If at work depending on location they might not like the image so open at own risk. It is more humor then anything but still depending upon the workplace they might not like it.

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/225835/121680412/stock-photo-fat-man-playing-a-naughty-santa-claus-wearing-his-hat-while-being-topless-and-grabbing-his-nipples-121680412.jpg

This image has already been accepted but I'm curious as to what your opinions are on this image quality of image and how worthy it is for stock and what kind of sales you would expect out of an image like this? Would you even submit something like this for stock?

Frankly, I think a model that releases an image like that of themselves deserves the kind of work it ends up getting used in.

Oh, we'll sure I'd submit it, obviously... :p

From a commercial stock perspective, what product is an image like that supposed to represent or sell?

There are loads of fetish sites and blogs and even products that have use for that image. Or sites that want to have a funny image for their article or blog on santa claus, big people or masochism.

I am fairly certain a fetish site would be against the sensitive uses clause in most of the microstock licenses.  Of course if you wanted it to end up used that way you can always opt in to sensitive uses. 

In answer to the OP, no I would not upload something like that.  I have uploaded some funny stuff with a slightly sexual theme though, so not sure where my dividing line would be.  Probably this image fails, IMO, because it is more creepy than it is funny. 

It can be fun enough to make pictures like this, but what will your next model think?

If they are pros they wont think a thing because models are asked to pose in all sorts of ways with all kinds of attributes.


There is a market for anything and if this guy found a gap then kudos to him. I think as photographers we need to provide for the demand. And if that means a big guy squeezing nipples and wearing a santa hat, then so be it. People put roadkill up for sale, I find that a bit disturbing but its a job and someone has to do it. Same goes for NAZI stuff.

You made me look, dammit!

Honest opinion would be difficult.

Honestly I'm not sure what it would represent either. It's sold though, and so far has made me about 2-3 downloads per day. I know that's not huge but still money for very little effort. It's not the only one I have like this either. Overall out of about 4-5 pictures I've made about 40-50 bucks for displaying some overweight fat male nipples. This one was actually created in as a continuation of the other one I did with no props but rather a dude just standing grabbing his nipples.
I have no idea why they sell, who buys them, or what they are used for. I've actually tried to find them and the only thing I Can find so far of the santa one is people snagging it from the shutterstock site and using it on forums, blogs and such.

Though I think as someone else brought up is these are niche images I guess. If you look around at most stock sites there are not many of them at all. Only thing I can think of. I'll tell you this though I plan to keep doing them as long as they keep making a little money.

My whole port though isn't a commercial dream by any means. Honestly looking at it compared to many of you guys it kind of sucks I would say, but it seems to do alright. If you are curious you can take a peek here http://www.shutterstock.com/portfolio/search.mhtml?gallery_landing=1&gallery_id=225835&page=1&safesearch=1&sort_method=newest . The editorial images kind of suck for sales I admit, but the rest seems to ok.

If you take that same port and spread it among the top four micros' plus 123rf and bigstock what would you expect for earnings of this, and what would you think the top earning images would be, again ignoring the editorial.

Also feel free to give any criticism if you like.

Txking, you are brave to mention that these images are selling and then link to your port.  I can just see the micros being inundated with overweight men twisting their nipples in about a month's time

FWIW, the concept is not my cup of tea, and even my very cooperative hubby would draw the line well short of that, LOL.  But I suspect the model is either you, or a very close relative or friend who has a good sense of humor and is okay with suffering the potential humiliation of having it used.  I do like the first one more than the santa.  The contrast between his serious, intent expression and what he's doing makes it funny. 

If this guy's up for more, I would suggest you get him in some classic pinup poses, such as pushing his breasts together with his arms, etc.  Might as well go for broke if its a concept that's working for ya

Something along these lines: 

Well, here's a link to where you'll find it pirated....with the Shutterstock logo still on it....

http://www.lememe.com/

Sad to admit but yes they are self portraits. Do you really think I can talk someone else into doing something like this. Hell only reason I did was more of a joke as I'm honestly a very modest shy kind of guy. Even so soon I'm going to be grabbing a flower and holding it while pinching my nipples for valentines :-)

Don't be sad.  You are going to be the famous "nipple pinching man" . 

You are to be congratulated on finding a good niche.  Regardless of whether they are used for a product, or for funny blogs, a sale is a sale.  Enjoy your success!

I don't really want to be known as that guy :p but I will take the money if it presents itself.

Just hope that I don't walk into a job interview though as I'm going to be without a job soon (no not due to the pictures they are closing the whole center down) and they look at me and go "hey I know you."

That's the thing. You may well need a few cents just now, but are you really sure you will never, ever want a professional job or public role where that photo could come back to haunt you?

Men, if you will do some crazy thing make it well. That image could result if you dressed some leather suit..... but in jeans and christmas hat looks like some crazy , drunk guy . This image don�t give you prestige , it can sell 10 000 times that will not bring you nothing good.