Microstock Blog

<p>Hello,<br>

I am just starting out as a photographer/illustrator. I have started making money on iStockPhoto and Shutterstock, and I hope to make the majority of my money through freelance work.<br>

I am 26 and I live in Orange County, CA. I was laid off about 1 year ago from my job as an ArchVis modeler, animator, photographer. I have tried finding work, but in this economy it is just brutal. I have gone back to school to improve my skills, I have looked to other industries such as games and movies. However, I think that the only real opportunity I have right now is to build up my own independent practice.<br>

<a href="http://wimfudgies.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Chris K's Blog</a><br>

I hope to provide some good information about my strategies and struggles on this blog. Please leave me any comments and critiques in return.<br>

Happy shooting!</p>

<p>"However, I think that the only real opportunity I have right now is to build up my own independent practice."<br /><br />Then your first step should be to ditch microstock and your blog, and head to over John Harrington's <a href="http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com">Photo Business News & Forum</a>. Start with this <a href="http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2007/08/au-contrare-mon-frere-or-tip-for.html">post</a>.<br /><br />I'm sorry, but if you call $4.50 a week (according to your last blog spot) "making money", then I guess you're shooting with a Holga you found on the street and are eating the cost of film. But knowing that you are not, I would venture to guess that you are actually several thousand dollars in the hole. A hole that you're probably not going to climb out of at ~20 cents a sale, before expenses. You're free to do what you want, of course, but I can tell you that operating your "own independent practice" involves properly valuing your work and growing a client base that does the same.</p>

<p>Bryan, Thanks for the response. I read John Harrington's post that you provided. I think there are some good points there. I think that many photographers feel negatively about microstock. Yes, I made $4.50 last week, but that is after a week and a half of work. I have learned quite a bit, and I believe that I am going to make quite a bit more than that obviously. <br>

The majority of my income comes from selling 3D models and doing 3D freelance work. I am very new to Microstocking, and I too have some doubts about it. Here are my precise thoughts:<br>

1. It can be used as a tool to see which of your images make the biggest impact.<br>

2. It is not likely that you will make Doctor/Lawyer money doing it, but money is not the first thing anyone thinks about when they get into photography/illustration. (or they are naive). It can however, help to validate your practice by providing a significant income supplement.<br>

3. Creating images for Microstock is a great way to try new things, make extra money, and sharpen your skills between contract work.<br>

4. It floods the market with cheap images, most of the profit goes to the agency, etc... This is the one big problem. This is why I think that there is a need for a new type of Stock agency that allows more freedom in the creation of contracts, pricing, content that photographers and illustrators can choose.</p>