Author Topic: New to Microstock Group and looking for some advice. (Read 2623 times)

SianC · « **on:** April 29, 2013, 12:23 »

I'm new to this group but have been contributing to microstock sites for a number of years. I have not been a very prolific uploader in the past and have a very small portfolio. I am at a point that I would like to become more serious about shooting stock. I have just over 700 images at SS and barely make a payout each month. The majority of downloads for me comes from 5 images that sell over and over. They are not particularly good images nor are they of subject matter that is unique. I have many many images in my portfolio that have never sold. I am beginning to wonder if it is worth it to invest alot of time into increasing my portfolio. If the new images don't sell it will obviously be a waste of time.

I would love to get some opinions on my portfolio as to whether I am shooting the wrong subjects, the images are just not suitable for stock, my keywords are no good, etc.
The link to my SS gallery is http://www.shutterstock.com/portfolio/search.mhtml?gallery_landing=1&gallery_id=298537&page=1&safesearch=1&sort_method=popular [nofollow]

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Siân

Beppe Grillo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2013, 00:57 »

So nice boys and girls, very sweet, very quiet.
Maybe too much…

I think that you should try to put them in more dynamic (less static) situations, and try to create some little stories around them.

tickstock · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2013, 01:03 »

leaf · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2013, 01:53 »

You've got some nice images but you could get them doing more activities instead of just head shots. I like close crops for portraits but also get full body portraits as well. Then get them doing stuff, get them taking pictures, playing video games, riding bikes outdoors, hiking, playing soccer etc.etc.