Which Kind of Microstocker are You
July 27th, 2009
Published in
Photography
6 Comments
Tags: microstock, photographers, Photography, stock-photography
Microstock lures people in with the promise of easy money, but the exact amount you will be making very much depends on your approach. One of the greatest things about microstock photography, is that it is open to everyone with a camera. With minimal work, even your grandmother could get a portfolio started. However, there is a difference between having a few photos up for sale and going pro.
Chances are, if you are reading this, you’re pretty serious about your stock portfolio, but you are not yet a pro. Getting there is a daunting task, and figuring out where you are now and where you want to be, might help you map out a path. For that reason, I have compiled a list of four common types of microstock contributors. The goal is not to present the ultimate list here, but rather to create perspective and give you something to keep in mind, when you are planning your future as a microstock photographer.
1. The Dabbler
These are people who are just starting out, not just with microstock, but often with “serious” photography as a whole. The portfolio is like a training ground, where the photos that “turned out good enough” can go. Occasional sales act as motivation to keep learning and shooting. Uploads are sporadic and tend to take on snapshot qualities. Concept photos are often rudimentary or inspired by other people’s pictures, rejection rates are high, sales are low — but it’s all fun and part of the learning process.
2. The Hobbyist
Say you love taking pictures of birds. Or your kids. You would be taking these pictures anyway, and microstock becomes a way for you to “put your photos to use”. Hobby microstockers sell images primarily to finance said hobby. Unless the niche is very narrow or not very suitable for stock, there is good potential for the hobbyist to eventually grow her portfolio into a decently selling collection. Uploads are often slow but steady, since updating it does not have the highest of priorities.
3. The Part-Timer
This group consists of two main sub-groups: Students and others on their way to go pro and other creative professionals who supplement their income with stock. These people typically have a good understanding of what stock is and often produce strong concepts, but they also “have a day job” on the side, whether as a wedding photographer, web designer or something different. The volume is fairly high and with fresh images steadily being added.
4. The Pro
There are not that many full time professional microstock photographers. Becoming one takes as much dedication and hard work, as becoming a pro in any other creative field does. Not only do these photographers have an intimate familliarity with the genre, but to some degree even define it. To be a pro, you have to invest time and money to create top of the line photos, and you will likely be adding fresh work to your portfolio every day.
It’s possible to go from one group to the other, to progress from dabbler to part-timer to pro, for instance, but it takes a concentrated effort to do so. This is why I encourage everyone to consider where they are now, where they want to be, and make a microstock business plan for themselves to follow.
If you are just learning the basics of photography or the stock genre, it’s not realistic to aim for going pro right off the bat. You risk burning out if you try, because you’ll be competing with the big boys who have their own studios, a slew of regular models, loads of props and more experience than you. Instead, try to define a path for working your way to where you want to be and do it at a pace that fits you.
Photo credit: andreart
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July 27th, 2009at 2:59 pm(#)
I’m a hobbyist, but I’ve previously been a part timer and aspire to be so again in the future. I’d be happy being a pro too, if I could build up the necessary skills, but there’s so many enticing opportunities in all directions. I lack the necessary focus!
Great post Ras. I love it.
July 27th, 2009at 3:19 pm(#)
I’m about the same. I’ve become too busy with other things, to really call myself a part-timer anymore. At some point, I’d like to pick up the pace again, though I don’t know if I have it in me to go 100% professional microstock shooter. How would I find time to also write novels, do art projects and so on? :)
July 28th, 2009at 1:53 am(#)
Hi Ras,
I’m a hobbyist too but sometimes I shoot like a dabbler with the effort of a part-timer dreaming to be a pro in the retirement age.
July 28th, 2009at 6:36 am(#)
I don’t think I have a simple answer to that one, a hobbyist when I look at the time I spend uploading, but certainly a part-timer if not more when I look at the money I make from buyer referrals and the large amount of time I put into building them.
July 31st, 2009at 10:43 am(#)
Hi Rasmus
Nice ’summer’ post, the kind I love to read, because they are easy, relaxing and fun.
I started from tier 3, part-timer, as I did other things for living. From last year I could consider myself a Pro, in the way that microstock is the main source of income, but I continue to see myself as a part-timer.
For many, maybe this is the way to be in microstock, never committed totally to became a Pro, but always doing it with the sufficient efforts to keep it as a good source of extra income.
August 14th, 2009at 4:08 pm(#)
Hi Rasmus! I can say that I am number 1, but maybe in a couple of weeks number 3 (just because the parents “allowance” will end soon, trying to stretch it..), but always wishing to be number 4… :/ It is so fun to take pictures, nothing bothers me, the only “hard work” is keywording..! Of course rejections are boring but ok, learn from them!
Cheers and good vacations!