Q: What is microstock?

A: Microstock photography is also known as micropayment photography. Microstock agencies sell images almost exclusively online and accept them from a wider range of photographers than traditional stock agencies. Hobbyists and amateurs are amongst accepted contributors. Microstock images sell for less than traditional stock, but in higher numbers.

Q: How much can I earn from microstock?

A: How long is a piece of string? If you upload one snapshot image of your dog the chances of you making money are small. If you are serious about contributing quality content, then the sky is the limit. The top selling microstock photographers make in the region of $ 1 000 000 a year. Follow the guidelines set out in my microstock tools section and you can’t go wrong.

Q: Why are my images being rejected?

A: Most image rejections are due to technical quality. Review my article on quality standards for microstock photography. If your image is technically sound, it may be because the agency simply has too many sunsets or flowers.

Q: Which agency should I Join?

A: If you are just starting out, I recommend your first port of call to be Shutterstock. Also see my recommendations for other options.

Q: Do I need expensive equipment to start out in microstock?

A: In short, no. Most agencies accept any files above 4MP in size. Good equipment does help in creating sharper and better images. If you have a good eye and plan your shoots well, there is no reason why you shouldn’t produce decent images.

Q: Do I need to edit my images before submitting them?

A: Yes, the minimum I would say is a level adjustment, contrast correction and a slight boost in vibrance. Try not to overwork your images, the less you do to them the better.

Q: How long have you been submitting to microstock?

A: I started in May 2009, I have learned many lessons along they way, you can track my progress via my blog.

Q: Did you study photography?

A: No, I do not have any formal training. I have however been lucky enough to be born into a photography obsessed family.

Q: Do you have a studio?

A: I recently built my own DIY home studio which is great for just starting out. However, I do plan to open up some studio space in 2011.

Q: Are you available for commercial projects?

A: Yes I am, please see my details on my contact page.

Q: Does keyword ordering or capital letters matter?

A: No, neither of these matter. the only agency I know of that orders their keywords would be Fotolia.

Q: Will it affect my income if I sign up using one of the links on your website?

A: No it will not make any difference to your pay at all. I get a small commission for referring contributors. This website is designed to be helpful, informative and to make starting out in microstock easier for my readers. If you want to sign up and feel my website has helped you, please use the links provided as a show of appreciation.

Glossary