Honestly - can I sell this?

[EmmaR]

Is this a shot that can be sold? Or is the market for this kinda stuff oversaturated? If I can sell it, where would I go?

Please be honest - I don't have a whole lot of time testing out places who 'might' buy it, if you guys on here who have been here before think that it won't sell...

[candleman]

anything is possible.. it just depends on who you are selling to , how.. etc etc
i think its most likley to sell on a stock site.
(dont go Microstock)

[fstop57]

Hi Emma,

From the image you've posted I'd say this would struggle as a stock photograph due to technical problems; blown highlights and bancding / artifacting are obvious. It is possible your full res file is better, but I'm guessing not enough. For these reasons it would definitely be rejected at microstock sites (which have tougher technical standards than many trad agencies) and would also be unlikely to be accepted by traditional agencies.

It is also, as you said, a very over shot subject. That's not to say such an image can't sell but that they have to be exceptional to be the ones chosen. I'll let you decide how this might go against the competition!

For an image like this I would maybe think on a smaller, local scale. If it is of a specific location you could perhaps find some interest in it from local businesses, tourists etc etc?

Hope that helps and wasn't too harsh!

Alex

[EmmaR]

Thanks heaps for your help. Nope, Alex, that wasn't too harsh at all. I need the reality of stuff if I'm going to make any money out of this photography caper.

In your opinion, Alex, do you know what kind of shots sell best on stock agencies?

[Xposurepro]

In a nutshell, people shots are the most profitable. Not to say that other niches do not. I have a simple shot of a football that has probably generated around $2000 by itself over the last few years through microstock with sales spiking during football season and close to superbowl. However, what I like about selling people is the fact that I can spend one hour with a model and come out with 100 shots to market. It's a numbers game and the more you have the more you sell. People can really bump up the size of your portfolio fast. Another of my favorite subjects is textures and patterns. You find them everywhere. Especially in a city. Find an older area downtown and get out of the car and walk around for an hour. You will have tons and tons of textures. Look at the ground, walls, etc. Designers are always on the lookout for interesting textures that can be added to a composition with a little layer blending. Those are easy sellers in my book.