Stock Agencies...the good, the bad...

[fan_of_small_world]

I would love to hear your thoughts on photo stock agencies.

I don't think my photos are good enough yet, but I was wondering if this is anything worth looking at when my skills are better developed.

 

[ukcatfan]

Unless you are really good and can get attention to your photos, do not expect too much from stock agencies. The digital age has created a flood of stock photos. You might be able to earn a few bucks, but at what effort? Someone on another board used the following comparison. You can make more money on a side job flipping burgers with the same amount of time spent preparing, loading, and promoting your stock photos. Basically, unless you are really good, do not get in to it for the money. The pride that your photo is bought on a stock site is usually worth more than the money you will make off it.

Kevin

 

[fan_of_small_world]

True about the money...the sites I saw certainly don't pay much. I wouldn't be looking to really make anything tangible off of it. But it would be pretty amazing if someone actually likes a photo enough to buy it and want to use it.

 

[ukcatfan]

True about the money...the sites I saw certainly don't pay much. I wouldn't be looking to really make anything tangible off of it. But it would be pretty amazing if someone actually likes a photo enough to buy it and want to use it.

Then you have the right attitude going in to it.

 

[fitzperry]

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has done this what types of photos do sell well. My guess is that they are overrun with beach images, sunsets, adorable kids, etc. I think I remember reading on one of the sites that what they need most are corporate type shots (not exactly what I'd be interested in shooting, of course).

Anyone able to chime in on this?

 

[jenn-]

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has done this what types of photos do sell well. My guess is that they are overrun with beach images, sunsets, adorable kids, etc. I think I remember reading on one of the sites that what they need most are corporate type shots (not exactly what I'd be interested in shooting, of course).

Anyone able to chime in on this?

What do they call a corporate type shot?

 

[fan_of_small_world]

What do they call a corporate type shot?

I think that refers to shots of, for example, business-people in suits, briefcases, official-looking papers, a meeting, etc.

 

[SharonLowe]

I sell with 3 stock agencies. One is doing well enough to pay for my equipment. One is so, so; I occasionally get a check from them. Another is a new one I am experimenting with. I refuse to list my photos on microstock sites - those selling for a dollar or less. There are places out there that let you submit images for review. The large agencies - Getty and Corbis - are out of most people's reach.

Depends on what you like to shoot and whether somone is interested in buying. The big earners tend to hire models, stage shoots, and go for a concept. They don't photograph their kids in poses/places that look like snapshots. You need model and property releases to make reasonable money.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has done this what types of photos do sell well. My guess is that they are overrun with beach images, sunsets, adorable kids, etc. I think I remember reading on one of the sites that what they need most are corporate type shots (not exactly what I'd be interested in shooting, of course).

Anyone able to chime in on this?

What do they call a corporate type shot?

I think that refers to shots of, for example, business-people in suits, briefcases, official-looking papers, a meeting, etc.

I have also heard that industrial sells well because many people would not take those types of shots for personal reasons so there are not as many out there.

 

[KrazyPete]

I sell with 3 stock agencies. One is doing well enough to pay for my equipment. One is so, so; I occasionally get a check from them. Another is a new one I am experimenting with.

You're not going to tell us which three?

 

[hortnut]

My neice used to work for a photo company that got taken over by Getty. (She freelances now). Maybe her name is known and that's how she does good... I can't figure it out. She still uses her 35 mm camera (refuses to go digital) and takes pictures such as my brother in law on a lounge chair or grilling, (the lounge chair one became a billboard!), a bedroom scene with high heels, a dress and underware scattered on the floor, a pic of a car (I think BMW) that was parked in the street (that one was bought by BMW or whatever company it was!) and the list goes on and on. I just don't think her pics are anything special... YET, she's 32 and said she will retire at 40 and be a wealthy woman!
Lynn

 

[RainbowGirl]

I recently got started on some microstocks just for fun. I had a couple of nice shots from early July and sent them in to microstock sites because that's more in my league (with my P&S Canon - hoping for a Nikon D80 someday!). I had my first 2 accepted on one site which have had no viewings (except for one by DH at work!). I did manage to have a stroke of luck on Corbis' new Snapvillage and had one of my first submissions chosen as an "Editor's Pick" and was featured on the front page of their browse section for a few days (it's a photo of a bee on a bright yellow flower). It can now be found buried a little further in the Editor's Pick section and in the 'Snappy' photo section now because of the views generated by my EP. I have yet to sell anything but for the moment, I'm in it to learn & am thrilled just to have had anyone find my images. By the sounds of it, Snapvillage will accept pretty much anything right now & I have yet to see many sales of any kind there. I figure it's run by Corbis and is in its infancy so why not put something up there now. Yes, I'm being paid in 'pride' right now ;-) & considering I'm a total amateur, that's just fine.

Both the site(s) you appear on (I'm sure my shots aren't up to par on the more established and better-trafficked agencies) and the marketability of the photos are the keys to success. BigStockPhoto has a list of the types of shots that they are in of. I have an idea what sells. I'm just not set up to take a lot of those kinds of photos today. I approached it with the attitude 'you don't know if you don't try'. I'm learning a lot as I go which I've been enjoying and I hope to work up to being able to take some more commercial photos. A lot of browsing around the various sites, checking the big sellers + reading up on their forums and advice should help steer you in the right direction if it's something you wish to persue with any intention of making a real go of it.

 

[matthew_hull]

This is exactly the right attitude to have for an amateur photographer. If you treat the microstock agencies as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills, your "photographer's eye", then yes, these sites can teach you an awful lot. I know I have learned a lot from dabbling in microstock photos. You need to be braced for possible rejection without getting your feelings hurt. They're a business, and are interested in getting good stock photos-- period. I use IStock : http://www.istockphoto.com

-- Matthew