iStock whores
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- ceiling_cat0
There's tons of professional photographers submitting photos everyday, so it's going to be a lot harder if you're doing this on the side being a amateur photographer. I could be wrong, *shrugs*
- 2cents0
@raf
A lot of it is what you shoot. You have to think stock. There are some beautifully amazing shots on that site that never sell, or sell very little. People shots sell very well, just have to make sure you have your releases in check. Signing on as an exclusive helps as you earn more, but another big thing is keywording your photos properly.
If you dedicate yourself to shooting good stock and devote some serious time to it you could make a living selling your work with iStock.
This user http://www.istockphoto.com/user_… has sold over 900,000 images. Now figure that she's averaged around $1 on each sale, she's close to making a million bucks and I would guess that her average is much higher that $1.
- Thanks. I noticed, if I have a few versions of the same shot, they're so cheap people buy more than just one.raf
- raf0
I wonder what's the key to success on iStock 2cents, other than good shots. Lots of images of people? Networking on the site? Signing on as exclusive? Any tips welcome :)
- monkeyshine0
I'm curious to know if any of you have ever requested a certain type of image from the iStock community. You can do that, right?
- ceiling_cat0
^How many photos did you upload? How long did it take to make 8 grand?
- 2cents0
I've made over 8 grand off the site. It's not going to let me retire early but it's some nice cash on the side.
There are plenty of people who make a living off of iStock.
- dMullins0
^ Veer?
- raf0
Is there a stock site that still sources from large number of online submissions, but only carries quality images and sells them for you for proper money? Something above iStock but not as "pro" as Getty and other big agencies. Something like http://www.istockpro.com/ used to be I guess.
- ceiling_cat0
Maybe I can go around the city and take hundreds of photos of NYC. Wouldn't mind extra money for doing nothing.
- ephix0
i made about $70 usd from 4 photos. but that was ages ago
- vaxorcist0
lunchmoney at best....
if a paying client finds out you've done istock, good luck justifying any sort of living wage for your work
- tOki0
I know a guy who has his stuff on like 5 or 6 of these sites and makes a couple hundred a month...
But you need a lot of images, images that people need and there is a lot of work involved at the start - so I don't think you can really make money off it unless its a hobby..
- ynot0
I've uploaded 3 images for the past 3 years and it made me $14.00+
- johngrif0
its very well done. i'd be happy to have images like that in my collection ;-)
- _niko0
- ha! I think I have used that image before. :)monkeyshine
- johngrif0
hahah love the shot of the lady in red. the 100 dollar limit stinks that it is that high.
- duckofrubber0
Tis a big bunch of shite, although I do find it useful for the odd vector quickie when I can't be arsed to draw it myself. Also good for your random object shot, such as needing a bag of golf clubs RIGHT NOW.
- raf0
My account is at sixty something now, I cashed out a $100 once. I only have 30 files though.
Silly money, the balance is better used towards iStock purchases.JazX claimed to have been earning $100/monthly off this. Could be true, his account used to have big downloads. It is closed now though.