible just to start on 2 sites?
Thanks

On those two sites, maybe 20,000 images. On iStock+Shutterstock+Dreamstime+Fotolia maybe 50 to 400 images... (no, I'm not joking. You really need to get into the best selling sites to sell some.)

gostwyck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 10, 2010, 15:51 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 14:14

You can expect disappointment.

This is true. The fact that you asked the question, rather than just finding out for yourself, is enough to tell. You'll almost certainly find that the rewards, together with the frustration of rejections, will temper your enthusiasm fairly quickly.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #7 on:** August 10, 2010, 15:54 »

My actual return from 123 averages $2 per month per 100 images. I have thousands there but only because I don't want to miss out if the site takes off one day. On both Istock and Shutterstock I get about $20 per 100 images online per month, on Fotolia about $10. And I am regarded as being pretty successful at this. It's not easy money any more.

jwsc101 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 10, 2010, 16:36 »

Hi All

Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!

J

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #9 on:** August 10, 2010, 16:43 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 16:36

Hi All

Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!

J

Crap. I used to be better at this.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #10 on:** August 10, 2010, 16:46 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 16:36
Hi All

Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!

J

Crap. I used to be better at this.

Not really. You remind me of many of my old motocross friends, "The older I get the faster I was." LOL

donding · « **Reply #11 on:** August 10, 2010, 16:47 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 16:36
Hi All

Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!

J

Crap. I used to be better at this.

..........lol......

cthoman · « **Reply #12 on:** August 10, 2010, 18:24 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43

Crap. I used to be better at this.

You just need to start earlier. Maybe, start speaking at elementary schools to discourage your future competitors.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2010, 18:37 »

Quote from: cthoman on August 10, 2010, 18:24

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43
Crap. I used to be better at this.

You just need to start earlier. Maybe, start speaking at elementary schools to discourage your future competitors.

Or a pre-natal tape. With Bach in the bachground.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #14 on:** August 10, 2010, 22:41 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 16:36
Hi All
Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!
J
Crap. I used to be better at this.

The Flying Dutchman lost his edge (only people with kids who watch Spongebob will get that)

stormchaser · « **Reply #15 on:** August 11, 2010, 01:36 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 13:51

Hi All

So I am another budding photographer.. I recently bought my first dSLR and identified micro as a great way to learn how to shoot lots of different things and earn a bit of extra cash for some more equipment and maybe some lessons.

I aim to become a good portrait photographer but starting my micro with everyday things.

I started at the weekend and have submitted to 123 and GraphicLeftovers. 13 images accepted so far but the ones on 123 aren't showing up yet.

The link for my GL is: http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/jwsc101/ref=jwsc101/

My first target is to generate about $100 net a month (i.e. my share). I know this is difficult to answer but how many photo's do you think that would take and is it sendible just to start on 2 sites?

Thanks

It's not quantity but quality and originality.

Macro is a tough gig sometimes even for experienced shooters. Good luck with that.

Graphleft and 123 are two of the easier sites, but with easier also comes lower revenue. All of the stocks are upping their game though, and you have to be prepared for that. Bite the bullet and put an app in to SS.

dirkr · « **Reply #16 on:** August 11, 2010, 01:49 »

Go with the advice given already:
Join the big sites if you want to make more than a random dollar every other week.
Be prepared for a lot of frustration (rejections, no sales and such).
Organize your workflow (especially keywording offline to allow you to upload to more agencies without having to do it all over again).
Expect that you will need several hundred photos on more than just two sites to reach your goal.

Good Luck

grp_photo · « **Reply #17 on:** August 11, 2010, 01:51 »

A 100,-$ a month is very easy to achieve but you need to join the three main sites (Shuttertstock, Fotolia and iStock). Look what is selling there (have a look at the best selling pictures and the best selling portfolios (andresr is always a good way to start he has a very good sense for the microstockmarket)) and do your own interpretation of this pictures. Portraits won't lead you to anything. Good Luck!

qwerty · « **Reply #18 on:** August 11, 2010, 02:39 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 18:37

Quote from: cthoman on August 10, 2010, 18:24
Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43
Crap. I used to be better at this.

You just need to start earlier. Maybe, start speaking at elementary schools to discourage your future competitors.

Or a pre-natal tape. With Bach in the bachground.

Maybe a TV advertising series
Why would you slave away for 80 hours a week trying to sell photos for 25 cents when you could buy a saw and make money in your spare time building houses ?
or buy a shovel and mine diamonds ?
or buy a net and catch unicorns,lepricons and rainbows

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #19 on:** August 11, 2010, 04:26 »

Quote from: grp_photo on August 11, 2010, 01:51

A 100,-$ a month is very easy to achieve but you need to join the three main sites (Shuttertstock, Fotolia and iStock). Look what is selling there (have a look at the best selling pictures and the best selling portfolios (andresr is always a good way to start he has a very good sense for the microstockmarket)) and do your own interpretation of this pictures. Portraits won't lead you to anything. Good Luck!

No, no! Don't look at AndresR's portfolio for inspiration, look at Sean Locke's

It'd serve him right!

michealo · « **Reply #20 on:** August 11, 2010, 04:36 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 13:51

Hi All

So I am another budding photographer.. I recently bought my first dSLR and identified micro as a great way to learn how to shoot lots of different things and earn a bit of extra cash for some more equipment and maybe some lessons.

I aim to become a good portrait photographer but starting my micro with everyday things.

I started at the weekend and have submitted to 123 and GraphicLeftovers. 13 images accepted so far but the ones on 123 aren't showing up yet.

The link for my GL is: http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/jwsc101/ref=jwsc101/

My first target is to generate about $100 net a month (i.e. my share). I know this is difficult to answer but how many photo's do you think that would take and is it sendible just to start on 2 sites?

Thanks

I would highly recommend purchasing Sean's $1999 personal tuition package, it sounds like a lot of money but if you are serious about the business it is at least as usual as an SLR and one wouldn't skimp on that....

grp_photo · « **Reply #21 on:** August 11, 2010, 08:22 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on August 11, 2010, 04:26

Quote from: grp_photo on August 11, 2010, 01:51
A 100,-$ a month is very easy to achieve but you need to join the three main sites (Shuttertstock, Fotolia and iStock). Look what is selling there (have a look at the best selling pictures and the best selling portfolios (andresr is always a good way to start he has a very good sense for the microstockmarket)) and do your own interpretation of this pictures. Portraits won't lead you to anything. Good Luck!

No, no! Don't look at AndresR's portfolio for inspiration, look at Sean Locke's

It'd serve him right!

Yes Sean's portfolio would be good too but AndresR does show a wider range of styles that fits in the Microstock market.

Digital66 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 11, 2010, 08:42 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 14:14

Are you sure you wouldn't like to buy a hammer on the road to being a cabinetmaker?

Digital66 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 11, 2010, 08:46 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 10, 2010, 16:43

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 10, 2010, 16:36
Hi All

Thanks for your really helpful responses. I know it will be hard work but I am not going to be put off, I'm in to this for the long haul!

J

Crap. I used to be better at this.

ROFL

Eireann · « **Reply #24 on:** August 11, 2010, 09:27 »

Hi JW,
Now for some real facts and numbers.
From a kind of newbie, like yourself.
I've been doing this for a year and I still can't make 100 dollars a month. About 70 dollars a month is the most I can get.

This is what you need to do :
Join the following sites - Dreamstime, Fotolia, IStock and Shutterstock.
In that precise order.
Start with Dreamstime, leave Shutterstock at the end. It's your best earner but getting accepted can be difficult. Give yourself some time before you knock at their doors.

You need to learn how to correctly analyze and enhance your images.
You need to learn all about noise, colour cast, white balance and chromatic aberrations.
You need Photoshop (or at the very least an image editing software like Adobe Elements or Corel PaintShop) and you need to know how to use it.
You need a solid tripod.
Set your camera to ISO 100 at all times.
Shoot in RAW format for best image editing.

You also need to be creative and original. Forget about flowers, your garden, your dog, trees and nature. Unless they're extraordinary they won't get accepted.

It's not easy but if you love it and keep at it, you can do it!
Welcome to the world of micro and good luck

Click on any of the small icons at the end of my post. They are links to my portfolio.
Around 400 images - about 70 dollars a month (that's if I'm lucky!)

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Author Topic: Expectations? (Read 17748 times)

jwsc101

Blufish

microstockphoto.co.uk

Sean Locke Photography

sharpshot

Perry

gostwyck

BaldricksTrousers

jwsc101

Sean Locke Photography

WarrenPrice

donding

cthoman

Sean Locke Photography

PaulieWalnuts

stormchaser

dirkr

grp_photo

qwerty

BaldricksTrousers

michealo

grp_photo

Digital66

Digital66

Eireann

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