I have just started uploading my photos on microstock and I was wondering how long it would take to get my first Sale?
I have started with BigStock and DT. Waiting to pass the exams on the other sites.

Which sites are best for editorial? I'm not into breaking-news journalism though.

How many minimum images must I have on my portfolio before I expect my first sale?

What should be my average portfolio size if I need to reach a target of 100$ per month?




Thanks.

It absolutely depends on the quality of your work.  It also depends on the needs of the buyers.   It took me two years to accumulate enough sales to achieve my first $50 payout.  It has taken me three months to get the second one.   Your experience may be different.  Meanwhile, I've learned a lot about photography, I've invested in some better equipment, and I've constantly increased my portfolio size--I'm up over 800 now.  I believe all those things have increased my sales.   Patience and determination are required equipment.  Don't quit your day job until you see how successful you are, but don't be discouraged just because this isn't the road to instant riches.

I just took a test.  What grade will I get?

There's no way you could answer this question without knowing my expertise in the subject, how prepared I was for the exam, etc.  Same thing with microstock.

You will do well if you:
1) first study the market, figure out what is in demand and what isn't
2) offer a unique style or approach to your given subject, one that won't be easily duplicated by the copycats (and by all means, don't be one yourself)
3) find a niche that most other microstock artists don't know about (perhaps the hardest task)
4) create images that make an immediate impact on the buyer, jumping off the page even as a thumbnail, demanding to be downloaded
5) create a LOT of images.  One download can easily lead to another.  Or a buyer may be intrigued by one of your images, click through to your port and be wowed by a totally different one.

In short, it takes quality + quantity + marketing expertise to succeed at microstock.  Best of luck!!!

Depends on the quality of your work.. I got 23 downloads on my first day from the first 10 approved images.. and yes, I was on SS before any other big sites..

If you divide the pixel count of your camera sensor by the number of fries in a MacDonald's portion (medium meal) then that should give you a good indicator of microstock sales per beer bottle. It works for me anyway.

I have just started uploading my photos on microstock and I was wondering how long it would take to get my first Sale?

Thanks.

I'll tell you, if you can tell me what day I'll be winning the lottery...

I have just started uploading my photos on microstock and I was wondering how long it would take to get my first Sale?
I have started with BigStock and DT. Waiting to pass the exams on the other sites.

Which sites are best for editorial? I'm not into breaking-news journalism though.

How many minimum images must I have on my portfolio before I expect my first sale?

What should be my average portfolio size if I need to reach a target of 100$ per month?




Thanks.

SS won't take any editorial unless they think it's newsworthy

i've had good results with editorial sales on DT, 123 and BigS  - for 123 you just submit all images and they'll mark for editorial automatically

if you are a designer or photographer with a lot of existing own materials that you own it, then try to get in shutterstock, it pays from 0,25 to $28.. it is really the only microstock website that works.

and what is selling in microstock is really some materials for design (illustrations) or concepts oriental photos.. if you are taking different kind of photos then it is better to start from alamy.