I would highly recommend using DeepMeta, www.deepmeta.com. Its compatible with Mac or PC.

It works by displaying every image online @ istock and allows you to select and link images with one click. I just completed about 254 images, attaching thumbnail links and it took 15 minutes.

This is how it should look, http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=10234097

Hope that helps!

Thanks for sharing, Jonathan! I tweeted this around, think its helpful.. and, interesting to an insight into other photogs and the way of thinking.

You go into a lot of detail in your shot list, perhaps this is limiting? I know that if i'm shooting for 8 hours, more than 1 model.. I need to get 200-300 images out of that to see decent returns. But, I could never make a shot list for 200-300 images.. For micro, I tend to think of it in terms of breaking the day up into groups of shots and getting plenty of variants... So finding, the angle and setup and then working out a way of turining it into 5-10 images. Then, looking on a shot list for the next setup where i can get 5-10 more images.

For 'effort' or 'branding' images i like to avoid variants though, makes that one image stand out more and its not an image that is necessarily intended to generate direct sales.

This is intended for RF, so should be taken with a pinch of micro salt, no? Definitely not a criticism as i deeply respect your RF imagery as being well-planned and very well-executed. I think some re-thinking is probably needed for micro though, as the logistics are different..

I don't believe model costs or location cost need to be scaled down more for micro, simply put, they just need to be made more out of.. A day of only 150 images, 8 hours shooting, 4-5 models.. and, I can't be sure that it will break even within the first year of being online. So, covering all bases, I try to push it to 2-300 images from a day.

Thanks again, Jonathan.

Josh

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

This isn't called for, I thoroughly disagree.. Why bite the hand that feeds information you self say was nice?

thanks for the post, Laflor! Great tips..

I tend to agree with your method, tho it is your method, it is an interesting one. I think it imperative to be attuned to what works for you, what your default or method is, and be constantly looking at ways of expanding it. Not to take a step back and switch on autopilot but to really be fresh and ready and using your default method to really absorb the blows when things don't quite work for you..

All the best,

pixdeluxe

The prices are not that higher for exclusive so I still don't see the reason. About Getty sales I have no idea at the moment because I only opted in today sooo I'm only guessing that you sell now around 500 files per month and I'm sure your files would sale like crazy on SS. I don't do so much stock and I would not upload at more then 4 agencies and only slowly at other 4 agencies so that's not that hard to do or keep track off. If I would be exclusive (so higher prices and all) even with double sales then before I would still be in disadvantage as exclusive by a lot.

Maybe PM me a port link, if you'd like some direct advice..

SS has a very short half-time (like a radioactive element that degrades quickly). SS is a quick fix, and quickly files are lost in a swirling vortex.. IS has a much much longer half time so there is more bang for buck over a longer period of time.

Thanks for the interesting discussion.

PS. my downloads (a forum is not the place to start talking about this) are much higher.. i don't know what istock does but sales for exclusives, there is a certain x factor there. another x factor is the vetta collection, my earnings per image has doubled in a month.

Nick Onken is a great photographer, and shoots lifestyle imagery better than most. Branding is one thing we could all learn from him..

Like always, asking the right questions, Lee
I guess branding would be great if you were going to start producing more consistently, and really focus on a few niches. For people (clients mostly and site admins too) to notice your new efforts, branding images would be a great way of getting some images in front of people. I started producing seriously in Jan./Feb., though not too many people have really noticed and it is a slow process.. Thankfully, once you've obtained a level of branding and attention from clients, its less work to maintain that.

The first 'Hot Pick' gave only a gradual increase in overall sales. Interestingly, the second 'Hot Pick' from iStock gave immediate results across my whole portfolio.


The blue is the week before the Hot Pick and the green represents the increase, which was overall 28% for the first 4 days of that week.

A 28% increase is not to be sneezed at by anyone. Although I only average about 100 downloads per day at the moment, this kind of movement is still encouraging.

An important point is not to monitor your 'branding' images for an accurate indication of sales, watch your entire portfolio. A 'branding' image is how it sound, a brand or a logo for your whole portfolio, which attracts a client to look further.

'Branding shots' and 'boring shots' are different. 'Branding shots' aren't aimed to make money, like the most of images promoted by istock, will never earn a flame. 'Boring shots' are shots that are practical and have an everyday use and universal appeal.

Yuri is definitely aware of the 'branding' concept, i think mostly as a result of him constantly pushing his style and method of shooting and marketing his images.

Fwiw, I don't like the term 'branding' it sounds like what a team of creatives uses to describe fluffy idea that nobody gets. However, as we all continue to push ourselves and expand our creative horizons, the concept does materialize of itself, without a team of creatives bouncing the phrase around a boardroom.


And Lee, next time you talk to Nike, tell them I would l.o.v.e. to have them on board with a sponsorship!

Thanks too, Jonathan! I am stoked, I hope that i can keep riding it..

Is it true you worked for Disney, in a former life? My first living memory is of seeing Snow White and the 7 Dwarves at the cinema. Anyways.

six month and how much cash?

1000s & 1000s. Although some shoots were organized with friends or non-agency affiliated models and cost almost nothing.. That way is possible, but probably not sustainable in the long run. Buyers will demand higher and higher production values, now and increasingly in the future..

cracking portfolio!

Thanks! I can't find yours..

I started uploading in January, with maxing out upload limits @ IS. Today i have 950 approved online, with a total collection produced since jan., of 2500. Anything at all is possible, set your sights high.

Great tips, Mr. Ross.

Am really enjoying your presence and input, you are an authority on these matters and i imagine there is a large number of microstock contributors very keen to hear from you.

All the best,

pixdeluxe

Yes, amongst other factors, exclusivity definitely helps your sales.

Good point, however the closure of istock, in the long term wouldn't be any more beneficial for Getty, the company. I believe Getty realizes the potential in istock for opening up the market and tapping into the 99% of the internet thats not buying images. The price point makes it more accessible for everyday people to buy images..

Just quoting myself here..

And, more relevantly, read this quick statement this morning. http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Photography_buyers_more_choosy_as_credit_crunch_bites_news_283384.html