Could I ... Should I ... Sell photos?

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

01/01/2007 04:49:46 PM · #1

I realize there are millions of stock photo threads but I'm looking for a few opinions.

I really would like to justify my equipment purchases by seeling stock photos. I tried istockphoto a few months ago and endured rejections in their QC process and I was never even approved to sell and I was so frustrated I gave up.

I'm looking for a place that I might be able to have success with images like this:

I don't want to sell pictures of generic items.

John Pahl

Nikon Coolpix AW 100

01/01/2007 05:19:19 PM · #2

I know nothing about stock photos and even less about selling any photos, but with all the awards you have I would think you could sell something. :)

You have some really great photos...

Message edited by author 2007-01-01 18:43:52.

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/01/2007 06:13:32 PM · #3

I'm curious as to your rejections from iStock. What did they say was the issue?

I was accepted with no problems using photos from a Canon 10D, fairly equivalent to D70. One thing I was told prior to submitting to them - don't send anything with special edits of any kind. Use straightforward, (pretty much out-of-camera), good sharp shots (or sharpened shots) and you shouldn't have any problem getting accepted.

I've never actually uploaded images to sell since I am still "on the fence" in the stock photo debate.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

01/01/2007 06:43:02 PM · #4

Thanks for the compliment John.

Regarding the rejections Linda, they had many reasons - once was "more variety", then "one is good, give us new shots for two and three" then I would submit two more and they'd say "replace all three" -it was like they had something personal against me - The last time I was rejected, they told me I only had one more opportunity -- I was like "F*&% YOO" .... they also sometimes had issues with what they said were JPEG artifacts and things like that. It took a while to get feedback on most photos - I shoot in RAW - it might have been a case of me doing too much post processing whenever they said JPG atifacts - You might have a point about the straight of the camera thing..
I was just turned off by that experience.

DianeS

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/01/2007 06:51:18 PM · #5

Have you tried Alamy? I hear they don't edit for content.

timfythetoo

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

01/01/2007 06:56:07 PM · #6

Shutterstock has rejected me twice (noise/artifcat issues the first time - too much Ni the second) but I think I will be good to go the next time. Istock and fotolia have accpeted me now as well. I just need to start submitting images. I think you have the talent Tate - easily. Just need to figure out what will sell.

lynnesite

Canon EOS-1D X

01/02/2007 10:06:40 AM · #7

I think both you guys have the talent to pursue "real" stock representation rather than microstock.

Chiqui

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

01/02/2007 10:09:17 AM · #8

Originally posted by lynnesite:

I think both you guys have the talent to pursue "real" stock representation rather than microstock.

I'm interested in this. What do you suggest?

June

chris_23

Nikon D70s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

01/02/2007 10:12:39 AM · #9

I just met a lady at a local farmers market who had made up some prints of various sizes and post cards of her pictures and was just selling them at the farmers market and at a local gallary. Does anyone have any experience with this? Good idea, bad idea? I was thinking of getting some prints made and just selling them like that locally.

01/02/2007 10:15:37 AM · #10

This is exactly what my wife wants me to do. I've heard people have luck at flea markets and stuff. My wife is my agent but I am the sensitive artist that she has trouble dealing with ;)

Anyway - it seems like this method would avoid the need to be absolutely flawless in quality.

Originally posted by chris_23:

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/02/2007 10:22:18 AM · #11

OK - In all seriousness, I have a friend at Getty -
I keep avoiding this as if it's too obvious.

So -
New goals: Getty and Fleamarkets ;P

Originally posted by lynnesite:

I think both you guys have the talent to pursue "real" stock representation rather than microstock.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

01/02/2007 10:27:27 AM · #12

Originally posted by metatate:

Try LuckyOliver, they love these types of images. They are still fairly new and therefore also have a lot more open in terms of not duplicating. They also pay more than most other microstock.