Microstock Photography
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Product Description
Be a part of one of the world's 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; and, understand copyright issues. This title includes over 60 illustrations and photographs that 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. This title helps to learn how to start earning money fast from your personal photos or professional portfolio. It contains invaluable information on the crucial technical and commercial requirements you'll need to meet to be successful in the microstock industry. It features over 60 full color images that 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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have tried stock photography, and submitted work a year ago. I found the whole process so off putting, with all the various keywords and the sheer amount of work you need to do to submit, the photos must be perfection itself. I felt rather frustrated with the whole thing, chucked it in, and forgot about it. A year has passed, and I have regained some enthusiasm and now have realistic expectations this time - AND I bought this book. I haven't read it throughout but from what I have read, well I would have preferred some real world experience, and also I would have like to read about how to make it a bit fun too.
He suggests to ask a friend to model for you. Ask your friends to model for you? I have done that, and I tell you it won't look professional. In fact, the friend was my sister who used to want to be a model, and it looked well, let's say the photos weren't accepted by any stock agency. So, if you have normal friends helping you out, UNLESS they are current aspiring models, don't expect much.
He suggests some great business and science ideas...but as he rightly says, how does a new photographer get into a science lab (and not one that is in the local school?) or realistically have that many multi-cultural friends all in one go willing to dress in business clothes. It'll cost more than a pint.
Also studio lighting is pretty high on the list for stock photography - but he doesn't really emphasise the importance of that. ???
But, there are some other points that are true, such as how nit picky the agencies are, and the unpredictability of photos, and he gives good advice on what to look out for in terms of flaws in the photos.
One suggestion I would have liked is a workflow because there are edits and keywording that has to happen to each photo, so I'm wondering what a realistic goal for that is.
I'll let you know if I actually sell anything this time with the help of this book, and whether I can make it fun and challenging. Let's see what I can conjure up 6 months from now, watch this space.
He suggests to ask a friend to model for you. Ask your friends to model for you? I have done that, and I tell you it won't look professional. In fact, the friend was my sister who used to want to be a model, and it looked well, let's say the photos weren't accepted by any stock agency. So, if you have normal friends helping you out, UNLESS they are current aspiring models, don't expect much.
He suggests some great business and science ideas...but as he rightly says, how does a new photographer get into a science lab (and not one that is in the local school?) or realistically have that many multi-cultural friends all in one go willing to dress in business clothes. It'll cost more than a pint.
Also studio lighting is pretty high on the list for stock photography - but he doesn't really emphasise the importance of that. ???
But, there are some other points that are true, such as how nit picky the agencies are, and the unpredictability of photos, and he gives good advice on what to look out for in terms of flaws in the photos.
One suggestion I would have liked is a workflow because there are edits and keywording that has to happen to each photo, so I'm wondering what a realistic goal for that is.
I'll let you know if I actually sell anything this time with the help of this book, and whether I can make it fun and challenging. Let's see what I can conjure up 6 months from now, watch this space.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Over the years I have bought an awful lot of 'how to make money from photography' books. Having worked as a professional photographer for many years I know how to expose, frame, use filters, angles, etc, etc., what I wanted was a bit more insight into this relatively new market.
That is exactly what you get with this book.
It is a very practical and unassuming book. It does not baffle you with techno-jargon, nor does it assume that your photographic skills are on a par with a professional photographer - at least to begin with!
What it does do is lead you through all the twists and turns required to make sure that your images are the ones that will sell. Sometimes you have to face a hard truth - like learning how to take images that people will actually buy, rather than taking pictures that you, personally, enjoy taking.
It also includes useful information on just about every stage of the process and what to expect.
Within a week of reading this book I made my first microstock sale. I honestly don't think this was a coincidence - I learned from this book exactly how to tailor my submissions and make them more salable. Before I read this book I had been floundering a little, to be honest, now I have a far better idea of exactly what is involved in microstock photography, and how to make sure I get my share of this particular market.
There is no easy solution, so if you are looking for a quick read followed by photo-stardom, this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you are prepared to read this book and act on the things you learn from it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
That is exactly what you get with this book.
It is a very practical and unassuming book. It does not baffle you with techno-jargon, nor does it assume that your photographic skills are on a par with a professional photographer - at least to begin with!
What it does do is lead you through all the twists and turns required to make sure that your images are the ones that will sell. Sometimes you have to face a hard truth - like learning how to take images that people will actually buy, rather than taking pictures that you, personally, enjoy taking.
It also includes useful information on just about every stage of the process and what to expect.
Within a week of reading this book I made my first microstock sale. I honestly don't think this was a coincidence - I learned from this book exactly how to tailor my submissions and make them more salable. Before I read this book I had been floundering a little, to be honest, now I have a far better idea of exactly what is involved in microstock photography, and how to make sure I get my share of this particular market.
There is no easy solution, so if you are looking for a quick read followed by photo-stardom, this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you are prepared to read this book and act on the things you learn from it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I recently decided to try my hand at stock photography and thought a book on the subject would be a good starting point. I decided on this one purely by the other reviews and in this case it was definitely the right decision.
The author covers basics such as which type of photo is suitable for stock and which isn't. It can be the best image in the world, but if it's not commercial then it probably won't sell. He then covers basic technique, composition and image manipulation using Photoshop (which is pretty much essential). There's also a list of the main stock sites and just basic advice that you need to know to be successful.
To be honest, so far, I haven't improved my stock photography significantly. However, before reading this book I could never understand why some of my images were accepted and some weren't. Now I understand. So it's just down to me to improve. Images have to be technically very good, with good composition and convey some sort of message. Afterall, conveying a messaging is probably what most stock photography is used for e.g. advertising, etc.
If you're happy with your camera technique but just need some pointers on the subject of stock photography, then this book is recommended.
The author covers basics such as which type of photo is suitable for stock and which isn't. It can be the best image in the world, but if it's not commercial then it probably won't sell. He then covers basic technique, composition and image manipulation using Photoshop (which is pretty much essential). There's also a list of the main stock sites and just basic advice that you need to know to be successful.
To be honest, so far, I haven't improved my stock photography significantly. However, before reading this book I could never understand why some of my images were accepted and some weren't. Now I understand. So it's just down to me to improve. Images have to be technically very good, with good composition and convey some sort of message. Afterall, conveying a messaging is probably what most stock photography is used for e.g. advertising, etc.
If you're happy with your camera technique but just need some pointers on the subject of stock photography, then this book is recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very informative
Like many photographers I have thought about ways of earning some money from my photography and considered taking pictures for stock libraries. Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. Penso
An excellent and helpful book
This is a very well written book that clarifies the microstock market. If you are thinking of entering this market, this is a book that must be in you library. Read more
Published 22 months ago by M. Schick
Not bad at all!
I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this book when I bought it as the cover looked a bit cheesy but as they say, never judge a book by it's cover and all that. Read more
Published on 8 May 2010 by Richard Branson
Making Money from Digital Photographs
Microstock Photography: How to Make Money from Your Digital Images
A useful book for aspiring "semi-professional" or serious amateur photographers. Read more
A useful book for aspiring "semi-professional" or serious amateur photographers. Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2009 by Mr. R. Wilkinson
Worth every penny
An exceptionally well written and comprehensive book containing all the information you are likely to want on all aspects of selling your digital images. Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2009 by Trevor Jolley
Excellent Book!!
I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in selling their pictures. It contains loads of common sense tips and it's a fun read. Read more
Published on 24 April 2008 by A. Sedef
The Book
I am new to stock photography. This book has been an enormous help to me. It contains very useful practical guidance. Read more
Published on 21 April 2008 by Ms. E. Shkots
a welcome find
As a stock photographer myself, I've wanted to find more about microstock photography, but there is little information online and I had never seen a book on the subject before this... Read more
Published on 11 April 2008 by Elen Hawke
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