Top 3 Factors Needed to Succeed in Selling Photos Through Microstock Agencies and Make Money Online

I am sure, many amateur or seasoned photographers have come across an advert or an article promoting the potentials of microstock photographic online business. But, is this type of business right for you? Have you got the characteristics needed to excel in this type of enterprise? Today, I would like to analyse with you those few characteristics needed, in order to succeed in selling photos online.

Time

If you are reading this, I understand that you simply like the idea of turning your photos into money. However, have you got the time to do it? Are you ready to free some time to dedicate yourself to this online venture? It is important to comprehend, that while the thought of selling photos online seems quite straight forward, in reality there is work to be done.

Let us be practical. You need to plan your shooting, do the actual shooting, edit your images, tag your photos and then finally submitting them, hoping that the microstock house accepts your photos. By pointing out this, I am in no way discouraging you, on the contrary, I am laying the cards on the table so that you know what to expect.

I admit that when I started out I had many of my work rejected. Though my photos were photographically great, they did not reflect the market needs. In coming up with good marketable ideas you simply need time.

Research and Updates

You might have found a niche that is working out for you. Your photos are being accepted by the microstock house and downloads are raving up. If so, I must congratulate you as you have grasped the whole idea behind the concept in selling photos online. Do you relax back and keep on recycling the same ideas? No way. It is important that you keep being creative and inventive.

Research is a vital key in this business. Keep yourself updated at all times, in order to keep abreast and be aware of all the things that are going on, in your particular field. Browse around and observe what is working for other photographers. On the other hand, the free sections can give you an idea of what type of work is being reject. Most of the time, these are brilliant photos of which the microstock house has more than enough in its library, since they are repeated ideas and themes.

Determination

As with most jobs and activities in life, two crucial virtues that you need to master are perseverance and determination. Likewise, the same principals apply to excel in this online business. Starting out is always a challenge. By submitting work regularly you will beef up your portfolio and improve your reputation as a microstock photographer. The higher is your ranking, the more you will be noticed by potential buyers.

Believe in your capabilities and your work, and I can guarantee that you will achieve your goals and dreams.

Do you want to acquire a handful of posing secrets in order to manage to move from one style to another with ease? If yes, I invite you to visit http://michaelabela.weebly.com/ so that you too can master the art of posing and directing a model.

Besides, you will find ideas and tips on how to start you online photographic business in order to make the most of your photographic work.

The author is a member of the Malta Photographic Society (MPS), a public speaker and an article writer for various entities.

Author: Michael Abela

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Destination Photography - Through the Eyes of a Wedding Photographer

As a professional wedding photographer, my most challenging assignments are those that require working as a destination wedding photographer. It is also a challenge to the wedding planner and the couple, as everything is out of the country (mostly) and there are millions of things that can go wrong.

Local photographer - To be or not to be

While choosing a photographer cum videographer for your destination wedding, the common dilemma couples face is whether to hire a local photographer who is familiar with the sights and surroundings or to fly in a photographer whom the couple know well and are comfortable with. Both the points are valid, but evaluating each solely depends on the budget.

If you can save up money on travel and other arrangements, you can always afford to fly in someone you know for the job. Knowing doesn't essentially mean personally, but knowing would suggest having an idea about the person's work from previous weddings (friend's or family's).

One thing you need to know is that not all the countries allow photographers from abroad. Some places require the photographer/videographer to have a government permit often requiring a nominal fee to be paid to obtain the permit. This can also take few weeks to months. So plan ahead.

If you were to hire a local, you might need to meet the person face to face to talk about your ideas and gauge their talent. This is important not only to get a clear picture of what the photographer can offer you, but also to see whether or not you are comfortable with the photographer and his/her approach.

'In-house' photographers

Some locations, like resorts and clubs have 'in-house' photographers on contract. In such a case, an outside photographer is strictly prohibited from working on the wedding. I once had to refuse an offer because the resort wouldn't budge from their decision to not allow outside photo and videographers! The bride was devastated, but what was done, was done.

This is a good time to point out that you need to check with the hotel or resort on their policies on bringing in hired photographers.

Bottomline

Go for the one who has the better experience. A wedding photographer who has travelled a lot is bound to have plenty more ideas and experience when compared to a local. However, you might also find that some of the locals have better talent than the photographer you personally know from your own place.

Get referrals from people who have used both local as well as hired destination photographers from their own countries. Decide for yourself as to which one fits the budget and what are the requirements to fly in such a person and his/her crew into the destination.

Happy destination wedding planning!

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