Rasmus Rasmussen dot com

Putting Microstock on the Back Burner

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:55:20 +0000

I’ve been heavily involved with microstock for several years now, and before I say anything else, let me make one thing clear: It’s been an awesome, life-altering experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. Look at it: I’ve said goodbye to 9-5 working, I’ve met a wonderful woman and started a new life in a new country, I’ve learned more than I can put to words and met some incredible people along the way. It’s no exaggeration to say, that microstock has been at the root of my career as a photographer and an artist. That said, I’ve decided to put microstock on the back burner for a while.

By that I don’t mean to imply, that I won’t be uploading anything or not keeping up to speed. It just means that other aspects of photography will recieve first priority. More specifically, I want to focus on more artistic efforts, such as my “12 Seattleites” project. I’m already working on a few of these personal projects, but the difference is that I am now allowing myself to do so, without feeling guilty about ignoring my stock portfolio.

So I’m calling it “taking a break” mostly for the sake of my own conscience, but there is at least one good reason beyond that: I sometimes feel that working intensely with microstock for so long, has limited my artistic vision. I tend to look at all my own photos with the question: Would this work as stock? And that is not the right mentality, for someone working on an art project. I must unlearn the standards, I am so used to enforcing, that I may grow as an artist.

The coffee-sign photo used with this post, is an example of a shot that would never work for stock. I shot it while experimenting with cross processing and Holgas. I want to do more stuff like that.

Because I work best with time-frames and deadlines, I have given myself the rest of 2008 and all of 2009 to do this. It happens to fit with my Seattle project, which I’ve already budgetted a year’s time for, but I’m hoping to do a lot more than just this one project. I want to do a similar project about my first home, Copenhagen, and I have several other ideas as well.

I have already taken a few baby steps in this new direction. First, I set up a photo blog, where I can post single pictures. This really wasn’t needed, since I also use Flickr, but I like having a more personal, limited outlet. Besides, I put all sorts of snapshots on Flickr, which I am not doing on the blog. Secondly, I have set up an Etsy-store. I’ll be experimenting with selling prints through there, and already, I’m astounded at the influence that has had on my Twitter account (about ten new fellow etsy-sellers added me in just a few hours). Let’s hope some of that spills over into sales.

Microstock has given me freedom to do these things. I am definitely not quitting microstock. It just so happens, that right now, I have a lot of other things, I want to try. Among these is also having a go at selling pictures through Getty, rather than iStock. Something I have yet to try, but my contributor account is already set up, so whatever I do shoot, I’ll probably be uploading there (though my current camera, a Canon 20D, is too crappy for Getty, but that’s a different issue). I will still be keeping up with everything microstock, still inspect thousands of photos every month on iStockphoto, offer portfolio consultations and all that good stuff.

But first and foremost, I’m going to focus on telling stories and exploring techniques in my photographic work, in the year to come. It will be an exciting journey, no matter where I end up.

Microstock Agencies: Time to Raise the Bar

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:02:02 +0000

I have no doubt that microstock photography will survive the current financial crisis. If for no other reason, then just because of the low price of each image. As designers and ad agencies have smaller budgets, more will turn away from traditional stock or custom work, and start using microstock instead.

At the same time, more and more people will look for alternate sources of income. They will try to find ways to make money off of their hobbies and interests. For established microstock photographers, that might mean a surge in fresh, new competition. After all, if you were a regular wedding/portrait photographer, and your usual clients suddenly had no money to hire you, why not start shooting some stock? And stay-at-home parents, who suddenly find it hard to make ends meet? With microstock, they too have a way to make a little extra cash.

I’m all for adding more talent to the pool, but at the same time there is a chance that this talent will get buried in a mountain of mediocre snapshots. Especially when there is a spike in new photographers, many of whom might not have a firm grasp on this particular type of imagery. Search results that are cluttered with useless photos are frustrating to sort through, and usefulness is not the same as technically acceptable images. Just because an image passes inspection, does not mean that it’s good stock.

The easier it is to find useful, high quality photos, the more attractive the collection becomes. For that reason, I believe that now is the time for the microstock agencies to raise the bar. Not just on the images that are accepted, but more importantly the photographers that are let in.

Microstock has always been a place where amateurs and professionals could compete side by side, and it would be a shame to take that away. Instead, newbies should be offered more and better training. Make sure the new photographers understand exactly what a stock image is, how to think like a designer, copy writer or art director, how to master their cameras, how to keyword properly and so on. This could be done with a series of articles, followed up by a multiple choice test that focuses on themes that go beyond understanding noise, copyright and chromatic aberration. And of course, it’d create an even greater demand for things like portfolio consultations and similar mentoring programs.

And speaking of cameras, why not exclude the worst ones? DSLRs are so inexpensive now and qualitywise, the most problematic cameras have always been the lower end point and shoots. I say: Get rid of them! Today, you can get a cellphone with a 5 megapixel camera in it, but resolution does not guarantee good image quality.

I realize that this might be percieved as a risky move, but I honestly believe that the agency with the highest average quality of images, will also attract the highest quality buyers. It is possible to raise the bar without raising the price, and in the long run, it would be to everyone’s advantage.

Photo credit: elkor

Portraying My City

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Readers of my blog over at Zoom In Online will have heard of my “12 Seattleites” project already, but the time has come for me to spread the word here as well. In short, I am putting together a book and a show, where I seek to portray Seattle through 12 of its inhabitants. I will follow each person around and document their life over the course of a few days and hopefully, when they are all put together, a larger image of the city will appear.

I’ve set myself some rules to help shape the project further. The subjects I’ll be shooting should come from outside my own sphere, and though I’ll be shooting digitally, all the photos will be converted to black and white. I’ve set off about a year to complete it and a budget of approximately $3,500. This is definitely the first time, I have invested that type of money in an art project, and I will consider myself lucky if I break even on it. In fact, I have pretty much come to grips with the fact, that I probably won’t make my investment back. But I’m not doing it for the money.

I do it, because I feel a need to. After living here just over three years, I have come to enjoy Seattle and now I want to give something back. Also, after having worked with stock photos for so long, I have a personal need to do something a little more meaningful. And just like a rock band, who must invest in studio rental, hiring on a sound guy and having posters printed up, I too must make a financial commitment, to get the result I want. In the end, the satisfaction of seeing a show go up or a book in print, will be reward enough.

However, I don’t want to invest this amount of time, work and money for a show at the local coffeeshop, yet at the same time, I’m not exactly expecting Seattle Art Museum to come knocking on my door. My level of ambition is somewhere in the middle.

Part of the project so far, has been to learn a little bit about my own strengths and weaknesses. One thing I needed help with, was finding twelve different, suitable and willing subjects to shoot. So I’ve hired on a personal assistant to help me track down volunteers. He will also do some rough screening and help me keep track of the overall mix — ethnicity, lifestyle, age, sex etc. Having someone to help me get started is a huge kick in the ass, and the fact that I have to pay this guy serves as another kick. A carrot and stick in one, which is absolutely perfect for someone with as many ongoing projects as me.

Expect more updates on this as they happen.

Portfolio Consultations Are Live

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:47:49 +0000

I am now taking bookings for microstock portfolio consultations, and as a launch celebration, you can get $50 off if you book before November 15th. All the details should be on the consultation page, but if you have any further questions, feel free to ask them. Either in the comments section of this post or in an e-mail to me.

To book a consultation, send an e-mail to portfolio@rasmusrasmussen.com.

If you have no idea, what the hell I am talking about, the consultations are one-on-one sessions via IM, where the goal is to set you on a path to a happier, more successful life in microstock. We’ll discuss your current work, your goals and ambitions and try to find ways to get from where you are, to where you want to be. If you book before the introduction offer ends, you can get a 90 minute session for only $100.

Photo credit: endopack

Passion vs. Greed in Microstock

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:52:07 +0000

My three beta tests of the portfolio consultations went very well, and I’ll post more about it in the time to come. I’ll start by talking a little about a common theme, discussed during all three sessions, namely sales as a goal in itself.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting your images sold as many times as possible, but everyone wants that and will try to make their images as sellable as possible. Thinking about your portfolio development in terms of sales only, will never give you that edge over the competition.

Imagine two photographers, Jimmy and Kathy, who are equally experienced and have the same gear. Jimmy spends a few hours every week studying the top selling images on his agency, trying to figure out how he can re-create the same themes, turning his images into best sellers too. Kathy loves coming up with still life concepts, to build small sets and turn them into photos. She spends a lot of time reading magazines and watching tv. Who is going to do better in the world of microstock?

While Jimmy sells more right off the bat, his lack of personal interest will become a problem in the long run. Chances are good that he will either run out of steam or get caught copying one of the other photographers, which might result in anything from getting tossed out from the agency to a copyright lawsuit. He is driven by greed instead of passion, which is never a good reason to get into any creative kind of work.

Kathy, on the other hand, will have to struggle through the first year or so, as she builds up a good, consistent portfolio. Not that this will be a problem for her, since she would be shooting these photos anyway. She will develop her own style as she becomes more proficient and upgrades her gear, and because she is driven by passion, her ideas will keep coming and stay fresh. Eventually, she will get a following of buyers who love her style, which in turn will lead to work for hire outside of microstock.

Five years later, Jimmy is struggling to make ends meet, shooting seniors and weddings in Tinyville, where his only competition is an old-timer who still refuses to convert to digital. Meanwhile Kathy is having meetings with the photo editors of the same magazines, she was reading when she first started out.

Okay, so following your passion is no guarantee for success, but building a photography career on greed alone will most certainly fail.

Photo credit: ozgurdonmaz

Consultation Winners are Picked

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:59:18 +0000

As you probably know, I’ve been running a contest, offering up 3 free portfolio consultations. I had a good mix of people apply and picking the three winners was a lot harder, than I thought it would be. In the end, I chose three photographers with varying portfolio sizes and experience.

The winners have already been notified, so if you haven’t gotten an e-mail from me, you weren’t among the three. However, the winners have two days to claim their prize (as in: get back to me and set up a date), or I’ll pass on the invitation to one of the other participants. And let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent me an e-mail and volunteered. It was extremely encouraging to get such a good response.

I’ll be following this whole thing up after the three consultations, and try to find a few common topics that might be suited for a more general discussion. Hopefully, it will be a win-win situation, even for those who did not get picked. Once again, thank you all for participating.

Photo credit: Myself (theprint)

Zoom In Digest, August

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:18:07 +0000

At the start of every month, I pick out the best of the previous month’s posts written for Zoom In Online. Most of my posts there are shorter than here, often related to news and smaller personal projects and experiences, all of it with a photography angle. Here are my picks from August.

Postcard Marketing - About my first attempt at real world marketing, in connection with my project “12 Seattleites“.
5 Tips for Shooting Bugs on Flowers - Pretty much what the title says, inspired by the number of boring pictures I see, depicting bugs on flowers. I kid you not.
Walk Away from Your Work - Why I recommend having a backlog of unprocessed photos, instead of working on one shoot at a time.
Canon 50D - In case you haven’t had enough of reading about the latest DSLR from Canon.
Nikon D90 - Ditto from Nikon. Now with thoughts on the general direction DSLRs are going.

Thank you for reading.

Portfolio Consultation Entry Submission Over

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:50:23 +0000

The deadline for submitting your microstock portfolio, for the chance to win a free portfolio consultation, has now passed. A huge thank you to everyone who sent me links to their portfolios. A special thanks to Lee Torrens, who alpha-tested my cosultation idea and blogged about it, I got way more entries than expected as a direct result of that.

I am both humbled and extremely happy.

It will take me a few days to look through all these people’s portfolios, to find the three beta-testers. I will be contacting each one individually by September 10th.

The whole idea behind this, is to test whether or not offering individual potfolio consultations is a good idea for me. If the enthusiasm shown in the sign-up for these three freebies is any indication, then the answer is already yes. Though I reserve the right to wait until I’ve heard, what the feedback from my test subjects is like, before concluding anything.

I know some of you are wondering what a consultation will cost, once the test phase is over. Provided I decide to go ahead with it, this is how I will be basing the price: I’m going ask each test subject, how much he or she thought the session was worth, after we’re done. Once all the tests are over, I’ll hold these numbers up against the time spent on my part, see how it fits with what I’d expect per hour (I’m not giving a number here and now, because I don’t want to influence my test subjects ahead of time). Feedback mixed with expectations and common sense will determine the final price tag. Simple as that.

Photo credit: DNY59

Portraits vs. Stock Photography

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:00:26 +0000

I never really picked a niche for my photography. It picked me. Or rather, I sort of slipped into it by doing what I enjoy doing most.

Most of my photographs are easily classified as portraits, and the work I produce is not necessarily what you’d call good stock. Not because the image quality is lacking, but because I didn’t have stock in mind when I shot and processed it. This is what can happen, once you find your niche. Mine happened to take me down this path, and I’d be fighting a losing battle, if I didn’t go along.

Sometimes I will create photos specifically with stock in mind, going for that clean, saturated look that sells so well, but most of the time I’ll just go where the photo wants to go. This creates more images that I like, but not ones that are as generic, as good stock should be. I know this, yet I do it anyway. I will even look at an image and think: If I did this and that to it, it would sell really well. And then I’ll do something completely different and upload it anyway.

The two photos used in this post are examples of the difference. The guitarist is a typical stock shot, whereas the guy in front of a rusty wall represents my personal style. Both are from my iStockphoto portfolio.

Why don’t I just go with what sells? Because ultimately, photography is not about making money for me. Nothing really is (probably why I’ll never be a hugely successful businessman, but that’s a whole other topic). The artist part of me always wins over the entrepreneur. And just to clarify, I like it that way.

Doing what I love is essential to my very being. If I were to shoot for my portfolio all the time, like a lot of my peers do, I would soon grow to hate photography. Once I start doing anything for money alone, I immediately lose interest. That’s why I always tell other people to shoot what they love first, then think about making it profitable second. The aforementioned peers happen to love creating images that are also awesome stock, such as Kelly’s food or Aldra’s women.

The obvious thing to do for me, is to market myself as a portrait photographer who also shoots stock. Coming to this realization has helped me a lot. It’s improved my work, because I’ve stopped trying to be everything all at once. It’s boosted my confidence, knowing what I’m good at. And finally, in a backwards kind of way, it has strengthened my stock work too.

These are some thoughts on my niche and how it ties into business. From a microstock shooting point of view. I’d love to hear what others have to say about this - how did you find your niche, and what does it mean to you professionally and personally?

Model Profile: Diane

rasmus@theprint.dk (Rasmus Rasmussen) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:40:47 +0000

I haven’t profiled any of my models before, but thought I’d give it a try. There are several reasons. First and foremost to show off some of my work, of course, and to give my model a pat on the back and something she can show others, who are thinking of working with her. A public recommendation if you will. But also to share some of my experiences, about what made working with this particular person unique and memorable.

I met Diane via ModelMayhem and we managed to get three shoots done together, before she moved to LA to pursue her dream. Besides modelling, she dances hip hop and wants to get into acting. If I’m lucky, she’ll be famous and I’ll have some early portraits. I really enjoyed shooting with her, and not just because she has a versatile look and can pull off everything from cute and girlie to tough and bitchy. She also takes direction very well and brings her own ideas to the shoot. That kind of enthusiasm is perfect for my style of shooting.

Shooting with Diane was so casual, that the second time we shot, I hardly even spoke to her about wardrobe. I think my only input was: Keep it simple. Maybe dress in neutral tones or black/white. Turned out great and it was liberating for me, to be able to trust her like that, and still come away with great photos.

The two shots above and below this paragraph are from a shoot in West Seattle (our most recent), to which she’d brought several outfits. She changed in the car with me keeping watch. At one point she realized, she hadn’t brought a clothing item, she wanted to wear, so we went and got it at a nearby store. This kind of spur-of-the-moment working is inspiring to me. Sure, the time is not spent 100% effectively, but who cares when you’re having fun?

You can see more photos of Diane in my iStockphoto portfolio, where I have gathered them all into one lightbox for your viewing pleasure.

Rasmus Rasmussen dot com

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