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When I started out in microstock, the market was still in its infancy. But these days it seems to be growing up faster than ever. The thought of entering the scene now, especially if you’re not already a pro or even familiar with stock photography beforehand, is a scary one. And those who do so, hoping to make a decent profit, are facing an enormous challenge: Making a name for themselves among thousands of others, trying to do the same thing. This is a list of tips for those people.

1. Pick a Niche

This is the golden rule for wannabe pro microstockers. Your niche is what you are known for. It’s what will make buyers go straight to your portfolio, instead of searching the entire agency database. It doesn’t really matter what your niche is, as long as you do it really well. Preferably better than anyone else, shooting the same subjects. Or at least with a distinct, recoganizable style. I recommend you make your choice using two criteria: What do you love taking pictures of? And what are you good at? In that order.

2. Invest, But Do It Sensibly

You will need some good gear, if you want to compete against the big guns in microstock, but don’t make the mistake of buying it all right away. There is a learning curve, and it’s less overwhelming (and financially more sensible) to add gear as you learn new techniques. As a minimum, I would recommend spending about $1000-2000 (US) on your first camera plus a couple of lenses. Depending on what you’re shooting, you’ll also need basic lighting equipment. Like a Speedlight and a bounce. Don’t get the strobe kit yet (see point 5).

3. Spread You Work Everywhere from Day 1

Several microstock agencies offer higher payouts and other advantages, if you sign up as an exclusive contributor. I am exclusive to iStockphoto myself, but if I were just starting out now, I wouldn’t worry about exclusivity at this point. Instead, I would sign up at every microstock agency I could find to get my work out and seen by as many eyes as possible. There is time enough to start comparing exclusivity arrangements, once you have established yourself and learned the basics of the game.

4. Keep and Compare Stats

One of the key factors in making a sizeable income through microstock is playing the numbers game. Keep a close eye on which images are performing well, how many daily downloads you have, which days are best - and look for patterns. Anything that can help you increase sales. From specific image compositions to best submission days of the month.

5. Take Lighting Classes

Photography is painting with light, therefore it is important to understand light in order to create good photographs. This was drilled into my head in photography school for a reason. It’s true. Get familiar with how light works, with color temperatures and white balance, with direct, bounced and diffused light. With colored light. This is huge. That’s why I highly recommend taking lighting classes and learn directly from people, who know more about it than you. And while you’re at it, check out StudioLighting.net and Strobist, two excellent resources.

6. Take Photoshop Classes

You need to learn Photoshop. Or at the very least Elements, if you’re on a budget. Though in the end, you’ll want to invest in the real deal. This is your digital darkroom. This is where the real magic happens. Whether you do light retouches or dramatic changes, Photoshop is your toolbox. And it’s so packed full of tools, that you’ll benefit greatly from getting a few instructions. You can buy a book too, but I highly recommend attending some workshops as well. You learn a lot faster and have more fun that way. While we’re on the subject, check out Photoshop User TV.

7. Keep a Steady Flow Coming

Many people overlook this, and if you’re a casual microstocker, it might not be as important. But if you want to be a top-seller, it’s crucial that you upload new photos steadily. Preferably every day. If a buyer sorts her search results by age (showing the latest photos first), you’ll want to be represented on the first page of results. The more competition there is in your niche, the more important this is. It’s better to eek photos out from a single shoot, than it is to dump them all into your portoflio at once.

8. Keep Up with Trends

If you shoot fashion, you need to show your take on the latest style - not just in terms of subjects and styling, but also lighting, cropping and processing. The same goes for any other niche. Indoor architecture? Gotta keep up with curtain trends, upholstery etc. Portraits? What locations and props are popular (are yo-yo’s back in style yet?), what body-type best represents a certain subculture you’re looking for, and so on. Stay on top of the world outside microstock. Read magazines, watch television shows and call it research.

9. Follow Blogs

There are many great photography blogs out there. Microstock Diaries is a great resource for any up and coming microstocker, wanting to learn more about the various agencies, including how much you can expect to earn, along with other related news. Digital Photography School is another must (the title pretty much says it all). Oh yeah, and this one, of course.

10. Push Yourself

I saved this baby for last, just to finish off with a big one. Stock photography can become repetitive work after a while. Especially so, if you have picked a niche that limits your subjects. To avoid losing your steam, try working under new conditions, with new people and with new gear. Find techniques that work for you, then completely ignore them from time to time, just to find new ways of exploring what you do. It’s like sex. If you do the same old thing over and over, even the best gets boring after a while.

Photo credit: denis3d

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