Micro-Stock.net - Questions & Answers on microstock photography

Questions & Answers on micro stock photography

What is Micro Stock?

Micro Stock is a term for a new industry which allows high quality stock photos to be downloaded at "micro prices". Many microstock sites allow images to be purchased using photo credits or by buying a stock photo subscription.

I'm not a professional photographer, can I participate?

Sure… This is the very concept of microstock photography! Anyone can participate!
But read our technical tips before you sign up. It's rather easy to get in but getting many pictures selected can be a challenge.

What do I need to get started?

A camera or a scanner is a must but start by sorting your hard drive and select your best shots.

Be selective. Most microstock companies don't care about point-and-shoot pictures. They want original pictures that will sell.

What photographs are selling?

Start asking yourself this basic question. What will my photographs be used for? Your dog is cute but there are hundreds of shots like this already. On the other hand, pictures that can be used to illustrate a website or a brochure are selling well. Here, you'll find some ideas for your next shot. Corporate shots are hot!

Can I start by shooting pictures of my wife or my kids?

Sure, you can. It's a good way to start. Remember, you'll need to make them sign a model release form.

How much can I make?

Tricky question. I understand you'd like to know but there's no definite answer to this. It depends on how much time you can afford to spend on this business and how many pictures you can upload. Keep in mind that commissions are on the low side. 50 cents here... A few dollars there. You'll need to make many sales before you get rich.

But hey, don't give up. Some people make a job out of this. Others are simply getting a little pocket money to buy a better equipment.

The rule of thumb is about a dollar an image per month, but to earn this all your images need to be :

1) Good technically
2) Saleable (some images sell well, others do not)
3) Uploaded to lots of microstock photography websites


Home Micro Stock Sites Tips Questions & Answers	Questions & Answers on micro stock photography What is Micro Stock? Micro Stock is a term for a new industry which allows high quality stock photos to be downloaded at "micro prices". Many microstock sites allow images to be purchased using photo credits or by buying a stock photo subscription. I'm not a professional photographer, can I participate? Sure… This is the very concept of microstock photography! Anyone can participate! But read our technical tips before you sign up. It's rather easy to get in but getting many pictures selected can be a challenge. What do I need to get started? A camera or a scanner is a must but start by sorting your hard drive and select your best shots. Be selective. Most microstock companies don't care about point-and-shoot pictures. They want original pictures that will sell. What photographs are selling? Start asking yourself this basic question. What will my photographs be used for? Your dog is cute but there are hundreds of shots like this already. On the other hand, pictures that can be used to illustrate a website or a brochure are selling well. Here, you'll find some ideas for your next shot. Corporate shots are hot! Can I start by shooting pictures of my wife or my kids? Sure, you can. It's a good way to start. Remember, you'll need to make them sign a model release form. How much can I make? Tricky question. I understand you'd like to know but there's no definite answer to this. It depends on how much time you can afford to spend on this business and how many pictures you can upload. Keep in mind that commissions are on the low side. 50 cents here... A few dollars there. You'll need to make many sales before you get rich. But hey, don't give up. Some people make a job out of this. Others are simply getting a little pocket money to buy a better equipment. The rule of thumb is about a dollar an image per month, but to earn this all your images need to be : 1) Good technically 2) Saleable (some images sell well, others do not) 3) Uploaded to lots of microstock photography websites

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