Author Topic: Former Exclusives Interested in Joining Shutterstock (Read 28972 times)

gostwyck · « **Reply #75 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:40 »

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on January 19, 2013, 07:49

As of today, I am an independent stock photographer and a contributor on Shutterstock.

In my application test, 9 of the 10 images I submitted were accepted - the one rejected was a building (for IP reasons). I have to admit, though, I have downsized all my images to the minimum requirement as I had heard about their "focus on focus". I had applied a few weeks ago - actually before the recent developments -, so I was ready to upload images and have them live when my exclusivity terms ran out.

I am not a brillant photographer and haven't been a star at iStock ever. Though I felt home at a place where I could learn and earn at the same time. I just found that there is not much more I can learn at the place, and the "earn" part wasn't quite nice to look at anymore as well.

My expectation is that my royalties at iStock will drop by anywhere between 60 and 80% immediately. Exclusive members not only get a higher royalty but also exclusive files are priced higher plus the option of choosing images for E+ plus Vetta & Agency (which never amounted to much for me). In exchange, my images will be forced into the partner program, I have no idea how much additional money that will make.

My income from stock was never high enough to make a living (and didn't have to) and it has taken a steep dive since fall of 2011, so I can take the risk now. I am living with a black diamond iStock exclusive, and we can't afford her going non-exclusive right now. But my independence will be a good test what to expect. I am looking forward to it. Anxious but excited.

Good luck ... after a few months I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You know you're still wearing a crown at IS?

lirch · « **Reply #76 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:43 »

Quote from: Microstock Posts on January 18, 2013, 14:40

If they don't have to go through the entry submission, you should at least put a symbol on their profile pages of a little crown falling off a head.

haha:)

MichaelJayFoto · « **Reply #77 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:48 »

Quote from: gostwyck on January 19, 2013, 08:40

Good luck ... after a few months I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You know you're still wearing a crown at IS?

Yes. Just like canister changes it takes 2-3 days until the system is updating stuff. I could also still upload 120 images today if I had them.

Not really my problem. Everyone has to wait a few days when they are trying to become exclusive and get higher royalties, now I will earn a few undeserved cents at the end.

MichaelJayFoto · « **Reply #78 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:52 »

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 08:32

Congrats. And for whatever it's worth I have always found your posts (as an admin) on the IS forums over the years to be very fair. I thank you for that.

Thanks, though I am sure I made some enemies as well. But I also have found lots of friends.

rubyroo · « **Reply #79 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:53 »

Good luck MichaelJay! I hope it all works out wonderfully well for you.

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #80 on:** January 19, 2013, 11:20 »

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on January 19, 2013, 07:49

As of today, I am an independent stock photographer and a contributor on Shutterstock.

In my application test, 9 of the 10 images I submitted were accepted - the one rejected was a building (for IP reasons). I have to admit, though, I have downsized all my images to the minimum requirement as I had heard about their "focus on focus". I had applied a few weeks ago - actually before the recent developments -, so I was ready to upload images and have them live when my exclusivity terms ran out.

I am not a brillant photographer and haven't been a star at iStock ever. Though I felt home at a place where I could learn and earn at the same time. I just found that there is not much more I can learn at the place, and the "earn" part wasn't quite nice to look at anymore as well.

My expectation is that my royalties at iStock will drop by anywhere between 60 and 80% immediately. Exclusive members not only get a higher royalty but also exclusive files are priced higher plus the option of choosing images for E+ plus Vetta & Agency (which never amounted to much for me). In exchange, my images will be forced into the partner program, I have no idea how much additional money that will make.

My income from stock was never high enough to make a living (and didn't have to) and it has taken a steep dive since fall of 2011, so I can take the risk now. I am living with a black diamond iStock exclusive, and we can't afford her going non-exclusive right now. But my independence will be a good test what to expect. I am looking forward to it. Anxious but excited.

Good luck Michael! you were one of the most pleasant pple at IS and for a long time. Wishing you the best.

I am Lagereek, btw

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #81 on:** January 19, 2013, 11:49 »

Hope all goes well for you Michael.

Just remember to keep taking the long view - I know you have a very level head about all of this. There will be unjust rejections, bad days at one agency or another and at some point you'll wonder if you really did the right thing. I found it helpful to remember some of the key messages of a book I read once called "The Way We Never Were" - it was all about how the fond nostalgia for the past often glosses over the actual past and is more a blend of fantasy and the actual past.

I already posted that my November-December last year beat my Nov-Dec 2010 (my last full exclusive year), so the earnings will come back.

lisafx · « **Reply #82 on:** January 19, 2013, 12:15 »

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on January 19, 2013, 07:49

As of today, I am an independent stock photographer and a contributor on Shutterstock.

In my application test, 9 of the 10 images I submitted were accepted - the one rejected was a building (for IP reasons). I have to admit, though, I have downsized all my images to the minimum requirement as I had heard about their "focus on focus". I had applied a few weeks ago - actually before the recent developments -, so I was ready to upload images and have them live when my exclusivity terms ran out.

I am not a brillant photographer and haven't been a star at iStock ever. Though I felt home at a place where I could learn and earn at the same time. I just found that there is not much more I can learn at the place, and the "earn" part wasn't quite nice to look at anymore as well.

My expectation is that my royalties at iStock will drop by anywhere between 60 and 80% immediately. Exclusive members not only get a higher royalty but also exclusive files are priced higher plus the option of choosing images for E+ plus Vetta & Agency (which never amounted to much for me). In exchange, my images will be forced into the partner program, I have no idea how much additional money that will make.

My income from stock was never high enough to make a living (and didn't have to) and it has taken a steep dive since fall of 2011, so I can take the risk now. I am living with a black diamond iStock exclusive, and we can't afford her going non-exclusive right now. But my independence will be a good test what to expect. I am looking forward to it. Anxious but excited.

Congratulations Michael! A very bold move, and one that I am sure will pay off for you in the long run. Wishing you all the best.

Tryingmybest · « **Reply #83 on:** January 19, 2013, 12:32 »

Yeah, for the 2nd time in less than a year eyestuck increased upload limits for non-exclusives. I thought that was another sign of their ongoing demise.

Quote from: gostwyck on January 18, 2013, 12:27

Looks like Istock is sinking ... fast. Man the lifeboats, women and children first!

cobalt · « **Reply #84 on:** January 19, 2013, 12:34 »

is it possible to opt out of subscriptions with photos?

I know you can with video.

From what I hear this is what many people would like to do- send images to ss only for regular single sales.

MichaelJayFoto · « **Reply #85 on:** January 19, 2013, 13:05 »

Thanks all. I am well aware of what I am doing. And to me, there is no way back. The only way to "test" this is to see a whole year including seasonal stuff at the end of the year. And at that time I will be too invested & commited in too many things to turn back.

PS: Thanks, Christian, I know who you are. I will continue to profit from your experiences in the future.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #86 on:** January 19, 2013, 13:21 »

Quote from: cobalt on January 18, 2013, 12:45

At the Berlin Lypse in May 2012 an admin said there were 5500 exclusives.

June 2012 the stats said 6106 Photo Exclusives but there are a couple of old dormant unused accounts in that number.

Edit Exclusive count:
Sept. 13th 2010 5534 (18%)
Jan. 3rd 2011 5874 (16%)
Jan. 1st 2012 5773 (15%)

Would be nice to track from Today or Jan 2013 and look at March 2013. (insert diabolical laugh here...)

SPAM Alert Use this referral link when you check out of the IS Hotel Canada. http://submit.shutterstock.com/?ref=111418

I just want one! I mean someone has to do it, I'd like to watch...

aspp · « **Reply #87 on:** January 19, 2013, 13:32 »

Some "exclusives" will quit Istock, or at least go to Shutterstock, because it is in their best long term business interests. Lots of others, perhaps more, especially hobbyists and part timers (typical microstockers) will probably go because that is where the community and most of the business seems to be relocating.

Lots of people are probably going to feel a great sense of relief. It will take a while to adjust but will also be like a fresh start for them. Istock and especially their forum had really turned into quite a nasty place in recent years - but also very much a reflection of what the company is now like. Nastily moderated by people who are uncommunicative, arbitrary and sneery. But then Getty have always been very sneery about microstock. When they end a dismissive post with "thanks", what they they mean is something quite different.

Good luck to everyone whatever they decide is best for them.

tee · « **Reply #88 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:09 »

Quote from: cobalt on January 19, 2013, 12:34

is it possible to opt out of subscriptions with photos?

I know you can with video.

From what I hear this is what many people would like to do- send images to ss only for regular single sales.

Yes, is this possible?

RapidEye · « **Reply #89 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:53 »

All the best, Michael. I hope you do well. Congratulations on making the hard decision that many of us are still agonising about.

Batman · « **Reply #90 on:** January 19, 2013, 19:17 »

Quote from: ClaridgeJ on January 19, 2013, 11:20

Good luck Michael! you were one of the most pleasant pple at IS and for a long time. Wishing you the best.

I am Lagereek, btw

You are Lagereek and how many other names. You come back here and we're all supposed to forget

Quote from: ClaridgeJ

Anyway what am I doing here? trying to chat with what? bunch of total morons? end of conversation

or

Quote from: christain58

http://www.alamy.com/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=13889&p=3

"Well for starters, no way are you going to make a living here alone, this is not the sort of place for that ( with respects). I know a heck of a lot of people making a living in micro and Im not talking about the, MSG bunch, thats all mouth and no money ( yeah I also used to be there but it gave a bad rep ). I also know lots of people, including myself making a solid living in the Getty RM house collection."

Quote from: ClaridgeJ on November 27, 2012, 14:43

Dont matter how many. FT has turned bad and sour. The agency changed the search some time back and its just terrible. Im leaving this place and slowly take my port with me.

and your leaving SS to I read.

Maybe you should apologize to everyone on MSG instead of just changing you account name again?

Mantis · « **Reply #91 on:** January 19, 2013, 19:45 »

It's the quality of the booze which is a direct statistical correlation of the post. Just sayin!

Babbalouie · « **Reply #92 on:** January 19, 2013, 21:41 »

Holy snapshots Batman, I think that jokers just playin' with ya!

Pixart · « **Reply #93 on:** January 20, 2013, 01:31 »

Quote from: tee on January 19, 2013, 14:09

Quote from: cobalt on January 19, 2013, 12:34
is it possible to opt out of subscriptions with photos?

I know you can with video.

From what I hear this is what many people would like to do- send images to ss only for regular single sales.
Yes, is this possible?

Are you asking about Shutterstock? No you can't opt out.

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #94 on:** January 20, 2013, 01:45 »

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 19:45

It's the quality of the booze which is a direct statistical correlation of the post. Just sayin!

Good taste McAllens and lagavulin! cant be better hey.

VB inc · « **Reply #95 on:** January 20, 2013, 01:56 »

Quote from: tee on January 19, 2013, 14:09

Quote from: cobalt on January 19, 2013, 12:34
is it possible to opt out of subscriptions with photos?

I know you can with video.

From what I hear this is what many people would like to do- send images to ss only for regular single sales.
Yes, is this possible?

I would really like to know if this is possible too. This option would be key in a lot of exclusives dropping their crowns imo.

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #96 on:** January 20, 2013, 02:28 »

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on January 19, 2013, 13:05

Thanks all. I am well aware of what I am doing. And to me, there is no way back. The only way to "test" this is to see a whole year including seasonal stuff at the end of the year. And at that time I will be too invested & commited in too many things to turn back.

PS: Thanks, Christian, I know who you are. I will continue to profit from your experiences in the future.

Anytime Mike! either here, PM or whatever, anytime.

best.

sharpshot · « **Reply #97 on:** January 20, 2013, 03:50 »

Quote from: VB inc on January 20, 2013, 01:56

Quote from: tee on January 19, 2013, 14:09
Quote from: cobalt on January 19, 2013, 12:34
is it possible to opt out of subscriptions with photos?

I know you can with video.

From what I hear this is what many people would like to do- send images to ss only for regular single sales.
Yes, is this possible?

I would really like to know if this is possible too. This option would be key in a lot of exclusives dropping their crowns imo.

No, there's no opt out with SS. When you drop the crown, all your portfolio is sent to Thinkstock, so unless you leave istock, you'll be using a cheap subscriptions site. If you do leave istock, I think it's going to be very hard to get your earnings back without using SS.

cobalt · « **Reply #98 on:** January 20, 2013, 04:45 »

We know that, which is why many will delete a lot of good work if they drop the crown. for those opposed in principle to subscriptions, they will just have to place that content on other sites.

MichaelJayFoto · « **Reply #99 on:** January 20, 2013, 05:32 »

Quote from: cobalt on January 20, 2013, 04:45

We know that, which is why many will delete a lot of good work if they drop the crown. for those opposed in principle to subscriptions, they will just have to place that content on other sites.

I know what you mean. Though I think there is no point in submitting images to Shutterstock if you don't want to sell them through subscription sales. Without personal experience and only from other people's reports I would assume that only allowing single image sales, Shutterstock would be much lower in the income scale, probably below iStock even for independents. So you would not only give up the 70 or 80% you lose at iStock, at the same you would give up a huge percentage of the rest.

One possibility would be to only send downscaled images to Shutterstock to their acceptable minimum (4 mp). At least you wouldn't sell your 22 or 36 megapixel images for $0.25 then. And only sell larger images on sites that reward it based on credit levels.

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Author Topic: Former Exclusives Interested in Joining Shutterstock (Read 28972 times)

gostwyck

lirch

MichaelJayFoto

MichaelJayFoto

rubyroo

ClaridgeJ

Jo Ann Snover

lisafx

Tryingmybest

cobalt

MichaelJayFoto

RacePhoto

aspp

tee

RapidEye

Batman

Mantis

Babbalouie

Pixart

ClaridgeJ

VB inc

ClaridgeJ

sharpshot

cobalt

MichaelJayFoto

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