Author Topic: New to Microstock (Read 4940 times)

Erich Gray · « **on:** January 06, 2014, 10:56 »

Just wanted to chime in here and say hello. I am new to microstocks and stock in general but feel ready to go with it. I began reading threads here last night and found them very helpful. I shoot primary outdoor, wildlife and landscape but looking to start working in the realm of portrait. Also looking for a good niche on what is actually selling out there in the stock world. Any comments and suggestions on this would be helpful.

I just got my first DSLR on Christmas, a Canon Rebel SL1 with a EF 100-400 IS lens. I will have to gain more lenses of course, but with my style of photography, it works out great. Being an outdoor guy, I do a lot of backpacking so up until now, I have been using a Canon Powershot SX 160 IS. It is light weight for backpacking and affords me with a lot of head room on zooming in. And the 16mp really brings out great shots. I rarely ever use the auto function on it. I keep the camera in Priority or Manual mode which gives me the ability to be more creative.

My software on the computer is the Digital Photo Professional from Canon, Light Zone, which I am still learning, and GIMP which I use a lot.

I hope I can learn about selling my photos here and what to do and where to go next.

Erich

Erich Gray · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:02 »

Just wanted to add here that I am not new to Photography as it seems my post may assume that. I started using a Pentak K-1000 way back in 1991 and had a very large assortment of lenses and accessories. I used these for Astro-photograpy along with wildlife photography and a few weddings and banquets. My equipment was stolen and I never replaced it except for pocket cameras I bought for my hiking trips. I am happy to be back in photography and looking forward to sharing my shots with the world. And I have amounted quite a large file in the last few years with the Powershot..

Erich

Goofy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:16 »

I don't want to make the business sound rosy thus will tell you it will be an up hill battle to say the very least! And commissions are very low on most sites thus don't expect to make a killing. If you can just cover your equipment costs your doing well.

Good luck....

Erich Gray · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:21 »

Thanks Goofy. I dont know where this will take off too, but presently, not really looking for a lot of return. Just looking for a place to sell the photos and hopefully get some noticed. If it goes somewher, great. I am simple. As you said, if I can make meet my equipment costs, great! If it can help pay for the hiking trips and, which isn't much, then perfect!

From where I stand, or sit, the sky is the limit. I really cant go lower than the basement..

Great site and enjoying looking around!

Erich

Goofy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:24 »

I would say the sky is the limit anymore maybe six years ago. Keep your expectations low and you will be fine- also don't quit your day time job...

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:29 »

"I am new to microstocks and stock in general but feel ready to go with it."

To answer your other thread, why do you feel ready to "go with it"? What are you bringing to the table that isn't available by many others who just got a DSLR for Christmas? What is your skill set? That will help define where to start.

Goofy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:33 »

Erich,

Read and listen to Sean is the best advice I can give you! He is on the high end of this business in both skill level and business practices.

fritz · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:40 »

You're late to the party! MS is not what use to be 5 years ago....
Even with 8000+ files on DepositPhotos, 6000+on Fotolia I can't make more than 100$ per month there!
Good Luck!

grapegeek · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:44 »

I've been at this game for 9 years. While I don't have a large portfolio, I have been following the ups and downs of Microstock for a long time. When I started you would get substantial downloads with less than 100 images uploaded. Now the market is flooded with millions of contributors and I would say that unless you have a highly targeted niche and have about 1000 images you might get some downloads. Although I am exclusive at IS, I would stay away from them. I've been there so long my royalty levels are too high as an exclusive. Concentrate on SS, Fotolia and Dreamstime. Good luck and upload often and like others said, don't quit any real jobs you have!

JPSDK · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:00 »

I agree. Concentrate on SS, FT and DT.

Forget the rest.

Find a nische and make the worlds best photos in that nische.

( I have been into microstock since 2007, and I only find it worth while to be with a few agencies)

Erich Gray · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:05 »

To answer Seans question, well, as I have stated, I have been doing photography for years, just not with a DSLR. I know there are a lot of photos taken with powershots and sold on the internet. I even have some books by professional photographers who, like me, uses them for backpacking because of the light weight. The DSLR just widens my horizon for me. I understand the F/stops, Depth of Fields, ect, ect. I am at the moment treading and testing water. What is the ideal niche? What are these companies and the consumers looking for?

I play with GIMP alot and use my photos to make possible "book covers" and CD covers and art work. I am wanting to see where it could lead me. My hiking and backpacking trips put me into positions and places that can give very serene photos. But of course, I do know there are many many other photographers outthere doing the same as well. I am wanting to jump into the water and see how I can tread with the fishes sort of speak.

My first photo I ever sold, EVER, was an accidental shot of the moon back in 1992 when I was in college. It is still hanging in there to day. I am proud of that piece.

I have been shooting for several years now and always try and pay attention on composition. I go for mood. If that means anything. I have thousands of shots on the computer and flashdrives. I am curious where I can take them. And what I can do with them

I know it is a big ocean out there with many big fish, but I want to try anyway. I can see the DSLR giving me an edge that the powershot cannot. Only time will tell.

I hoped I answered the question. As for certain niche, I am looking. I know my passions, but what is really taking off out there right now? What are consumers focusing on? (no puns intended). Im new and I would like to give this a go.

Erich

cuppacoffee · « **Reply #11 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:08 »

Do you have your photos on a website? Lots of experienced shooters here also sell stock (there's a big difference) who could take a look and make suggestion...

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:09 »

"I have thousands of shots on the computer and flashdrives. I am curious where I can take them. And what I can do with them"

Common advice is to throw away everything on your harddrive, at least as far as stock goes. Especially if they were done on a P&S. You can post some for critique to see if they stand up to current standards. There may be some that make good prints, but that's a different market.

Customers want images they can use to tell a story or get a message across.

Erich Gray · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:13 »

Quote from: JPSDK on January 06, 2014, 12:00

I agree. Concentrate on SS, FT and DT.

Forget the rest.

Find a nische and make the worlds best photos in that nische.

( I have been into microstock since 2007, and I only find it worth while to be with a few agencies)

Thanks. Good suggestions.

I just relocated to the Baltimore area from Texas. It is like a whole 'nother country here to me. When I walk around the city and gaze at the architecture and the history here, I am at aww. So part of me wants to start doing some archetectural style photography. Something I never really have done before, but looks fun. I am a fan of gargoyles and always look for them around the tops of buildings. Being in the "City of Ravens" I assume there are many to be found here. Just a niche to play around with.

One thing is for sure, the photos I have will never get anywhere with only 2 eyes looking at them. I need to get them out there and see what the world thinks of them. I hope that makes sense.

Erich

Ron · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:16 »

Erich, here is a summary of the 8 most common agencies.
http://semmickphoto.com/2013/06/19/top-8-microstock-agencies-explained/

Might be of help

Erich Gray · « **Reply #15 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:24 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on January 06, 2014, 12:09

"I have thousands of shots on the computer and flashdrives. I am curious where I can take them. And what I can do with them"

Common advice is to throw away everything on your harddrive, at least as far as stock goes. Especially if they were done on a P&S. You can post some for critique to see if they stand up to current standards. There may be some that make good prints, but that's a different market.

Customers want images they can use to tell a story or get a message across.

Ok, I hear you, but why would they not beable to say something with what was shot on a P&S? I have seen many photos taken on a P&S that blows away ones taken with an SLR. I think that is generalizing. I will look for a few and post them to see what others think. I have opened a Flickr account and posted some there as well, although I am not trusting of that site so I only put those that I feel dosn't have much to go for it.

Even on the 160, I use all manual and priority settings. I have full control of shutter speed and aperture settings, along with F/stop and ISO control. I can do pretty much everything with it that I can with the DSLR except change lenses out. And albeit, it weighs a whole lot less after carrying 45 pounds of gear on your back all day. Those few less ounces pays off.

My girl friends Ex designs camera and telescope lenses. He saw a picture I took of her with my other SX150. He told me with all the gear he has, he never would have been able to get that shot. It was the compostion. I feel that is the big factor in what makes or breaks a photo. Not the equipment. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you do not have compostion, your lacking.

Anyway, I would like to give this a go, and with the pictures I have now. But of course, not all of them. Im choosy..

Erich Gray · « **Reply #16 on:** January 06, 2014, 12:27 »

Quote from: Ron on January 06, 2014, 12:16

Erich, here is a summary of the 8 most common agencies.
http://semmickphoto.com/2013/06/19/top-8-microstock-agencies-explained/

Might be of help

Thank you. Good article and good comparisons..

Erich

Erich Gray · « **Reply #17 on:** January 07, 2014, 14:14 »

Sean,

I hope I wasn't sounding too harsh in my reply. I was just wanting to make a statement. I appreciate your thoughts and yes, they are much needed. Any and all thoughts would do.

I am just starting out in this game with little cash. I have oft times heard "Start with what you have and build on it." So that is what I am working on.

Is it ok to post photos in the critique forum before I decide on which ones I want to send out? I wish not to make a habit of using MS as a place for critiques but I am willing to post photos to get feedback and comments from others who have been in this a lot longer than I have.

By the way, I looked at your photos and site and I like what I see. I am not much of a people photographer, (even though I did mention portraits), although I do take some photos of people to use in my digital art. In the early days, I did work at a photostudio and I enjoyed that emensley. Maybe thats why I always try and pay attention to composition.

Anyways, Thank you for your comments and replys. They are very well takin and read.

Erich

elvinstar · « **Reply #18 on:** January 07, 2014, 19:57 »

Quote from: fritz on January 06, 2014, 11:40

Even with 8000+ files on DepositPhotos, 6000+on Fotolia I can't make more than 100$ per month.

No offense, but my (not very impressive) portfolio of around 1,500 photos generates more than that and I haven't uploaded anything new in over 16 months.

I haven't seen your portfolio, but you may want to choose different subjects for your photos.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 07, 2014, 20:00 »

Quote from: elvinstar on January 07, 2014, 19:57

Quote from: fritz on January 06, 2014, 11:40
Even with 8000+ files on DepositPhotos, 6000+on Fotolia I can't make more than 100$ per month.

No offense, but my (not very impressive) portfolio of around 1,500 photos generates more than that and I haven't uploaded anything new in over 16 months.

I haven't seen your portfolio, but you may want to choose different subjects for your photos.

exactly, you haven't, how about over 21k sales at iStock? (since 2009)

the problem is really DP and FT, not the subjects

elvinstar · « **Reply #20 on:** January 07, 2014, 20:01 »

Sorry, my mistake. I took the post to mean $100 from all agencies together.

grapegeek · « **Reply #21 on:** January 08, 2014, 15:17 »

Quote from: Erich Gray on January 06, 2014, 12:24

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on January 06, 2014, 12:09
"I have thousands of shots on the computer and flashdrives. I am curious where I can take them. And what I can do with them"

Common advice is to throw away everything on your harddrive, at least as far as stock goes. Especially if they were done on a P&S. You can post some for critique to see if they stand up to current standards. There may be some that make good prints, but that's a different market.

Customers want images they can use to tell a story or get a message across.

Ok, I hear you, but why would they not beable to say something with what was shot on a P&S? I have seen many photos taken on a P&S that blows away ones taken with an SLR. I think that is generalizing. I will look for a few and post them to see what others think. I have opened a Flickr account and posted some there as well, although I am not trusting of that site so I only put those that I feel dosn't have much to go for it.

Even on the 160, I use all manual and priority settings. I have full control of shutter speed and aperture settings, along with F/stop and ISO control. I can do pretty much everything with it that I can with the DSLR except change lenses out. And albeit, it weighs a whole lot less after carrying 45 pounds of gear on your back all day. Those few less ounces pays off.

My girl friends Ex designs camera and telescope lenses. He saw a picture I took of her with my other SX150. He told me with all the gear he has, he never would have been able to get that shot. It was the composition. I feel that is the big factor in what makes or breaks a photo. Not the equipment. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you do not have composition, your lacking.

Anyway, I would like to give this a go, and with the pictures I have now. But of course, not all of them. Im choosy..

One of my best selling images was taken with an old Canon P&S but it has to be absolutely perfect conditions and shot at ISO 100. You will find that many stock agencies will reject anything less than DSLR quality no matter the composition. I guess the only way you'l find out for yourself is to start tying to get accepted to some of these agencies and see how it goes, but you won't see any real income until you have hundreds of images on several agencies...

fritz · « **Reply #22 on:** January 08, 2014, 16:55 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on January 07, 2014, 20:00

Quote from: elvinstar on January 07, 2014, 19:57
Quote from: fritz on January 06, 2014, 11:40
Even with 8000+ files on DepositPhotos, 6000+on Fotolia I can't make more than 100$ per month.

No offense, but my (not very impressive) portfolio of around 1,500 photos generates more than that and I haven't uploaded anything new in over 16 months.

I haven't seen your portfolio, but you may want to choose different subjects for your photos.

exactly, you haven't, how about 21839 sales at iStock? (since 2009)

the problem is really DP and FT, not the subjects

Yes, I wanted to point that sales are very much different from site to site. In my case even the site #3 Fotolia can't bring me more than 100$ per month lets say the same $$$ as Envato brings every mount which is #12. So, if you're new to MS it will take years to build descent port and again sales are not what use to be....

I see no bright future for newbies unless you're sooooooo good like Elena Vizerskaya

Hope I'm wrong!

ShadySue · « **Reply #23 on:** January 08, 2014, 17:04 »

Quote from: fritz on January 08, 2014, 16:55

I see no bright future for newbies unless you're sooooooo good like Elena Vizerskaya

Even Elena seems to be finding it relatively difficult to sell her new files on iStock. Better than me, of course, but her latest 200 files, dating from April 2013, have a scary shortage of downloads.

fritz · « **Reply #24 on:** January 08, 2014, 17:24 »

Pretty much scary! If Elena's files are not doing well, than I can imagine how the rest of us will do in the future specially newbies.

Maybe it's about time to open Jazz club (always wanted) forget MS and enjoy life!

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Author Topic: New to Microstock (Read 4940 times)

Erich Gray

Erich Gray

Goofy

Erich Gray

Goofy

Sean Locke Photography

Goofy

fritz

grapegeek

JPSDK

Erich Gray

cuppacoffee

Sean Locke Photography

Erich Gray

Ron

Erich Gray

Erich Gray

Erich Gray

elvinstar

luissantos84

elvinstar

grapegeek

fritz

ShadySue

fritz

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