I joined Dreastime in the early March 2011. Though genuinely interested in photography, I had never thought that I would do something called STOCK photography. I still do not know what I do can be called strictly stock photos.



Time was very difficult. first two months were with only uploads and no sales. It was in the third month that I got my first sale, a subscription sale (but yeah I was thrilled though it was only worth 42c)..

I was wondering whether the time I was investing in this is really worth it. The next month gave in slightly better with 2 sales but again subscription sales. After 4 months, I was at DT with just $1.36. Things were pretty hard and I was eligible for Exclusivity.


The question that I kept asking me was "I earned just $1.36 in 4 months. Should I commit to just this one place, that too if it is not working out even close to what you think others are getting". I had asked the DT community which helped me make a DECISION. I chose exclusivity, and got some exclusivity bonus associated with the portfolio I had then. (to those who might not know: DT pays 20c each an image accepted here for your commitment to chose DT exclusively as your agency)

I think that decision helped. After all, life is all about making few right decisions and many wrong decisions which iterates through sequences and consequences that we course correct to a relative right decision. So finally Life's all about right decisions.


July onwards sales really got stable at around 10-12 avg with a good RPD of $1.4 - $1.5. And in November, I reached the milestone of $100 here at DT (Something for which the chances looked sleek or rather nil). Well that's some hard earned $100 in 8 months.



Today while I write this, there is an immense joy in me for doubling this in less than half the time. Yes that's my first $200 in 11 months here at DT.



There were good goings and bad turn-outs. When Santa visited in Dec, I had the best month ever. When Santa went back, I doubt whether he took some of my buyers with him cos Jan had hit almost rock bottom in sales. It is still struggling to go back to the routes of average.


I think there is way more to go to even consider this a viable means of spending time and effort, but what I can see here is tremendous improvement in skill and performance DT has brought in me. And above all, the larger credit goes to the wonderful buyers at DT. I thank Lady Luck for bringing those genuine buyers to my portfolio.


My next milestone blog post would be when I reach $500. I hope I get there real soon.