Author Topic: New guide for beginners - "Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography" (Read 18204 times)

Brasilnut · « **Reply #25 on:** June 07, 2017, 00:49 »

Quote

simephoto with solo mango as little sister, they have base mostly of travel photography. personally i think harding is another agency with not a bright future, once i wanted to upload there but i prefer collaborate with more documentary agency. all this photo for me are good enough for rm in alamy, and am pretty sure you would sell more there that with rh, considering that rh also sell a lot in alamy, and if they sell there you got 25 %

I pitched to Simephoto but in the end settled for RH, on an image-exclusive basis. I want to avoid signing up to different exclusive agencies that specialise in the same niche as that's just asking for trouble (and picking favourites), not to mention the legal issues of potentially submitting the same/similar images to both.

I like RH since the editor there (Fraser Hall) is easily approachable and gives good feedback - there's also a community feel as it's a small agency. I hope they're successful. Alamy do get a fair share of my leftover RM images and some RF editorial, then SS get the rest as RF to license for peanuts which does add up. This is a long-term strategy I'm willing to be patient for positive results...I don't have all the answers but there's a method behind the madness which I devote many many pages to outlying in the book.

The only reason why I chose the 4th image was because a similar image from a better angle went viral 6 weeks ago at an English Defense League rally in Birmingham - credit Joe Gibbens / PA (attached). I do enjoy editorials and can see myself going full steam ahead with it and perhaps one of my images may go viral (I came close that time so it just means that I was in the wrong place at the right time). I've recently signed up to Rex Features.

Quote

You probably have the most critical audience you will find here not many of whom are likely to be your target market.

This is great! I don't waste my time (anymore) posting on 500px and flicker so I get a bunch of useless praise and likes - also don't want the risk of my images being stolen. The people posting/reading on here produce top quality work and I rather receive brutally honest feedback - it doesn't hurt my ego

.

Quote

Sounds like a good concept, good title, I think many people would buy and read it if you can get the word out.

I believe so and hope it may help a lot of people who are just starting out. It may even "dissuade" some who may think it's an easy ride from even bothering to invest their money and time. I don't enjoy tooting my horn too much but it's all part of the marketing game to get the word out on what I think is a quality product but I'll let the readers be the real judges.

niktol · « **Reply #26 on:** June 07, 2017, 09:35 »

Once we are on the subject of being brutally honest, methinks you should be pushing your selling point more aggressively. Let's say I wanna hear a brutally honest opinion on something, which is what your book offers according to the title, but when I open the book, I see a content that sounds very vanilla. A uni textbook. And I was expecting opinions that tell me how it is. If my image content suck and it is not going to sell, I wanna know that right off the bat, it should be in the title of a chapter.

Brasilnut, when you write you sound like a very nice guy. Brutally honest people aren't.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #27 on:** June 07, 2017, 10:06 »

Quote

Brasilnut, when you write you sound like a very nice guy. Brutally honest people aren't.

haha, let's just say that in the book i'm very angry at most of the agencies for the way they treat most contributors! And there's parts that I make it clear that most newbies "won't make it and not to even bother".

Brasilnut · « **Reply #28 on:** June 07, 2017, 10:31 »

Quote

Let's say I wanna hear a brutally honest opinion on something, which is what your book offers according to the title, but when I open the book, I see a content that sounds very vanilla. A uni textbook. And I was expecting opinions that tell me how it is.

Here's my revised table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Why you should move to Thailand
Chapter 2 - What's in my camera bag before the gypsies stole it?
Chapter 3 - Technicals - what's the point, they're going to reject you anyway
Chapter 4 - How not to get * sued
Chapter 5 - RM or RF, why doesn't it matter when you're still getting paid crap
Chapter 6 - Overview of Agencies (most of these won't be around in a year)
Chapter 7 - How much can you expect to earn (less than working at McDonald's)
Chapter 8 - Don't fking shoot flowers, pets and flags
Chapter 9 - Finding Nietzsche
Chapter 10 - Keywording or as some people call it "Copy-Pasting"
Chapter 11 - Hiring cheap labour in India for cheap
Chapter 12 - The Agencies are the devil and their customers don't care about you
Interview with Playboy bunny of the year 2017

niktol · « **Reply #29 on:** June 07, 2017, 10:32 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on June 07, 2017, 10:06

Quote
Brasilnut, when you write you sound like a very nice guy. Brutally honest people aren't.

haha, let's just say that in the book i'm very angry at most of the agencies for the way they treat most contributors! And there's parts that I make it clear that most newbies "won't make it and not to even bother".

Do you think it's the right angle to write a book that you want (I presume) to sell? Are you helping the newbies or just venting?

If you ask my opinion, I don't see anything horrible about the way agencies "treat" contributors. Noone is twisting anyone's arm, being a contributor is not an addiction. If I had the competence to start an agency and make it successful, I would do what market dictates, not what contributors like.

niktol · « **Reply #30 on:** June 07, 2017, 10:34 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on June 07, 2017, 10:31

Quote
Let's say I wanna hear a brutally honest opinion on something, which is what your book offers according to the title, but when I open the book, I see a content that sounds very vanilla. A uni textbook. And I was expecting opinions that tell me how it is.

Here's my revised table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - what is Microstock
Chapter 2 - What's in my camera bag before the gypsies stole it?
Chapter 3 - Technicals - what's the point, they're going to reject you anyway
Chapter 4 - How not to get * sued
Chapter 5 - RM or RF, why doesn't it matter when you're still getting paid crap
Chapter 6 - Overview of Agencies (most of these won't be around in a year)
Chapter 7 - How much can you expect to earn (less than working at McDonald's)
Chapter 8 - Don't fking shoot flowers, pets and flags
Chapter 9 - Finding Nietzsche
Chapter 10 - Keywording or as some people call it "Copy-Pasting"
Chapter 11 - Hiring cheap labour in India for cheap
Chapter 12 - The Agencies are the devil and their customers don't care about you
Interview with Playboy bunny of the year 2017

hahaha, now you sound like you mean it

stockastic · « **Reply #31 on:** June 07, 2017, 14:30 »

I quit doing microstock. Now I'm gathering material for my own book, "The Hope-Crushing Guide to POD Sales".

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #32 on:** June 07, 2017, 15:20 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on June 06, 2017, 15:33

Quote
Do you sell anything there? Better than Shutterstock?

I'm still building my portfolio there with just over 100 images so it's early days. They are extremely picky on what they choose. Commission is 35% and commercial licenses go for a minimum of EUR290. Editorials minimum EUR70.

So, no?

Just trying to evaluate if it's worth any time.

After all, 0 times a million is still 0.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #33 on:** June 07, 2017, 17:07 »

Quote

So, no?

Just trying to evaluate if it's worth any time.

After all, 0 times a million is still 0.

goober · « **Reply #34 on:** June 07, 2017, 19:37 »

I hope your book sells to the newbies. Good on you for giving it a go.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #35 on:** June 08, 2017, 08:47 »

Quote

I hope your book sells to the newbies. Good on you for giving it a go.

Grazie mille

Brasilnut · « **Reply #36 on:** June 09, 2017, 17:16 »

Wohooo book is published!

Oh happy days!

PM if you would like to purchase a $5 copy or click on my blog link below for details.

sgoodwin4813 · « **Reply #37 on:** June 09, 2017, 19:22 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on June 07, 2017, 10:31

Here's my revised table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Why you should move to Thailand
Chapter 2 - What's in my camera bag before the gypsies stole it?
Chapter 3 - Technicals - what's the point, they're going to reject you anyway
Chapter 4 - How not to get * sued
Chapter 5 - RM or RF, why doesn't it matter when you're still getting paid crap
Chapter 6 - Overview of Agencies (most of these won't be around in a year)
Chapter 7 - How much can you expect to earn (less than working at McDonald's)
Chapter 8 - Don't fking shoot flowers, pets and flags
Chapter 9 - Finding Nietzsche
Chapter 10 - Keywording or as some people call it "Copy-Pasting"
Chapter 11 - Hiring cheap labour in India for cheap
Chapter 12 - The Agencies are the devil and their customers don't care about you
Interview with Playboy bunny of the year 2017

You missed your calling - you should have been a comedian!

Brasilnut · « **Reply #38 on:** June 10, 2017, 10:31 »

Quote

You missed your calling - you should have been a comedian!

After my last payout from SS, I lost my sense of humour

SpaceStockFootage · « **Reply #39 on:** June 11, 2017, 08:14 »

Word up. Is it just me or is there only the front cover of the book to download in the download section? Not actually seeing the book itself anywhere.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #40 on:** June 11, 2017, 10:33 »

Quote

Word up. Is it just me or is there only the front cover of the book to download in the download section? Not actually seeing the book itself anywhere.

Wow I completely misread that the first time.

It's on sale for $5 (limited-time offer), although I did give some key information away for free

See my blog post at:

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/new-guide-for-beginners-brutally-honest-guide-to-microstock-photography/

Brasilnut · « **Reply #41 on:** June 12, 2017, 17:33 »

Here's some independent reviews so far from experienced stock contributors on the Guide:

Quote

“A good read especially for the newbies! Great work on writing a tech subject to reach a general audience.
The last chapter [Opportunities Outside of Microstock] is a wake-up call for the dreamers but a known for the veterans. We accept this challenge and learn to up our game to keep our income level the same or end higher.”

– Tom Baker, the “stay at home shooter” since he shoots 90% of his images at home in his studio, a great way to keep costs down!

Quote

“You provided a diverse view of the entire stock photo industry at large; including the macro/premium agents. For newcomers, I believe that it will be very helpful for them to know that there is indeed another side to the sales processes. The book is assistive to any stock photographer looking to gain valuable information and additional thought processing and skills.”

– Shannon Fagan, award winning assignment and stock photographer for clients such as Intel, BMW, Time, Fortune and New Yorker

Quote

“It’s full of great information, and no false-promises. Microstock is a tough business nowadays, but you’ve covered a lot of what newcomers will need to know, and a few harsh-realities experienced photographers would do well to listen to.”

– Robert Davies, programmer, stock photographer and developer of picNiche and picWorkflow

xenupy · « **Reply #42 on:** June 14, 2017, 12:33 »

Hello All,
Read this book in 3 days.
Spoiler alert: It is in fact very useful book for us who are thinking about stock photos, and photography in general.

The first part are the confirmation what a seasoned photographer already know but a newbie needs absolutely to read.

The second part is more stock related, honest opinions about agencies, business and clients its all we need to know to have "success" in this kind of work.

I love the case study that the book presents, it is a truly and honestly example of what we can earn in this of business.

I also like all the tips and tricks that come in every section of the book.

Thank you Alexandre. It is in fact a great book.

Chris Kelleher · « **Reply #43 on:** June 14, 2017, 16:22 »

Was also very impressed with this book as well, purchased a couple of days ago and have finished reading it cover-to-cover. It immediately came across as very professionally put together and excellent visually. Lots of great information packed into it, and I really enjoyed all of the examples and the case study. Overall a must-read for anyone starting out, and I would imagine even a helpful resource for those that may have been doing stock for a while now.

Theo · « **Reply #44 on:** June 15, 2017, 05:02 »

A very good book for a beginner plus advaced photographer getting into Microstock. Many very useful links to improve your photography.
Everything explained in detail. Licensing explained is such a way as to help us choose what we want.
Heartily recommend it. You will not regret.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #45 on:** June 16, 2017, 02:35 »

Awesome reviews, guys

On a side note, the book is now available on Amazon Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GWJXBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497604673&sr=8-1&keywords=brutally+honest+guide+to+microstock

Otherwise PDF:

https://wordpress.com/post/brutallyhonestmicrostock.wordpress.com/110

Good luck with your shooting and PM for more details!

Alex

SpaceStockFootage · « **Reply #46 on:** June 16, 2017, 02:58 »

You keep mentioning microstock as being part of the 'gig economy', but it's not. If microstock sites were places where potential buyers posted their requirements for an image, and then photographers went out and created their perfect image in exchange for payment... then that would be considered part of the gig economy, but obviously it doesn't work that way.

Although it's licensing rather than buying, microstock would be closer to just 'selling products online' than it would to being 'gigs'.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #47 on:** June 16, 2017, 03:25 »

Quote

If microstock sites were places where potential buyers posted their requirements for an image, and then photographers went out and created their perfect image in exchange for payment

Image request sites, such as Snapwire and Imagebrief, have emerged to cater for clients' specific needs, although as you correctly mentioned, there's no direct interaction between Photographer and Licensee (agencies act as intermediaries).

Quote

Although it's licensing rather than buying, microstock would be closer to just 'selling products online' than it would to being 'gigs'.

I won't get too bogged down on the definition between a 'gig job' and 'selling products online', it's far too academic. I try to look it from a wider and practical perspective.

My argument is that being a microstock photographer contributor is part of an overall trend towards more flexible self-employed (gig) jobs - just need to look at airbnb, uber, amazon. We're already seeing workers in advanced economies losing their comfortable jobs due to technological automation and off sourcing (i hired a designer in India for much cheaper and great service). The next big push will be even more drastic, for example, driveless vehicles and drone deliveries. What's going to happen to those bus & taxi drivers and postmen - if they don't retrain they will be left behind.

These disruptions are likely to create more division in advanced societies, with more inequality as those left behind struggle to find other suitable work. Govts will be forced by the angry population and businesses to increase trade barriers and the 90s / 2000s globalization wave will slow down. We are seeing just the start of this paradigm shift, with a rise in populism in some countries (Brexit, Trump, anti-immigration).

niktol · « **Reply #48 on:** June 16, 2017, 06:36 »

Other important relevant trends not to overlook is removing guild barriers and professional gateways, decentralization of knowledge sharing in professions.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #49 on:** June 16, 2017, 08:50 »

Microstock sites paid in these last month:

http://circa.com/whoa/zero-fucks-coins-allow-you-to-literally-give-zero-fucks?utm_medium=Discovery&utm_source=OutbrainNews

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: New guide for beginners - "Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography" (Read 18204 times)

Brasilnut

niktol

Brasilnut

Brasilnut

niktol

niktol

stockastic

increasingdifficulty

Brasilnut

goober

Brasilnut

Brasilnut

sgoodwin4813

Brasilnut

SpaceStockFootage

Brasilnut

Brasilnut

xenupy

Chris Kelleher

Theo

Brasilnut

SpaceStockFootage

Brasilnut

niktol

Brasilnut

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results