Book: How to make money from your digital images

Microstock Photography: How to make money from your digital images by Douglas Freer

It has taken a while but someone has finally published a book on how to make money from microstock. I haven't read it yet as I don't think it has actually hit the shelves yet, but it looks like it is targeted at the new entrant. It covers the basics from what sells and what doesn't, technical issues, equipment, setting up a studio and 20 top tips and tricks to winning on microstocks. It also has a few appendices with useful links which I assume are web links to the microstock sites and helpful tutorial websites.

Apart from the cheesy "stock" photo on the cover, the photos inside appear to be of very high quality.

It should be a worthwhile book for new entrants. I will try and get my hands on it to do a review but until then, the description below is the official blurb:

Be a part of one of the worlds fastest growing imaging phenomenons: microstock photography. Microstock photography provides both professional and amateur photographers an opportunity to diversify their income and expand their artistic visibility by turning day trip photos or photography portfolios into viable business investments.

Douglas Freer has written a comprehensive book that details the technical and commercial processes of the microstock industry. A must read for entrants into the microstock photography field, Microstock Photography shows you how to:

• Choose the right microstock agency
• Shoot work that will sell
• Navigate the strict technical requirements
• Understand the likely financial returns
• Review licensing models
• Understand copyright issues

Over 60 illustrations and photographs help you improve your skills, learn new techniques specific to shooting stock photography and better understand what the microstock market demands. Anyone can shoot digital stock photography, but in order to make money and be successful, you need the practical advice that can only be found in this book.

• Learn how to start earning money fast from your personal photos or professional portfolio
• Contains invaluable information on the crucial technical and commercial requirements you'll need to meet to be successful in the microstock industry
• Over 60 full color images show you what sells and what doesn't

About the Author: Douglas Freer is the former principal of a niche online rights managed stock photo library, a semi-professional photographer and the London based senior partner of the law firm he founded in 2004. He is highly regarded in the industry of microstock photography and has founded one of the largest microstock forums. He is a contributing photographer for IStock, Shutterstock, Dreamstime, 123Royaltyfree and Fotolia and a member of the Royal Photographic Society.

Snapvillage update

A short update on snapvillage. It appears they will soon be out of beta and have already started to increase their marketing. I have always said this is one to watch. It is owned by Corbis so has the backing of the second biggest stock house (after Getty which backs iStock, the biggest microstock site), and Corbis is owned by Bill Gates so the possibility of a Microsoft tie in is a possibility.

Note: I currently have a grand total of 1 photo on the site so I cant really comment on them from experience. I haven't uploaded anymore on the basis that they were originally only for sale in the USA (I understand they have now gone global) and the fact they weren't doing marketing until out of beta. I am now considering upload all my photos.

News from SnapVillage: site improvements and new ads March 14, 2008
Posted by SnapVillage Team

Say Goodbye to Beta Soon
We’re doing some spring cleaning at SnapVillage. Our web team has been working hard to fix the last few bugs in the site so we can get out of beta soon. You should notice an increase in performance right away as we release these improvements. Many of you sent in suggestions for new features and reported problem spots on the site. Thanks for sending us your ideas and reporting bugs when you found them. We need everyone’s help to keep the Village running smoothly.

SnapVillage hits Newsstands Everywhere
In January, we announced that we’re ramping up our marketing efforts. We’re primarily targeting graphic designers, art directors and other creative professionals. You can find our first print ad in the February issue of Creativity Magazine, introducing SnapVillage to future buyers (check out the ad below). You’ll see more ads in the March issue of Creativity, GD USA and the April/May issue of Photoshop User. Watch for ads in even more magazines coming out in May and June.

Coming Soon to a Mailbox Near You!
We’re not just reaching out with magazine ads, we’re also contacting buyers directly with our direct mail campaign. It will include a special feature to bring graphic designers into our community. We don’t want to give away the surprise, so stay tuned for more details!

Get ready to welcome some new neighbors to SnapVillage. Keep your ideas and images coming!

Link to full post

Microstock photography results for Feb 2008

Well it has been another month on non-action on my part at the micro sites, the reason (a relatively lame one) is that the Hard disk on my laptop is overflowing and my external harddrives are safely stored at my parents house.

Sales are up slight on last month, another great month of passive earnings. With the increase in payouts at shutterstock expected in May, and more photos that are ready to be edited, hopefully I will be able to increase my earnings once I actually start putting some work into microstock again.

Below are percentages for the month to show how I have been going:

20% shutterstock
15% dreamtime
8% Fotolia
23% istockphoto
6% bigstockphoto
12% 123RF
14% StockXpert
1% Featurepics
1% LuckyOliver

Previous results for 2008:
Jan 2008 Earnings