I bought it at cametacamera.com. It was a great deal actually if you don't have a camera yet and are looking for one.
My little sister did some stock photography for a while and so I thought I would try too. I am selling photos, but I am definitely not to where I want to be yet.
So, how do you get started? There are SEVERAL sites out there. I would sign up for them ALL. The more photos you have out there, the better your chance to sell them.
Here is a list of sites. This is not all of them, but its a good start.
Alamy
Almay offers photographers 60% of each sale made on the site and currently lists over 15,000 photographers. You retain all copyrights on this site. Also, they are a non-exclusive site, meaning you can sell your images on other stock sites.
Crestock
Crestock is easy to create an account with, and you can get started uploading photos right away. As with all sites, your photos will undergo a quality check (QC) to make sure they are up to Crestock’s quality levels. Crestock does not require exclusive rights so you are free to shop them around to other stock photo agencies. They have a preference for shots with people in them.
123rf
123rf, as the name implies, is a royalty-free stock site. These sites can work well if your collection is large or in a particular niche. They offer 50% commissions from customers who download with credits. If they are a subscription customore it pays $.36 per download. Uploads are fairly easy and straightforward with options for FTP, Java or basic uploader. However, there is a 300MB limit for each upload.
Shutterstock
The payouts at Shutterstock work on a sliding scale, so the more images you have downloaded, the more you’ll earn per image. The scale currently starts at $.25 per download so it will take a sizeable portfolio with stellar images before the bigger returns roll around (this is true with all stock agencies, though). This is one of the largest sites.
Dreamstime
Dreamstime is a great place to get your feet wet if you are new to the stock photography game. While the payouts may not be as large as some of the other companies, Dreamstime does offer an extended licensing program to help increase the amount earned from each sale.
Corbis
Corbis has been around a LONG time. Gaining a foothold at Corbis is something of an elusive process. You will note when taking a look at their site that there is no easy “Submit Here” button like a number of the other companies listed. Instead, Corbis seeks out talent, typically by word of mouth in photography circles, and then invites them to become contributors. As you can imagine, a lot of photographers covet signing on with Corbis.
Getty Images
Like Corbis, Getty is a traditional stock photo agency and the entry process is different than most of the royalty-free sites on the internet. The entry process is one of the most difficult in the industry but the payoffs are worth the effort for many. To apply, you will need to register with the site, review the guidelines for submitting, take a quiz and then submit a link to a gallery of your finest images. As with most stock companies, Getty is looking for images with a strong connection through use of concepts and emotions.
Stockxpert
Stockxpert was one of the smaller micro-stock agencies. They were bought out though by Jupiter Images and now offer 50% commissions on all credit purchases. They pay electronically, if you like, through Paypal and such. Otherwise a check can be mailed to you.
Fotolia
Fotolia also employs a sliding scale with royalties per image download of between 30-61%. This royalty can increase if you decide to become a photographer exclusively with Fotolia. All images must be in JPEG format, at least 2400×1600 pixels, in original resolution and you must be the license owner. As with most sites, you may not upload images with protected logos or trademarks in them, which is standard practice.
Big Stock Photo
Big Stock Photo also offers 50% commissions and that means your sales will range from $.50 for the smallest downloads to $3 each for the largest. Payouts start as low $50 of accumulated proceeds and can be paid through Paypal. They list the images that are most in demand at the time. So pay attention to what they are asking for or what is trending now on their site. Conceptual images are popular with this and other sites as they can be sold to a variety of markets. Uploads are easy and quick.
iStockphoto
iStockphoto is one of the leading micro-stock agencies on the internet. Its pretty easy to get into this one.
Can Stock Photo
Can Stock currently offers photographers 50% commissions on all direct image purchases made on their site and $.25 for each subscription download. The sign up process is easy and straight forward. You just link to your portfolio and upload three images for review.
One of they key things to note.....is take ALOT of pictures. THEN choose your best ones to submit to these sites. They don't want your average shot of animals, plants and insects...but if you have a particularly awesome one, try it. They are looking for photos that can be sold to the masses. And besides, you want that too because the larger the market for your photo, the more you will sell.
Good luck....and happy photography.
No comments:
Post a Comment