Stock Photography

[nyckylim]

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Hi,

 

I am thinking of selling my photos online to stock websites.

 

Does anyone here license their photos through stock websites ? If so, any recommendations on how to start selling photos online ? Also, is it worth the effort ?

 

And most importantly, do you think I should be doing it. Or rather, do I have what it takes to sell my photos online. (Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings, Haha.)

 

My portfolio: MobileMe Gallery

 

Thank you,

Nycky

[250swb]

I submit to Alamy for fun, and some pocket money. But you need many thousands of photographs of saleable subjects to make proper money out of it. Its all about quantity and averages even if you target trendy subjects or look ahead and target future events etc.

 

As for Alamy I tend to think they would reject an awful lot of photographs in your portfolio as being 'over processed' (irrespective of it being a good photo to somebody else). They and many other agencies do not want art, but just good solid sharp focused images that are grain and dust spot free with normal colour saturation, contrast, and such like. Its then up to the end user if they tart up the image or crop it etc. I work on the basis that I make a few photographs for Alamy, and that can be deadly boring, and concentrate on my own work most of the time. If you expect to make much money out of it I think you'd have to make most of your photographs with the 'stock agency' mentality and treat it as a production line. Obviously we hear of the exceptions, but 'stock' as with 'weddings' is a slog.

 

Steve

[wda]

Nycky, do some research by looking at on-line photo library needs and standards. Next, define your area of expertise and see how a selection of libraries already handle such subjects. The trick is to find a niche market which is not already over-populated and develop a body of work to offer a library. All popular travel subjects have been swamped by experts.

 

Profitable stock photography requires very serious individual commitment. Dabble, by all means, but don't expect riches.

[Overgaard]

Yuri Arcurs - Home of the world's top selling microstock photographer

[AlanG]

You might learn something from this interview with my good friend Jon Feingersh. Jon has been a top stock shooter for many years.

 

Jon Feingersh Interview

 

And check out his work:

 

Jon Feingersh Productions