No, my files were definetly on Corbis.  There is a collection called "ocean images" or oceanstock or something and it had  a lot of Getty files. I think my name was also missing, but I found them by doing specific searches (christmas,easter,jewelry)

I took screenshots at the time,they are somewhere on one of my many computers. If I can dig them up, I can post them somewhere. But you can do test searches yourself, look for images from a getty house contributor and try to find their work elsewhere. Tineye searches are also helpful.

My images were also on Masterfile, f1online and many other places.

All the macro sites seem to be licensing images to each other. Didn�t look like a big competition to me.

But I didn�t see my whole portfolio on Corbis, just a few files. And I couldn�t click on a name and then see if they had more.

I read somewhere that this "everyone licenses to everyone" is part of the macro business culture.

I have spent a lot of time looking at the files available in my niche in the macro world, so that when I shoot something it is fresh and different. You then recognize the same files everywhere. Sometimes because they are being licensed from Blend, aurora,westend61, but there is also a lot of exclusive getty content that is being moved around.

Nothing wrong with it in principle, your files get more chances to be sold that way.

From what I remember it was 10 free images a quarter for RF in Photographer's Choice. And if you get good sales, you could ask them to increase the free slots. I think they would look at your sales anyway once a year.

The return in sales for me was exactly like having a file in Photodisc, at least for sales on the Getty site. But Photodisc gets additional exposure from partners, I am not sure PC was distributed as widely.

I would usually submit to House first and if a series or image was declined, but I felt it had good sales potential on the plattform, I would send it to PC. Got quite a few decent sales this way.

But when we could nominate E+ I stopped submitting directly to Getty. E+ gave double exposure and put me in control. Excellent combination and files that were on both istock and getty always earned a lot more than files only on getty.

Anyway, good luck! I would suggest to go over the Getty database with a fine comb and look for what is missing. Inspite of their millions of files, they have huge gaps in the collection or subjects that need to be refreshed.

Another advantage is that you can see which country the file was sold in. This is really helpful, to see if the target group you are trying to reach is really buying your files.

ETA: for all the work you do for them here, I am surprised they haven�t given you a house contract yet. Your giving them a lot of free PR. There is value and a price on this kind of dedication.

And if you do submit directly, please come back here and report if you think it is a good financial and overall experience.

I would also recommend to either talk to Nuno or Rob before a shoot or just send them a link with all the files from the shoot and discuss with them what is and what isn�t suitable for stocksy.

That is the real advantage of being part of a small group - direct interaction.

They are not trying to get in your way. You just have to find a workflow that works for both stocksy and your regular work.

It is the same routine if you want to send a series to Getty House or exclusively to Dreamstime,Fotolia or Westend61.

I don�t think that would be a problem Sue. i have all kinds of horrible old pictures flying around the internet. Editors are certainly able to distinguish between professional work and old files,or family events. they have them out there as well.

Google background searches are just part of life these days. Any company you apply to will do them.

And with stocksy chances are the files with "bad" lighting, harsh shadows and awkward poses, will have just the authenticity that they like. I really wouldn�t worry about it.

They are not suffering from a lack of applications...they also have a huge number of artists who don�t seem to come from the regular stock world that I know. But they have fantastic work. It�s a really nice mix of people and creativity. A lot of the work is so good that I am quite intimidated. I really must work on my skills again and challenge myself. There is a whole genre of photography I haven�t practiced in ages, but used to love. stocksy is the right place for work like that.

My experience with applying to smaller agencies (that are highly selective in who they accept) is that they anyway do a google search for your name and  look at your website and whatever else can be found online. In addition to whatever you sent in as application images.

Which is probably the way most applications are being done anywhere for most jobs or memberships.

I think you are reading too much into the words chosen for that email.

Look what happened, I�ve put you on unignore and added a heart...

Maybe the microstockers had it too easy in the years 2003-2010. But this is what happens when you ride a "wave" in business.

So when you see the wave dying you need to make the right jump to the next wave at the right time....

I have very expensive and specialized gear,studio etc...but I am not paying employees. But I am still optimistic to be making a full time living again from stock in about two years.

There are so many things to be shot that are useful and in demand. And like you say, the job is fun too.

@bhr, yes I have been reading that as well. The easy gold mine days are over. But there will be those who persevere and survive. Now is the time that will seperate those who really understand how to run a business from those who got lucky.

But there are many other online waves coming and going.

Shudderstock,between the bizarre name choice and overemotional style of writing you just don�t come across as a seasoned professional,as you claim to be. You only have yourself to blame if you think people here are not taking you seriously.

If you really want to inform people of the advantages of being an istock exclusive, then you could ask JJRD to review your posts and he will explain to you why what you call "giving" information" is making both istock and Getty look bad. You are really not making Getty look like a professional, trustworthy business partner.

Jonathan Ross gets his share of flack, but nobody doubts he is a pro and many welcome his balanced and informed postings. He also very respectful in the way he deals with people online. Which is the way professionals work, anyone you meet could be part of your next business deal, so why let go of emotions and negativity if you can control yourself and be balanced?

Both you and tickstock sprang out of nowhere in the beginning of the year at a time of crisis for the Getty company. The volume of posts makes it look like you are doing it for a reason that is way beyond spending your break time between shootings.

The "information" and data you often cite is not congruent with what the istock exclusives themselves, those that do it full time, are reporting on the internet and in their networks. Full time exclusives are reporting a general loss of income and especially a lack of sales on new productions, which is why many have either stopped uploading or are doing more assignment work and just process leftovers from old shootings. Those with other revenue streams can go independent and explore other agencies. Those overreliant on Getty need to build new sources of income first. But the confidence to trust all your family�s income on istock only - I think that is long gone.

And the first place people look for what istock and getty can be like financially if you want to work with them full time are the public istock forums. Getty could easily decide to make those forums more attractive than msg for both full timers and independents if they wanted to and draw the internet traffic there. But they don�t. Entirely their own choice.


Nobody here doubts that there are people making a full time income from being exclusive at istock or getty.

But it is just as possible to make a full time living as an independent. It is also a lot safer,because whenever the landscape changes you are flexible and can move your content around. You can supply high price agencies, you can supply low price agencies, you can sell direct...and most of all no matter which agency rises and falls,you will always be present everywhere.

And personally, although there are small improvements to the istock site, I am not seeing anything that would convince me that istock is turning the ship around and will bring more competition to SS and the other agencies.

Obviously your impression is different, so best of luck with whatever you do.

I usually have you on ignore, so you will probably not be seeing anymore posts from me directed at you anyway.

If that is the way you feel about it, keep informing people of what you think is right. Like I said, i don�t quite understand your level of activity if your focus is istock and and you are happy with your exclusivity. But it is your time.

I just really don�t see any changes on msg. Neither more nor less information than before. And the quality hasn�t gone up or down either.

Well tickstock then all is fine. I probably misread your posts, I had the impression you didn�t really find msg informative or useful and yet seem to spend a lot of time here.

The stocksy community is great. It has a lot of the creative spirit that used to make istock such a fun combination of work and inspiration.

I wouldn�t mind if they had a public forum area as well, but you can join their facebook page or the google networks I think these are open to anyone. It is still a very small place, and yet I have made more money there with 37 images than with over 400 on other sites. I look forward to see it develop and grow.

It is good there are so many agencies to choose from. If you like warm fuzzy community networks, stocksy is definitely a great place to be. If intense networking is not what you like there are enough other agencies to work with.

And if you are indie you can work with them all

The other sites don�t have to do anything. istock is doing it all for them.

istock used to have a really fantastic community spirit. Very creative, excellent teamwork, open and welcoming. Those were also the times the company was flourishing and sales were growing.

I really don�t understand what it is you are looking for on msg. You enjoy being exclusive to istock, which is fine. Nothing wrong with that.

But msg hasn�t really changed much in all the years I�ve been here. So again, I don�t understand what is upsetting you so much about it now that you joined beginning of the year and seem to be so active here in all things istock.

It is your time of course, if you feel you are doing something you enjoy, your call.

But msg used to have many exclusives here who enjoyed presenting the company. And they were not anonymous.

So where did they all go?

I want to look into symbiostock over the christmas holidays. I would love to have a webshop that is connected with other people from msg. Maybe on the microstockexpo in Berlin I can learn more about from people who are active. It is not just having to work with computers and software that is scaring me, it is also the whole VAT /tax issue in Europe if I start to sell directly from my own site. Working through agencies makes this easier, it is their job to handle it correctly.

That is why I am even considering to open a shop on Photoshelter. Because they are a US company and charge the customer directly, it is easier for me tax wise. They may only take 10% royalty but I can still bill it as being sold via a US agency.

Good! Then go and light up the istock forums! Make them a place where people enjoy spending their time and encourage creativity!

How about some real life community building and interaction?? Actually do something truly positive and inspiring for istock on their own site??

Or is that too much real hard work??

So much easier to whine about that msg doesn�t love you...

Did it ever occur to you that the impression a company gives here is the direct result of their actions?

Good work = good reputation

....