Author Topic: New But Not Really (Read 3005 times)

DavidLevinson · « **on:** July 21, 2009, 17:35 »

I just wanted to say hello. I am newly new here on this group even though I think I was a participant four years ago under a different name. The microstock business is very interesting and no longer an amateur's game no matter how much the MS sites want you to think so.

After abandoning my MS portfolios three years ago I have just started to add to them again. Three years ago, I thought, all this work isn't worth the $$ per month I am making. Now I want to try to do it differently. I used to think this was just a numbers game but I've come to figure out that is a faulty strategy. I think this is a quality game like any other business.

OK, I know that I haven't hit upon anything new saying "this is a quality game" but just felt like sharing. When I look at the critique forums and see what people are getting upset about when rejected it became clear to me. I should only try to take photos that people will need (whatever they are

) and then make them the very best I can taking into account composition, lighting, background, colors... So that's what I'm going to do this time around. Yes, not a secret but for some reason it wasn't obvious to me before.

Hello everyone. I recognize many names from four years ago. I hope you all have been having success. I learn much reading through forums like this one and will try to contribute when I actually know something.

David

My non-stock photo gallery: http://www.davidlevinsonphotography.com [nofollow]

PixelBytes · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2009, 17:43 »

Welcome back David.

I totally agree with your conclusions about quality over quantity. Wish we would see more posts like yours in place of the ones asking how to get rich quick in microstock.

The searches would be much less cluttered if everyone had a clear idea what they wanted to do instead of just throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the micros and seeing what sticks.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2009, 19:23 »

Yes, good re-introduction...

fotografer · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:37 »

You should do well with that attitude. I keep reading all the time about how this is a number game when it is so a quality and 'stockability' game.
I am amazed at the images that people put in critique forums especially at Fotolia when they can't see why an image was rejected. Often the images you wouldn't even call a reasonable snapshot and have zero selling potential yet the photographers even after having it explained still can't see that the image is not good.
Maybe that is one good arguement for getting rid of some of the old low quality stuff that doesn't sell on the sites because people see an image on line as bad as theres and so expect theres to get approved.

DavidLevinson · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2009, 14:38 »

I've been there. I've been the person posting a photo that I thought was good and not understanding why it was not accepted. I don't want to be that person anymore.

So, I have to do my best and only submit my best. My best may not be the same as a top producing pro but I have to strive for that quality.

Anyway, hello to you three above me. See you on the forums.

David

leaf · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2010, 04:25 »

well I just saw this topic when a spammer posted in it. The spam has been removed - but I thought I would still post.

Where did you go David?

anyhow - good points. Like Kelly Cline said at PhotoPlus, "More images do not equal more dollars for me. My best images, that is what’s turning out more dollars" I like that quote a lot, and think it is very true. If we want to earn more we just can pump out more images, we need to create more 'best' images.

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Author Topic: New But Not Really (Read 3005 times)

DavidLevinson

PixelBytes

Sean Locke Photography

fotografer

DavidLevinson

leaf

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