Author Topic: Expectations? (Read 17753 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!)

Digital66 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 11, 2010, 09:54 »

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.

Another budding photographer? I don't mean to offend you but, having a DSLR doesn't make you a photographer.

Don't expect to generate $100 a month by just pressing a button. It's not just about quantity, it's also about quality, originality and knowledge.

lisafx · « **Reply #26 on:** August 11, 2010, 11:45 »

Quote from: Eireann 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!)

Really excellent advice! If you follow this you should be able to meet your goal.

FWIW I think it is a bad idea to bother trying to copy Andres', Sean's, Yuri's, or anyone else's concepts. Putting aside the fact that it is unethical, it is not the road to success in micro for several reasons: It's highly unlikely you will come close to their level of proficiency with their subject matter. Not to mention that everyone and their cousin is already copying the top sellers so your images will just be drowned in the flood of similars.

Look for underserved niche areas - something unique to your life or your area. What are your hobbies and your job? Are you an expert on duck hunting, or swimming, or cooking? Do you work in a factory, or a hospital, or a restaurant? Do you live in an interesting location? Shoot the culture where you live. Shoot things you know and understand intimately. Shoot things you may have access to that other photographers can't easily copy. You will have the "home team advantage" and your images will have authenticity that will set them ahead of the pack.

jwsc101 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 11, 2010, 12:35 »

Quote from: Digital66 on August 11, 2010, 09:54

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.

Another budding photographer? I don't mean to offend you but, having a DSLR doesn't make you a photographer.

Don't expect to generate $100 a month by just pressing a button. It's not just about quantity, it's also about quality, originality and knowledge.

A tad patronising. I think budding explains that I acknowledge my lack of experience, I don't need you to point it out.

djpadavona · « **Reply #28 on:** August 11, 2010, 13:43 »

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

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?

This is the way I feel too. Microstock is no longer a place to "learn" so you can move on to bigger and better things. This is serious competition, and finding holes in image libraries is getting harder and harder. Do you know how hard it is to get noticed in a sea of 10 million images?

I say - learn first, then decide if you want to take the stock route or the portrait route. If you are new to photography you have no chance to survive in microstock. It takes too much skill and ingenuity for someone lacking experience. It's really akin to saying, "I'd really like to learn how to play baseball. I think I'll join the Angels minor league team."

ap · « **Reply #29 on:** August 11, 2010, 14:39 »

Quote from: Digital66 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

aye, you've lost your touch, capt'n hook...i remember back in the days when the mere mention of sjlocke would send newbies fleeing from the board.

djpadavona · « **Reply #30 on:** August 11, 2010, 14:40 »

He's slowly turning into Brother Bear.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #31 on:** August 11, 2010, 23:34 »

For someone who just got a DSLR and is learning the ropes here are some measurable expectations.

So, on average

About 5% of the images you shot will be sellable
You spend 30 minutes per image in an image editing program like Photoshop doing post-processing
You start with about a 20% acceptance rate
You earn .25 per accepted photo per month

So let's say...

You spend 16 hours shooting 2000 images
You select 100
100 images x 30 minutes processing each = 50 hours
Because of poor focus and other issues you find only 80 are usable
You submit 80
16 get accepted (20% acceptance rate)

So…

You’ve worked 66 hours per month and 16.5 hours per week
You’ve earned $4 for the month and $1 for the week (.25 per accepted photo per month)
Based on a 40 hour work week, you’ve earned .02 cents per hour for your efforts

You’ve also spent hundreds or thousands of dollars for cameras, lenses, software, lighting, training, etc.

And countless hours learning stuff in forums, Googling, etc.

This isn’t meant to be negative or pessimistic. It’s meant to set expectations for novices. I’m sure for a lot of people here if you ran the numbers you would probably come up with similar figures.

Susan S. · « **Reply #32 on:** August 12, 2010, 00:23 »

I think these days realistic expectations for a newbie with limited photographic experience is to maybe cover some of the cost of your equipment. Certainly not your time. I make 120 -200 dollars a month as an exclusive on istock with small portfolio (a bit under 400 images, 1/3 illustrations, 2/3 photos, and I haven't been uploading much for two years). But most of the stuff which makes the bulk of my sales I uploaded in 2006/2007 and wouldn't be accepted these days. At least with istock images seem to have a relatively long lifespan of sales - despite my laziness/lack of inclination to do the sort of photography or illustration that can be turned out in bulk for microstock, the dollar amounts of my sales still hold up remarkably well. So I'm now starting to see some more sensible returns on the investment of time that I put in three or four years ago. That is apparently much less true at the subscription sites. And with the mass of images that get uploaded each day now, I suspect that it's much harder to get that sort of longer term return as images just get lost in the search.

It's hard to generate sales now without investing in props and models and decent lighting. Or have some knowledge of illustration or 3D and an investment in the appropriate software plus some idea of the what stock sites will accept and what buyers want.

FD · « **Reply #33 on:** August 12, 2010, 02:00 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on August 11, 2010, 23:34

This isn’t meant to be negative or pessimistic. It’s meant to set expectations for novices. I’m sure for a lot of people here if you ran the numbers you would probably come up with similar figures.

Correct. Buying the DSLR was the easy part.

mtkang · « **Reply #34 on:** August 12, 2010, 02:31 »

try to browse through all website popular images.. and you may get some ideas what is considered sale-able.

it is quite strange people like to verbally attack a newbie or a new agency.. i don't verbally attack people in real life so i don't do it here. I know in real life buying a camera doesn't mean someone is becoming a better photographer than me, starting a new agency that sell cheap photos doesn't bring down my life.

gostwyck · « **Reply #35 on:** August 12, 2010, 08:32 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on August 11, 2010, 23:34

For someone who just got a DSLR and is learning the ropes here are some measurable expectations.

So, on average
About 5% of the images you shot will be sellable
You spend 30 minutes per image in an image editing program like Photoshop doing post-processing
You start with about a 20% acceptance rate
You earn .25 per accepted photo per month

So let's say...
You spend 16 hours shooting 2000 images
You select 100
100 images x 30 minutes processing each = 50 hours
Because of poor focus and other issues you find only 80 are usable
You submit 80
16 get accepted (20% acceptance rate)

So…
You’ve worked 66 hours per month and 16.5 hours per week
You’ve earned $4 for the month and $1 for the week (.25 per accepted photo per month)
Based on a 40 hour work week, you’ve earned .02 cents per hour for your efforts

You’ve also spent hundreds or thousands of dollars for cameras, lenses, software, lighting, training, etc.

And countless hours learning stuff in forums, Googling, etc.

This isn’t meant to be negative or pessimistic. It’s meant to set expectations for novices. I’m sure for a lot of people here if you ran the numbers you would probably come up with similar figures.

That's very good. I reckon each accepted image takes something like 1.5-2 hours to produce (and I have about 90% acceptance rate or better).

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #36 on:** August 12, 2010, 08:48 »

That sounds about right. And I forgot to add in the time it takes to organize images, pick them, upload, keyword, etc.

That's why it confuses me when I see people say "It's a hobby. I just do it to earn some money for a dinner once a month" or "to buy some camera equipment once or twice a year".

A part time minimum wage job at $8US per hour times 16.5 hours is $132 per week and $528 per month.

jwsc101 · « **Reply #37 on:** August 12, 2010, 14:54 »

Thank you all, your responses have been really helpful.

I am determined to make this work! I have decided to start a blog to chart my progress:

http://mymicrostockjourney.blogspot.com

vonkara · « **Reply #38 on:** August 12, 2010, 15:20 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 12, 2010, 14:54

I have decided to start a blog to chart my progress:

http://mymicrostockjourney.blogspot.com

, sorry but I don't understand why every newcomers need to share their 25 cents experiences. I... don't get it

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #39 on:** August 12, 2010, 15:38 »

Weird, isn't it. You'd think you could 'chart' stuff on your laptop or whatever.

gostwyck · « **Reply #40 on:** August 12, 2010, 15:39 »

Quote from: Vonkara on August 12, 2010, 15:20

, sorry but I don't understand why every newcomers need to share their 25 cents experiences. I... don't get it

Those that can, do; those who can't, waste time writing blogs (about their nothingness) that nobody reads.

djpadavona · « **Reply #41 on:** August 12, 2010, 15:58 »

Shhhhhh... The more time he spends writing blogs, the less time he will have to make images.

Great idea! Can't wait to read your thoughts.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 12, 2010, 16:06 »

GOD! I miss this kind of allergy of new contributors, that's the microstockgroup

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #43 on:** August 12, 2010, 16:09 »

Oh, I think we're just ribbing him. He seems accepting of it and willing to take comments...

luissantos84 · « **Reply #44 on:** August 12, 2010, 16:16 »

Quote from: sjlocke on August 12, 2010, 16:09

Oh, I think we're just ribbing him. He seems accepting of it and willing to take comments...

sorry guys.. it was a nice welcoming

jwsc101 · « **Reply #45 on:** August 12, 2010, 16:17 »

I'm assuming this is the initiation phase you put all the new ones through?!

10 photo's on 123 for a day nowand no sales yet - shock!

Digital66 · « **Reply #46 on:** August 12, 2010, 17:27 »

Quote from: djpadavona on August 12, 2010, 15:58

Shhhhhh... The more time he spends writing blogs, the less time he will have to make images.

Digital66 · « **Reply #47 on:** August 12, 2010, 17:35 »

Quote from: jwsc101 on August 12, 2010, 14:54

Thank you all, your responses have been really helpful.

I am determined to make this work! I have decided to start a blog to chart my progress:

http://mymicrostockjourney.blogspot.com

You are welcome!

A blog? What a great idea! Please keep us informed.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #48 on:** October 25, 2010, 23:43 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on August 11, 2010, 23:34

For someone who just got a DSLR and is learning the ropes here are some measurable expectations.

So, on average
About 5% of the images you shot will be sellable
You spend 30 minutes per image in an image editing program like Photoshop doing post-processing
You start with about a 20% acceptance rate
You earn .25 per accepted photo per month

So let's say...
You spend 16 hours shooting 2000 images
You select 100
100 images x 30 minutes processing each = 50 hours
Because of poor focus and other issues you find only 80 are usable
You submit 80
16 get accepted (20% acceptance rate)

So…
You’ve worked 66 hours per month and 16.5 hours per week
You’ve earned $4 for the month and $1 for the week (.25 per accepted photo per month)
Based on a 40 hour work week, you’ve earned .02 cents per hour for your efforts

You’ve also spent hundreds or thousands of dollars for cameras, lenses, software, lighting, training, etc.

And countless hours learning stuff in forums, Googling, etc.

This isn’t meant to be negative or pessimistic. It’s meant to set expectations for novices. I’m sure for a lot of people here if you ran the numbers you would probably come up with similar figures.

I checked back on this to see how it ended up. I was off by $1.

He has 16 images approved and made $5. I said 16 and $4.

http://mymicrostockjourney.blogspot.com

So for the novices wanting to know what they can expect to earn just getting started, there you go.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 26, 2010, 00:30 »

Actually I was going to pass this thread but I am passing a lot lately so I wanna say something if I may..

I agree with Paulie (once more).. BUT there a lot of things that can change the progress of a novice:

- learning fast (mainly shooting a lot, think when shooting, not just "clicking")
- give always your best on camera (just using RAW for a month now, 99% of my pictures have no post-processing, maybe that's why I am not better these days but I haven't wasted time on pc.. just some minor cloning, aligning, cropping when needed)
- look for niches
- work harder month after month!

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #50 on:** October 26, 2010, 07:04 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 26, 2010, 00:30

Actually I was going to pass this thread but I am passing a lot lately so I wanna say something if I may..

I agree with Paulie (once more).. BUT there a lot of things that can change the progress of a novice:

- learning fast (mainly shooting a lot, think when shooting, not just "clicking")
- give always your best on camera (just using RAW for a month now, 99% of my pictures have no post-processing, maybe that's why I am not better these days but I haven't wasted time on pc.. just some minor cloning, aligning, cropping when needed)
- look for niches
- work harder month after month!

Yes, clearly these numbers vary according to skill and effort and most likely will change over time with improvements. The point being this is for the first couple of months specifically for a novice just starting to shoot with a DSLR.

visceralimage · « **Reply #51 on:** February 09, 2011, 21:53 »

Welcome to the wide world of microstock and photography; i wish you the best. Best advice, shoot in raw mode, shoot everyday-not every couple days but every frickin day so you learn light. You can learn about your camera sitting in front of the boob tube; you need to learn to see and feel the light; direction, intensity, shadows, exposure, whites, blacks, etc. photography is light!

I am sure you camera has autofocus and autoexposure; put everything in manual and learn how to use the camera; not just the shutter button. Make mistakes, tons of them, but learn from them. I know people that have been using a camera for 40 years that can not get proper exposure. Learn what are blown whites and blocked up blacks or shadows.

photograph buses, cars, people, anything; if you do not take 100 pictures a day, and really try to take 100 good pictures, you will be no farther to reaching your dream next year than you are today.

Join Dreamstime and Fotolia; these are two sites that will help the newbie, a little.

Develop a tough exterior, this is a tuff business; never forget, this is a business. Even if you are in this for fun, some of us-this is our career and our life; we take microstock seriously and discussions can get a bit heated and at times-slap happy.

Mommy and friends are great but do not ask their opinions of your work; they will tell you that you are great. Honestly, I have never seen your work but I am pretty sure it sucks! After a couple years experience, you will get better. Want the truth, post an image here and you will get honest advice; it may hurt but it will be honest; from people that actually work in this industry.

HughStoneIan · « **Reply #52 on:** February 09, 2011, 23:41 »

Before getting much more involved in microstock, take a serious look into this excellent piece from the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9387518.stm

You're probably better off taking their advice.

dannyhitt20 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 04, 2011, 22:43 »

goodluck mate

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