Random things!

I’ve been a bit indisposed of late and hence not my normal productive self. After two vaccinations and finally a booster shot about 10 days ago, I finally caught the virus. I wish I could have thought of some smart stock photo ideas of that event, but nothing came to me. My wife was first (and we are not at all sure where it came from as we are both mask wearers in public areas) and was quite ill for several days at home and then I got the telltale coughs and went for a test – positive!

That was last Tuesday and after various sort of symptoms – coughs, head colds, fever, shivers and shakes and now a clammy feeling without a fever – I think I am through the worst and well on the mend. My wife had a monoclonal infusion because of some risk factors and she is now pretty much recovered. So we are quarantineed at home but through the worst. By now our antibodies must be supercharged!

Just before all this happened I noticed a comment on one of my previous posts that Freepik.com was an interesting site as they have free images and illustrations, but also a premium section. The comment went on to say:

 I’ve uploaded five days ago 12 photos and sold 2,35 euros already. In shutter I have 195 photos and sold $ 0,30 in six months 

So last weekend I thought – why not? You have to upload 20 of your images as a test as well as provide links to other agencies where you have images. No problem, I thought. I used Microstockr Pro to look at my best sellers this year and picked 20 of those, exported files from the originals and uploaded them. Then, a few days later:

Twenty failed images! These are images that have probably earned $15K in the past few years and have never been rejected anywhere as far as I know. The reasons are Quality standards, composition and inadequate lighting. Talk about being set back on my heels!

I did write to their support saying that I honestly didn’t know how to approach a second submission (you are allowed two) but all I got back was the stock – we can’t provide comments on submissions. So that is the end of that adventure!

It really shows just how volatile this business has become. I fully appreciate it is their agency and they make the rules, but really?

I’m not giving up yet (on stock photography, not this agency!), but it certainly is becoming a harder prospect as the months go on.

This month is not looking too bad so far. I’ve had a few good value sales – including this one for $28 on Shutterstock:

This was taken at my neighbors house a couple of years back, but I removed the airconditioner and parts of his garden that were actually in the background to put a new background taken in an old Italian garden from what I recall. Easy to do, has earned $93 or so. So here is a tip – create some halloween images! There are only 2.5M competing ones on SS! Seriously though, I hope you are all keeping well and making at least something from this business!