I Thought Microstock Is Complicated

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posted on 15th of january, 2009

My attitude towards microstock has changed drastically for the last 2 weeks. I have finally decided to submit regularly in small numbers since Christmas ’08. I’m currently experiencing a daily download at another site and Dreamstime has approved 100% of my latest submission. These things made me so proud of myself and made my son really proud of his father.

I’m just a regular office employee at the city hall as a case officer at the moment, with no background in photography. But I do have a passion for colour. I love playing with colour combinations especially in PowerPoint presentations and food garnishing - mostly for family and friends though.
I’ve been a member at one microstock site for over a year now and joined Dreamstime last year. It basically took me more than a year to finally decide to submit my photos. What I did is to read (regularly) forum posts, blogs and tutorials to really understand what microstock is all about.

•I thought it’s late for me to be involved in photography, since I’m in my early forties.
Wrong: Age is not a problem.

•I thought I need to enrol to a photography course to understand the basics of photography and learn photo editing.
Wrong: The internet offers loads of tips and tricks and Photoshop Elements is affordable for beginners and easy to use.

•I thought I need to have an expensive camera and photo equipments to guarantee photo approval.
Wrong: A normal entry level DSLR and some point & shoot digital cameras - according to forum discussions, are enough to create a stock worthy image. DIY equipments are inexpensive and usable in most cases.

•I thought my photos are not good enough for microstock.

Wrong: There are a few people out there who like my photos.

So Microstock is not really that complicated. My first impressions are wrong. I just need some
“trial and error method” at the moment. Continued research on the subject and most importantly participating in microstock community forums. And for now, “the key word is quantity,” according to Maigi, is what I need for my small portfolio.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your support at the Message board - New Member section.

Ric

Tags: beginner inexpensive microstock passion

Comments (7)

	Posted by Vinge on February 04, 2010 Hej Ricardo Jeg er journalist og vil blive meget glad, hvis du kan ringe til mig på 39 62 82 02 hurtigst muligt. Det haster. Venlig hilsen Journalist Thomas Vinge
	Posted by Klummen on January 16, 2009 Some good points you made. I just started, and haven´t even gotten any photos approved yet. About age: I´m 53 and still on my way up. For several years I´ve been forced to make a living as a trucker. I´ve always been into writing and photography, and the years of trucking start to pay off now in an unexpected way. Last year I had a book released on the danish market, short stories from the road, and it sells supprisingly well, considered Denmark is a small marked. I write a very popular column every month in at truckers magazine, and have more books coming up. Now the plan is to do something serious about stock photo. Along with my books and other stuff it might be posible to make a living out of my passions in the future.
	Posted by Marilyngould on January 15, 2009 Great points -- I too have had no formal training, no photography classes. The blogs, tips and tutorials shared on Dreamstime have been an immense aide in improving my photography skills. You have a very nice portfolio -- best wishes!
	Posted by Eclecticelegance on January 15, 2009 Very true! Very well-written article! I loved the myth/fact outline that you used!
	Posted by Creativei on January 15, 2009 I guess I saw ur forum post, as I told you have a great PF.
	Posted by Lifesazoo on January 15, 2009 Totally Agree. I wish you the best of luck! Love your Chili Pepper pictures :)
	Posted by Ric510 on January 15, 2009 Thank you Teekaygee, you have always been kind and friendly - no matter where. I do appreciate your comment, as always. Ric