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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Newbie Discussion => Topic started by: Dsheppard90 on March 02, 2016, 15:36

Title: New member - Daniel
Post by: Dsheppard90 on March 02, 2016, 15:36
Hello all!

New member here, complete beginner to photography and microstock so a lot of research and learning to do. A family member reccomended getting into microstock as I am planning on travelling South East Asia, Bali, Fiji, New Zealand & Australia. I decided if I can become good enough to capture images that will sell on microstock sites it could be provide me with a little income during my travels! If not the photos are still with me for memories anyway. All help and tips would be greatly appreciated and look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks for taking the time to read this  :)
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on March 02, 2016, 16:03
Greetings.  There are many, many people who already live in those locations, and around the world, that are adept photographers who have filled libraries with their work.   It is unlikely that your vacation shots will garner much interest from buyers.  Instead, spend time with your (not yet bought) camera, and learn the ins and outs.  Take a class.  Experiment.  Have fun.  Don't worry about stock photography.  Heck, it might even ruin your vacation, worrying about what is saleable and what isn't.
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: cobalt on March 02, 2016, 16:31
I agree with the shoot what YOU really love first. It will make what you send to libraries, if you do that eventually, a lot more authentic..

Maybe take classes in themes that interest you. Love food photography, rent an apartment, go to the markets and cook the local food yourself. Go to festivals and take local dance classes. Take pictures of your partner or your children trying them.

Focus on the fun. It will show in your pictures.

All the typical landmarks of the world, all the sunsets, all the beaches, all the timelapses, have been covered.

Make it personal, that will stand out.

Good luck!

Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: trek on March 02, 2016, 16:44
Shoot what you want, where you want, how you want.  At the end of the day the good art will rise to the top   Everything else will be buried. 
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: Pauws99 on March 02, 2016, 17:15
Selling microstock is very hard work.......spend a year taking photos you enjoy and improving. If you are still enjoying it you can always go back and do the extra processing/keywording etc to sell pics. If you get into Microstock too soon it may well kill your enjoyment of photography and will constrict your development as a photographer.
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: SpaceStockFootage on March 03, 2016, 16:48
I'm more of a video droid, but I'm also off exploring South East Asia this year. Have sold my Canon 600D, massive tripod and a bunch of lenses in favour of a DJI Osmo. It's far from a pro camera (not that my Canon was either though), but stabilization is key when it comes to commercially viable stock footage and my tripod would take up half of my luggage size and weight allowance!

I'm not expecting to retire from the footage I take when I'm away, but hopefully I can get a few decent shots a week. If you (and I) expect to make nothing from our images, then anything over and above will be a bonus. Not saying that it's not possible to earn a bit on the side from our travels, but seeing I got more on Ebay for my Camera and lenses than I paid for the Osmo, then I may as well give it a go. I probably wouldn't have bought it if I couldn't have sold on some existing kit. 

Anyway, have fun travelling. Will be in Vegas for ten days early June, couple of days in LA, then over to Bangkok for five days, Chiang Mai for five days and then wherever the wind take me. Vegas first was probably a bad idea... might run out of money before I get to Asia!
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: THP Creative on March 03, 2016, 17:54
Hey, welcome aboard :) Have fun on your travels, thats how most of my stock portfolio started out.
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: Erendbend on March 05, 2016, 13:04
Welcome Daniel,
Good luck!!
Title: Re: New member - Daniel
Post by: Erendbend on March 05, 2016, 13:05
Dont forget by the way to check all tips here.