My download number was low, but the payment wasn't as bad as I thought.

Yes, I am talking about Istock because we are in Istockphoto Forum.

Most of my photos are travel related landscape images. I don't remember my number has ever been that low since I became exclusive about 20 years ago.

Quote from: Pacesetter on April 21, 2026, 06:09
If you refer to iStock sales I assume as you posted in the iStockPhoto forum, then your April sales are your final results.

My sales were a little lower than the previous two years but there's not much difference among the three years of earnings on Istock for April.

It's not the end of the month yet, but my April sales number is only 1/4 of a normal month. What about you?

My Feb earning was good, March was somewhat decent. But this April is incredibly slow. Maybe because of the fuel costs, people are not making travel plans anymore?

I just published a new YouTube video using my own stock photos and videos from Algonquin Park.

Please take a look if you are interested. Moose Sightings in Algonquin Park: Did I Miss Something?

https://youtu.be/HYialnHrXSE

Perhaps delete the pending files and re-upload?

Pond 5 sales seem to have picked up. I sold a few similar clips.

Have you heard of the "Ice Bridge" between Canada and the USA?

I created this YouTube video of the frozen Niagara Falls on one of the coldest days of the month of Feb 2026.

The video explores the story of Niagara Falls while presenting selections from my photography portfolio.

If you'd like to discover where and when these photos were taken, watch the full video to see my journey.

https://youtu.be/ZgXm5UO9SA4

https://youtu.be/26ZPX3kLGq4?si=5lgIomqhueNTp3SW

Do you take photos when you fly?

Curious where this photo was taken? Watch my YouTube slideshow 'Challenge AI: Where Was I" to see the full journey, the stunning landscapes, and the stories behind each shot — all revealed with a bit of AI detective work!

Happy Holidays!!!

Quote from: Pacesetter on December 22, 2025, 03:33
Nice photos... Speaking of winter, I lived in Canberra (Australia's capital city) for near 14 years where it is comparatively cold compared to other major cities in Australia because of its proximity to the snowy mountains. I asked a Canadian working in the deli at the local Coles how he feels about the cold climates in Canberra and he said to me that when he goes home he gets off the plane in minus 40 degrees Celsius!! That ended the discussion quickly. I don't know how people live in those freezing cold parts of the world. 

Thanks for sharing the story. Since I got into photography, I love the cold and snow. When I was taking photos, I didn't feel the cold because I was "possessed". Plus, you have to dress accordingly.😂

Since I got into stock photography more than 20 years ago, i I often venture out on the coldest days of the season. This short video is a summary of some of my photos from 2012 to 2025.

https://youtu.be/4oy2wWDhFI0?si=-m8M4SYHoYsAl_4P

Some are available as stock photos, others are only available as fine art prints. The locations are disclosed in the video.

Hope you enjoy the slide show, and I wish everyone a happy holiday season!

Quote from: cascoly on December 17, 2025, 19:58

Quote from: Orchidpoet on December 16, 2025, 18:32
This video is now captioned,. The viewers can know where the shots were taken. Is it a good idea?

1. without location how will anyone looking for that location find it?
2. anyo,ne can do an image search on a frame to find the location 
3. how many people would travel to thatv location, given the meager returns from microstock?

Do you mean it's a good idea? Thank you for your comments.

The locations are not secrets. If people go to my website, they are clearly identified. The video was initially intended as a musical and visual slide show so some people can simply enjoy pretty photos. But I later realized that the locations might be interesting to some.

It's better than last month. I tried for the first time to print out the sales sheet. It was literally a book. Then I looked at the numbers and felt sad.

This video is now captioned,. The viewers can know where the shots were taken. Is it a good idea?

Quote from: Faustvasea on December 09, 2025, 10:55

Mine never took off. Still have views according to Google analytics. May I see your website ?

My sales did not take off suddenly. But you keep at it, you will see sales keep increasing over time.

Quote from: Artist on December 09, 2025, 10:00

Quote from: Orchidpoet on December 05, 2025, 19:12
It is totally worth it to invest in your own website or through a hosting site.

However, it will take some time.

My website has now reached over 900,000 views, and I have regular sales. but it took me about 14 years.

14 years is a good amount of time. You made a start at a nascent time. Demand is hugely competitive now.
But I am happy for you, can you tell, in these years does your own website gives liberty to quit microstock and focus on your own thing?

No, I didn't quit microstock but am doing the minimum to keep sales coming. The microstock agencies are still generating stable income. I have always been doing my own thing. Now my focus is using my YouTube channel to direct traffic to the sales of my photo prints: https://www.youtube.com/@charlinex5186

Quote from: Faustvasea on December 05, 2025, 21:24

Quote from: Orchidpoet on December 05, 2025, 19:12
It is totally worth it to invest in your own website or through a hosting site.

However, it will take some time.

My website has now reached over 900,000 views, and I have regular sales. but it took me about 14 years.

What are you selling on your website?

Photo prints.

It is totally worth it to invest in your own website or through a hosting site.

However, it will take some time.

My website has now reached over 900,000 views, and I have regular sales. but it took me about 14 years.

Thanks, I will take a look.

It will be interesting to see if Action 6 has any meaningful low light improvement in the SuperNight Mode.

While filming the Christmas lights in Toronto, I was able to compare the DJI Action 5 Pro - using SuperNight mode and 10-bit D-Log M in 4K, with the GoPro Hero 10 Black shooting in 5K.

https://youtu.be/v5i5gn51fPM

If you're into videography, you might notice that I used three different settings and two cameras for this video: the DJI Action 5 Pro and the GoPro Hero 10 Black. Most of the footage was captured in SuperNight Mode, which is ideal for low-light conditions. The darker shots inside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel were filmed in regular video mode using D-Log M with a 10-bit color depth. While the 10-bit D-Log clips appeared much darker, they also have greater sharpness and detail. The final shot of the Eaton Centre Christmas Tree was captured with my older GoPro Hero 10 Black. Although it was filmed in 5K, the footage appears softer due to the limitations of its older technology.

I am tempted to buy the new DJI Action 6 because of the bigger censor. Any comments?

Interesting month. A lot better than the previous month.

The downloads increased almost three times. The earnings more than doubled.

Enjoy the soothing beauty of Ontario's autumn landscapes in this fine art photography slideshow. From Toronto and Niagara Falls to Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Georgian Bay, and Lake Huron, each image captures the magic of fall colors at their peak. Enjoy calming ASMR-style music and peaceful scenery that celebrate the natural artistry of Canada's fall season.

https://youtu.be/Jb_mkk0FnXY

It's interesting that DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro works very well in SuperNight Mode in low light and high contrast at night. But it also has some limitations. This is not a sponsored review:

https://youtu.be/wGej5Eo58Lo?si=uyw-yUEAQSc0oHbw

You seem to talk about the withholding tax that always applies to video. You can claim it when you file your tax return.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro USB-C port cover problem — the replacement part won't latch or fit. DJI says it's correct, but it seems defective to me. Watch to see the issue and help me figure it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFlOE-XC-FE