Comments on: Microstock for Digital Photography Students – Make Money From Your Photography

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:54:19 +0000

The microstock game has changed a lot in 4 years, since I started. No longer can someone with 7000 images make $20,000 a month – don’t be misled. I’m sure it’s possibly, but that’s far from average. There has been an influx of contributor, market saturation, etc. I’m very glad I had a head start, because for those starting out it is going to be a challenging road ahead, even just to get approved with the larger agencies like Shutterstock and iStockphoto. I have a blog post about learning the trade – check it out: http://www.arenacreative.com/blog/microstock-related/learn-the-trade-getting-started-selling-microstock-photography/

By: Vince Khoo

Vince Khoo — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:20:46 +0000

Hi Darren,

I’m very new to the DSLR scene and like many, one of my dream is to do something that I love and make money with it. While I’m not sure how good I am at the moment, I am determined to get better as I do love taking photos :)

One of my question is, albeit a little early for me, is can microstock and stock co-exist for a photographer. In other words, if I start going down the path of selling my photos on microstock, will it later be a hindrance to me should I decide to take up photography professionally and start selling my own photos or stock photos?

My own logic tells me that they can co-exist as they are for very different purposes. Microstock is more generic and commercial, while selling my own photos or stock photos are more artistic and targeted.

I would just like to hear some of your views, and other readers experience as well if they like to share.

Thanks.

By: hkki

hkki — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:21:14 +0000

I have sent a few to test to a microstock site and 2 are excepted. They were taken with a simple point and shoot. (or not so simple may be)
:))

By: Alysha

Alysha — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:56:09 +0000

I am a person that looks at something at think it beautiful.
For example, A Tree in the winter time. I look at the tree, not thinking of it as just a tree, a cold tree. But as a tree that is alive and always growing.
I can make vertually anything in this world and be beautiful. I can show anyone that belives and thinks that something is ugly, then turn around, show them a picture that I had taken of that “ugly” object and they feel as though it is beautiful.

By: Lee Torrens

Lee Torrens — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:58:32 +0000

Hi Anontto, yes, you can upload the same images. Some agencies have optional ‘exclusivity’ deals, but they’re off by default. Assuming you never turn them on, you’re fine to upload the same images to multiple agencies.

However, it’s always wise to read the agreements and understand what you’re committing to when you contribute your photos. All top microstock agencies (the ones mentioned at the end of the post) operate this way, but traditional agencies are usually image exclusive.

-Lee

By: Anontto

Anontto — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:22:35 +0000

I really appreciated your efforts for this article and for sharing great experiences. I just have a question to you since you’ve been in this microstock market for quite while, can I submit same one picture in several sites like, 123rf, stockxpert?

Please advise me on this issue. Once again, thank you.

By: Sam (stock photo review)

Sam (stock photo review) — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:36:33 +0000

you should check out my microstock review blog for more information on this subject

By: Erika

Erika — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:22:50 +0000

I subscribe to istockphoto, fotolia, dreamstime, bigstock. The folks who decided what is accepted and what isn’t are just like the judges at photo contests. Show the same picture to two different sets of judges and you get two different sets of marks. One set will love what you presented, the other set will give it the lowest mark possible. It’s a crap shoot.

I’ve had submissions tossed back from istock that sell repeatedly on fotolia, and vice versa. I’ve had submissions tossed back from both the above and have sold well on bigstock.

Go figure. I know commercial art is different from creative art photography but what is considered commercial keeps changing. I say submit and see what happens.

By: Harry Phillips

Harry Phillips — Wed, 28 May 2008 05:14:05 +0000

Woooo hooooo… at last a way for my photography to pay for itself so that I can buy more gear. I know I won’t be making millions but it can pay for some of the second hand lenses I have been buying off fleabay.

My wife will be pleased :)

By: elena

elena — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:43:06 +0000

yes illustrations are best way to start your artist world