Tomorrow I'm doing something that will take me a step closer to becoming a professional microstock contributor. A big step.

Turning professional is about getting your microstock earnings above the cost of the lifestyle you want to have as a pro. The key is in looking at both sides of that comparison. (no, that's NOT me in the photo!)

While we all strive to increase our earnings, the prospect of doing something we love as our primary source of income (full time) might be worth a few lifestyle sacrifices. Thus, reducing your cost of living can get you to 'pro' status sooner.

If you're extremely fortunate, like me, you get to make a change you're happy about that also reduces your living expenses. So tomorrow, I'm moving from Australia to Argentina....

While the new year is fresh and it still feels weird to write 2008 instead of 2007, my partner and I have come to the conclusion that selling photos is one of the easier ways we earn money. Why?

1. No customer service! While I love my design clients, they all require after-sales support and recurring billing. Selling a photo is a simpler transaction, and you have Dreamstime to manage the customer service for you!

2. Growth. Each batch of photos you upload increases your earning potential. While my time limits the quantity of design clients I can take on, I'm not limited by the number of photos I can have online.

3. Freedom. Dreamstime don't phone me each time they need to sell a photo. They just send money via PayPal when I've earned enough to submit a request. I ...