Motion Stock, An Exploding Piggy Bank, and An Important Lesson

 An Exploding Piggy Bank shot at 1000 frames per second.


Shooting Motion Stock

I recently completed a second round of shooting motion stock clips with a Phantom HD camera at frame rates of up to 1900 per second! I would not have gotten involved with this project was it not for the fact that I was given access to this rather expensive piece of equipment (to rent the set-up we used, the Phantom Camera with a GVS 9000 VTR computer and raid array, would have been in the neighborhood of $5,000.00 a day) in exchange for a percentage of the royalties. But even with the overhead of the camera taken care of, the time I put into the effort may not be worth it.  Luckily I enjoyed the process.

A Slow Motion Clips With Getty

The thing is that my previous set of slow-motion-clips is not earning that much money. Approximately a hundred clips with Getty are bringing in an average of maybe seven hundred dollars a month. On the surface that seems pretty good…but those clips took me two months worth of work. Now I saved something like $70,000.00 over what it would have cost me to rent the equipment…but I still have expenses including lighting, models, props and so forth. Most of that will be paid back in the first year. So for two months of my time I will be earning, after I divide the royalties, maybe three thousand a year…an amount that will, no doubt, decrease each year. For two months of work?

A Murky Profit Potential

Of course, like many photographers, I tend to forget a lot of the expenses involved. Like buying Final Cut Pro, hiring a guy to teach me to use FCP, hiring him again a few weeks later after I forget what he teaches me, buying a new hard drive to send the images in on, hiring a File Maker Pro expert to amend my database program to be able to split the royalties appropriately and so forth and so on! So the profit potential gets even murkier….

Extreme Slow Motion Clips and An Advantage

I thought that the extreme slow motion aspect of the clips would give me an advantage over others involved in creating stock footage, but apparently not. I even found a guy on iStockphoto who has shot pretty much everything we did, with the same camera and the same level of quality. On iStockphoto! Geez!

Shooting Means Editing

However, being the extreme optimist that I am, when the opportunity presented itself again, I dived in. I did come up with some pretty cool stuff and will be sharing some of it here on this blog (see above). But again, shooting for a couple of weeks means editing for a couple of weeks, and I am so slammed right now, particularly producing a new round of images for greeting cards, that I am only getting an hour or so of editing in every few days…this may take a while!

An Exploding Piggy Bank and The Value of Imagery

 One of the clips we produced, the above example of an exploding piggy bank, shot at 1000 frames per second, did produce a valuable insight for me, one that I suspect many of us photographers need to remind ourselves. As a photographer I love cool visuals, and I love to see that bursting piggy bank disintegrate in slow motion. I have watched it dozens of times, mesmerized by the flying coins and falling debris. But when I showed it to my brother he commented “Yeah, its OK to watch…once.”  So the problem here is that I may not have, probably don’t have, a realistic idea of the value of my imagery. Seems like an exploding piggy bank might be an apt metaphor!

Success In Commercial Photography and Understanding Reality

To succeed in the world of photography, of commercial and visual art, it is imperative that we have an accurate idea of the value of what we are offering. Without a firm grasp on the realities of our market, we will continue to make bad decisions, which will ultimately lead to our failure as businesses. If I really get it, really do understand the true value of what I am offering, which can be equally problematic in either overvaluing or undervaluing, then all the time I put into that latest motion stock effort will have been worthwhile!

Yuri Arcurs, Leading Microstock Photographer, Interviewed

Yuri Arcurs is the world's best selling microstock photographer...and shares his thoughts and experience on stock photography in the following interview.

Like most “traditional” stock photographers I wish microstock had never happened…but it did and now it seems to be the 600-pound gorilla of the stock photo industry. But as much as many of us blame microstock for the decline in our ability to earn a living, some individuals seem to have mastered the medium and are actually doing phenomenally well…and at the front of that pack is Yuri Arcurs.

Yuri is the world’s best selling microstock photographer…which probably means he is the best selling photographer period. His website is a treasure trove of information not just for those wanting to learn the business of microstock, but even for old timers such as me!

PDN named Yuri, one of the most influential photographers of the decade, Hasselblad sponsors him, he runs marathons, has a BA in psychology (which he apparently actually uses in his photography career), is a former member of the Danish Special Forces and is setting new standards for sharing information with fellow photographers. 

Yuri, can you give us a brief account of how you got into photography…and into microstock?

I have loved photography ever since I was a child. I believe I started doing photography in the sixth grade. When digital photography became accessible I slowly started thinking of it as having the potential of being more than just a hobby. While studying psychology at the University, I started shooting stock using my friends as models. Mostly just for the fun of it, but I soon saw great potential, especially in microstock. I started studying the subjects that sold the most: best themes, body language, specific model types, etc. Then I started setting up shoots based upon this research, and that’s when it all took off.

This might be a hard one to answer, but why do you think you have succeeded to such a degree when so many others have not?  Did you have a plan?  What did it really take?

I think my success is rooted in more than just one action or by me having a “special” plan, but two aspects stand out and are certainly worth mentioning: I started at exactly the right moment, so when I decided to go all in, the timing was perfect. If I had started my business in 2007 or 2008, I would have faced a much bigger challenge than I did in 2004/2005. I started doing microstock on a business level long before the established agencies saw microstock as a serious business, which was clearly to my advantage.

The stock community was a very closed community. I have always believed in the theory that open competition outmaneuvers closed communities and it was with this theory in mind that I basically decided to put all my eggs in one basket. Because that is basically what I did. I put all my eggs in one basket and won.

With this being said, of course I had a plan. You cannot go all in the way I’ve done it without having a plan. My goal was, and still is, to be the best, and I continuously work towards keeping this goal.

The stock industry is changing by the second…and is a much different animal than even when you started five or six years ago. Is it too late to get into the microstock game now?

The short answer would be yes. If you plan to be successful in this industry it’ll cost you an enormous amount of money, you will have to work 24 hours a day for several years, and you will have to be exceptionally skilled. You will also have to be more than just an extraordinary photographer and you will have to know the industry of stock photography very well. Of course, I won’t say that it’s impossible, but the industry is very competitive.

Some very accomplished traditional stock photographers have sampled the microstock waters… some have even gone way beyond just “sampling the waters”…and declared microstock unsustainable…yet you and others seem to be doing very well. What gives?

The traditional stock photographers are not evolving with the industry. They stick to traditional methods and they are not willing to produce as much as is required today. I don’t believe microstock to be unsustainable, but I do believe we will meet challenges in the time to come. We will have to evolve with the industry and if the older generation of stock photographers will continue to do microstock, they will have to keep up and probably rethink some of the more traditional methods of doing it.

iStockphoto seems to be pushing for photographer exclusivity. Could you give us your thoughts on exclusivity versus spreading your work around…and where you think the industry as a whole is headed in regards to such exclusivity?

I think that while the all-traditional industry had a big problem realizing and understanding when they were facing serious competition from microstock, the microstock non-exclusive agencies right now have a very serious lack in understanding the actual competition that they are getting from iStock. They don’t get how far ahead iStock is actually becoming and this could potentially be a problem over time. The microstock agencies are paralyzed by their own success and they can't evolve beyond the very simple business model of 2004/5. iStock can, and does so extremely well with multiple price brackets and levels, and with educational events for photographers that teach that "little extra". The problem is also that the primary CEO's of the non-exclusive agencies are amateur photographers at best and often don't know good design, good pictures from less good ones, and really don't care too much about the "whine" in the design world. iStock is way better at this and when we start getting out of our current economic crisis, they are prepared for nurturing the high paying customers. Non-exclusive agencies will be the "leftovers", but the CEO's will probably disagree to the grave, not realizing that they have been check-mated for a couple of years and iStock has been earning bulk in those years. It's sad, because if the non-exclusive actually started doing a higher price bracket, it would be followed up and demanded by the photographers that other agencies also do this and it would outpay iStock's programs because of the total volume of non-exclusive traffic.

I have chosen to be non-exclusive as this was clearly the smartest thing to do when I first started, but at the moment it is easier to compete when being exclusive with iStock. I suspect that this will change when the microstock agencies begin looking at iStock and how they do things. I think I’ll stay non-exclusive for the time being. Unless a convincing offer is made…none have been convincing enough so far. :)

You are known as the worlds best selling microstock photographer…and you participate in "macro" stock as well. How involved are you in macrostock?

I have about 7000 images in macrostock. And I plan to add at least 4000 images this year. So I think it’s safe to say that I’m very much involved with macrostock.

What are some of the important differences you have found between micro and macro stock?

Attention to detail. There are clearly much higher demands to things that go beyond technical quality in macrostock. Images in macrostock are more natural and often on a much bigger scale than in microstock. Microstock images, in general, contain more contrasting colors and the situations often seem more stylized.

With plenty of experience in both macro and micro under your belt, can you share any insights as to what the future looks like for one versus the other?

If the non-exclusive agencies don’t step up their game, I think we’ll see microstock becoming much less attractive to the buyers. Refined shooters will move to exclusivity and I will start selling primarily from my own site. I think macrostock, and especially iStock, will come to dominate the industry if things do not change.

With the staggering number of images that you have produced, how do you avoid cannibalizing your own work…or is that just not a problem?

I don’t avoid it, and it is a problem. I have to always strive to be better, and I am, but it’s an unavoidable problem. I do my very best to always do new situations and new kinds of shoots, but always to avoid doing something similar to my older work is impossible.

Many of us "traditional' stock shooters have a strong dislike for the search by download feature of microstock agencies because it facilitates the "copying" of best selling imagery. Does that bother you too…or do you have a different attitude about it?

Of course, it bothers me when people duplicate my work. It’s very frustrating to see your work being duplicated. But I understand the feature and I don’t dislike the feature itself. I dislike the people who use the feature to find my most popular images only to copy them. It’s scary how big plagiarism is in the industry and I think it’s a disgrace. People should be credited for their own work and their own talent - not the work and talent of others.

(John - if you want a good example of duplication, take a look at the image “Rock Guitarist. vector” (Image ID: 56152543) and my own “Rockstar with a guitar isolated” (Image ID: 27865846) on shutterstock.com)

It has never gone public, so it will hit like a bomb.
 

OMG! Pretty Blatant! And on the same agency…I agree that it is a disgrace!

There are plenty of rumors that your micro income has plateaued or even is falling due to the over saturation of images in the market. Have you found that to be true?

It is true that my return per image has decreased with almost 1 USD a year since 2009. My return per image topped at 9.1 USD in 2009, and in 2010 it topped at 7.10 USD. It is continuously falling and I expect it to top at 5.6 USD in 2011. My total income, however, is not falling, but this is only due to my working and producing like a mad man. I have doubled my portfolio in 2010, but this is, of course, not sustainable. I can’t continue to increase production like this forever, so something has to change. But as mentioned, I suspect the industry will change during the next couple of years.

If you had to single out one thing that is most important for success in microstock what would it be…. and is it the same for success in macro stock?

I believe that in microstock you can get far by knowing the right tricks, and in macrostock it’s more about knowing the right people. This is also why it is so difficult to get into macrostock.

Do you have a formula for the cost of production per image?

I don’t have a specific formula for the cost of production per image, but I find it very hard to produce an image for less than 20 USD.

Do you think personal branding is important either now, or in the future, for success as a stock photographer?

I think it is important, and I think it will only become more important in the future. I believe we, in the future, will see buyers getting bored by the microstock look. And this will probably make personal branding more important, if not necessary, if you want to succeed in the industry.

What role does Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc.) play in your business?  Do you believe it is essential for photographers to participate in?

Much of this industry takes place online and participating in the online discussions is very important to keep up with what’s going on. I don’t think it’s that much different from many of the other industries that change as fast as stock photography does. If you don’t read blogs, follow the discussions on Twitter, know what’s happening on Facebook, you won’t be up to date and you won’t be visible to potential buyers. The information flow happening on sites such as Facebook and Twitter is huge. If you, as a photographer, don’t participate in the online discussions, you will miss out on important trends and new ideas.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

When I was a teenager, I competed as a pro-gamer on the national team in Denmark. I can't say more. :) I learned some exceptional computer skills, which I have had great use of in both my work and personal life. And I secretly play sometimes and kick some online butt… :)

If you couldn't be a photographer what kind of work would you do?

I love my job and I would not want to do anything else! Where else can you deduct a floating rubber duck on your tax. :)

Are there any photographers that inspire you?

Hundreds. Tons. At the moment, though, I’m really interested in exceptional retouchers. No one mentioned, no one forgotten. I will leave it with that and not get in trouble. :)

On your website you provide a wealth of information on how you approach the business, on what to shoot, how to light and so forth. Can you also share with us your reasoning for sharing so much?

I have never been very protective about my knowledge. I have heard many stories about mentors hiding equipment and work from their interns and young apprentices. I have even heard stories about photographers misleading and lying to the young people who come to them eager to learn. I think it’s a disgrace, and I have never understood why people won’t share their knowledge with people who want to become better at what they do. I will gladly share tips and tricks with newcomers, and if the product of this sharing is more beautiful images and more talent in the industry, so be it.

Can you share a favorite stock photo of yours...and the story behind it?

This is the result of one of the craziest shoots I've ever done. I and
several of my assistants went to Tirstrup Lufthavn, which is about 1
hour from Aarhus here in Denmark. My goal was to capture a perfect
shot of a jet flying by.

It was a massive challenge: Lighting up the sky and catching the plane
at exactly the right moment when it was lit up perfectly by Profoto
lights powered by 24,000 watts of batteries. In between the jet's
passes, commercial airplanes were taking off and landing. It was
crazy.

I used my 39MP Hasselblad H3D-II mounted with a Hasselblad 28mm lens
and my custom made monopod (The Yuri Arcurs SteadyPod
http://www.steady-pod.com/scripts/prodViewnew.asp?idproduct=217), but
it still took me ages to get just the right image. We shot all day,
but when I finally got the image - after hours of frustration - it was
all worth it. And it was an amazing experience standing there with
planes flying right by you at a speed of several hundreds km/h.

You have plenty of instructional videos on your site…do you also engage in motion stock…or have plans to do so?

Yes. We have about 500 clips now.

Yuri, the future of stock photography…pessimistic or optimistic?

It really depends on the non-exclusive agencies now. It could be fantastic.

Do you have any final thoughts you would like to leave us with?

I have said too much already. I will probably get in trouble for this email. Tons of emails await. :)

To learn more about this amazing man, and see more of his work, visit his website: www.arcurs.com.

Old Concepts, New Ideas, and Creating Stock Photos That Sell

Often re-visiting old ideas and concepts, such as (in this case) business people on ladders, and coming up with new treatments and your own personal vision and style can boost the success of your stock photo production efforts.

Climbing The Ladder of Success

Often when I am personally clawing my way up the rungs of that ladder of stock photo success, looking for a new idea for a stock photo, I turn to old concepts. While there are constantly new concepts, products and services coming up that need to be illustrated, such as cloud computing, crowd sourcing and tablet computers, the old tried-and-true concepts also need re-working with new and better photos, contemporary treatments and your own personal “twist”. If you can take a concept such as teamwork or standing out from the crowd or even success, and give it your own unique look, you are sure to do well in stock…even in these challenging times!

Businessmen And Women On Ladders

Take the case of ladders. How many stock photos have we seen of businessmen or women on ladders? Just the thought of it is enough to make me groan…so much so that I have avoided that cliché’ for a few years. I don’t remember what motivated me to look in this direction again…but look I did…coming up with the treatment at the top of this blog. A tired old idea, but in a way I haven’t seen it done before…though with billions of photos already floating out there in that digital realm I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t already out there! At any rate, I put the ladders in a different environment, with an unusual perspective and added meanings through the use of several different models.

Ladders, Competition, Glass Ceilings and Challenge

But I have to say, I really love this image (love is blind?)! It is about competition in the business world, success, and the ascension of youth, breaking through the glass ceiling, challenge and probably a half dozen other themes as well. A really creative art director, designer or writer can add a headline, add a design element, or put it in a context that adds any number of meanings.  A great stock photo grabs the viewer’s attention and then facilitates taking that viewer in a number of different directions (the more directions it can take a viewer the more potential sales). The best selling stock photos are generally positive (as is this one in the case of the young woman on the ladder in front), flexible in it’s cropping (this one works as either vertical or horizontal), and has room for Headlines and body copy.  Reading quickly as a thumbnail doesn’t hurt either since that is how virtually all stock photos are found these days.

Converting Step Ladders Into Extension Ladders!

If you find yourself at the top of your ladder, and it isn’t quite high enough for your tastes, you might try extending that ladder by re-visiting those concepts that have stood the test of time, but need a new approach…that need your vision! Accept the challenge of taking what you might perceive as a really dull and overworked concept, then coming up with (and executing) your own new visual interpretation. Not always easy…but if you make it a deliberate practice it will pay off.

BTW, the above blog is an exercise in what I understand to be an effective way to write for achieving good results in going after the long tail of keywords…in this case variations on the word “ladder”.

Shopping Malls, Long Exposures and a Stock Photo

Using long exposures and compositing images resulted in a dynamic and energized stock photo of people on the move and shopping without the constraints of having model releases.

Shopping Malls and Stock Photography

On my recent trip to Thailand to shoot stock photography, which in my case is largely the capturing of raw material for manipulated and composited imagery, I found myself in a large mall full of bustling people. The mall was actually in Hong Kong where we spent a day before going on to Bangkok. This shopping mall really wasn’t any different than hundreds of shopping centers here in the U.S., but unlike at home, here in Hong Kong I had my camera with me…so while cruising through the buildings I just kept shooting.

Masses of Shoppers and Long Exposures

I was using mostly long exposures…the camera set to “B” (which keeps the shutter open as long as the shutter button is held down) and checked exposures by looking at the back of the camera. I was zooming the lens, spinning the camera, bracing the camera against walls…trying a whole bunch of different things to see what I would get.  An added bonus, by using very long shutter speeds the masses of shoppers would be unrecognizable and not in need of model releases. For me, one of the great things about traveling is that I have my camera with me and I am constantly experimenting. For some reason being in a whole different environment than my usual home one opens me up to explore the fun of taking pictures just to see what I can come up with.  If something doesn’t work…hey, no problem. If it does work…super!

The Hustle, Bustle and Energy of Commerce

Back home I perused through all those shots with a mind open for whatever ideas might come up. I liked the sense of hustle and bustle, of energy and of commerce that came through many of the images.  As I pondered the material it slowly came to me that I could do a series of images that portrayed concepts such as shopping, business, global business, and international commerce…images that were dynamic, different, and flexible in how they could be used and what concepts they could illustrate.

People on the Move and Commerce In Action

In the above picture I combined several of the long-exposure photos of people in the shopping mall with shots I made in the Hong Kong airport.  While there is no way to be sure whether it will be a successful stock photo or not, I love it and am hopeful that it will generate some substantial income. For me it definitely conveys that sense of positive energy, people on the move and commerce in action in an environment that is modern and upscale. I crafted the picture so that it works as both a horizontal and vertical crop, has lots of room for copy, and reads well as a thumbnail.

Shopping For Images

In a previous blog I wrote that it is important to love your images. I love this photo! I figure that if I love it others will too…and I just have to get it in front of the right audience, the audience, if you will, “Shopping” for (or searching for) images, for it to generate the revenue that will make it worth the energy and resources I put into it. And for those of you interested in such things, I somewhere between three and four hours of digital time in this "people on the move" or "shopping" picture.

Do You Love Your Images?

Shooting images you love results in work that connects with others, and in continued growth as an artist. This image of a businessman hanging from the end of his rope over a horde of snapping crocodiles looks like "stock photography", but will still be an effective image that generates good revenue. I love shooting images like this and I love this image!

How to Create Successful Stock Photos
I recently read a post on a stock photo forum from a photographer in which he commented on how his "personal work", placed with stock agencies, far outsells the work he shoots specifically for stock. I have heard that from more than one photographer. So why is that? It may be that this photographer's personal work is not competing with all the images that are flooding the market, images created by thousands of photographers with the intent and purpose of creating stock photos.  His personal work probably stands out from competing stock images and connects with the viewers. As with most photographers I am sure he loves his personal work. I suspect he doesn't "love" his stock photos. If you want to create successful stock photos you have to love what you are doing and you have to love your images.

Stock Photos That Look Like Stock...But Earn a Ton of Money
I know at least one photographer (besides me) who shoots stock photos that look like stock photos (or at least what we all think of "looking like stock"…and he makes a TON of money (way more than I do). You can go to iStockphoto and search by downloads, and find hundreds of images that sell like crazy…but "look like stock". What gives? I think that "what gives" is that you have to shoot what you love.  Some people love shooting stock and it gives their images that something extra special. Others try to make money in stock but without the "love" the images just don't end up with that combination of qualities that make them successful.  If you don't love what you are doing you are much more likely to be just going through the motions...and in this insanely competitive environment that just isn't good enough.

Connection, the Holy Grail of Photography
The holy grail for photography is connection…capturing or creating images that connect with a viewer. That connection can range from empathy to humor, from familiarity to parody. But whatever the element or elements in an image that lead to connection, it is far more likely to be accomplished by a photographer who loves what he or she is shooting.  Some photographers have the ability to set up a stock shoot…and love what they are doing enough to make those "set up stock shots" work consistently. I am fortunate enough to love making business concept stock photos…and it works for me. I love my images (and spend way too much time looking at them…much to the amusement of my partner Stephanie).

Love the Images You Create
If what you love to shoot doesn't sell, then perhaps stock isn't for you, or at least it won't be your primary source of income…and that is OK. Really, what joy would there be in shooting images, especially in the quantity that are needed to succeed in stock photography these days, if you were only doing it half-heartedly? Back when I did assignments my passion was in delivering what the client wanted. Eventually I reached a point where my heart just wasn't in that anymore.  What the client wanted became a burden.  Shooting stock became my joy. Luckily it worked out.  I still love shooting stock, I love the images I create and now, in this Internet age, I get the benefits too of having a community of shooters to enjoy the profession with…but I digress.

Shoot What You Love
Probably the most oft-given advice to young photographers is to shoot what you love…and for good reason. That "love" will show…it will lead to growth and to refinement and to creating images to the best of your ability. Shooting what you love will result in your continued growth as a photographer and artist. Loving what you shoot is the foundation of success for a photographer.  Even those of us who have been shooting for decades can get lured into shooting what we think the market wants.  It is good to be reminded of the importance of shooting what we love. In the case of stock shooters it is helpful to ask ourselves "What do we love to shoot…and how can we shoot that for stock?"

Advice and Tips From Successful Photographers and Photo Industry Leaders

Hey, its a new year...time to relax and celebrate like this "Party Dog"!

Following is a collection of advice and tips for Photographers gleaned from interviews over the past year with successful photographers, and leaders of the stock photo industry:


Karen McHugh, Pro Sales at Samy's Camera: "Keep on Shooting".

Shannon Fagan, Stock Photographer and Former President of Stock Artists Alliance: "Again, follow your heart, and most importantly, don’t ever take ‘no’ for an answer. If you do these two things well, you’ll always have a career in visual imagery."

Scott Redinger-Libolt, Photographer and Art Director for Blend Images: "I think there is a renewed sense of hope for the Rights Managed licensing. RM built the foundation for this industry and I believe we are coming full circle to embrace it once again. My personal RM revenue has seen the least decline and the most stability over the last decade …so in the long term; I think that’s a pretty smart place to invest."

Jim Pickerell, Photographer, Stock Agency owner and industry pundit:  "Aim for enjoying what you do and giving your customers the best you can do. The rest will take care of itself. "

Stewart Cohen, Assignment and Stock Photographer, co-founder of Blend Images: "Perseverance sustains your talent." 

Glen Allison, Travel Stock Photographer: "Just about every single one of us probably has our own unique circumstantial crap we are standing in at the moment, which might seem to mire us down from time to time. Can we find ways to plow through this muck and carve the path to our dream?"

Robert Henson, Director of Channel Relations and Sales at Blend images and President of PACA:  "Do you love what you do?  If you love what you do, it’ll transpire in your work.  If you’re good, there’s a market for your work.  Find someone who can help you navigate the landscape out there.  Try making some content for different channels and watch closely to see how they do for you. "

Sam Diephuis, Stock and Travel Photographer: "It’s a lifestyle not a job.  Even if you are making good money assume you are making half.  Charge what you think you are worth.  Don’t give your work away.  Work with people that you like.  Learn from mistakes. "

Rolf Hicker, Stock Travel and Nature Photographer: "Wake up! Don’t accept everything from the agencies. We are creating those pictures, not them".

Lanny Ziering, Stock Photographer and Co-founder of Blend Images, CEO of SuperStock:  "Great images have always been and will continue to be rare.  My advice to photographers is to find the intersection of what you do well and where there is demand for imagery without oversupply."

Alan Capel, Head of Content Alamy:  "A comedian once said "why are there never any new clichés?".  But often that’s what works, don’t be afraid of the cliché but give it a twist, make it more contemporary, add something that’s not been there before. Try all of this and some will hit the mark but the rest of the time you may well have to follow the tried and tested route. If you can strike the right balance you’ve got a good chance."

Quang Tuan Luong, Nature, Travel and Stock Photographer:  "Understand emerging trends in business and technology and take advantage of short windows of opportunity. If I hadn't understood the importance of search engines on the Internet a decade ago, I wouldn't be there today."


Ron Chapple, Stock and Assignment Photographer, founder of iofoto and ThinkStock:  "Early on, I had a "business adviser" tell me that I needed to transfer some of my ego fulfillment from taking a good picture to running a good business. Those words also helped me understand that we as photographers should not be afraid of the business world. Business is just a game we need to play so that we can enjoy our lifestyle."


Lee Torrens, Stock Photographer and owner of microstockdiaries.com:  "I’ve just finished an industry research report which took up most of my time for the past six months. In 2011 my primary focus will be shooting stock - something I’m sure most of your readers will find amusing."

Stock Photography and Meditation

A businesswoman meditates in a busy city crosswalk to reduce stress and relax.

Meditation

Meditation is the practice of training one’s mind to achieve a desired mental state the purpose of which varies from individual to individual and includes such goals as bliss, stress reduction, pain reduction, spirituality, compassion, and even the attainment of wealth and business success.

Meditation Images in Stock Photography

While perusing my stock photo sales (which includes the sales of my “associate photographers”) a couple of meditation images caught my eye. Two meditating images are in our top 100 selling images in the Blend Images collection (contributing photographers to Blend Images can view online reports such as the top 100 images over the past year, quarter, month, and so forth as well being able to view continuously updated sales information). Having two meditation images in the group of top 100 selling images for our total history with Blend is very interesting. I reviewed all of the meditation images in our collection: Following is a synopsis of the kinds of images that I, and my small band of merry contributors (well…not always merry) have shot over the last five or six years.

Dog and Cat Meditation

Included in our meditation pictures are images of both cats and dogs meditating…from a Whippet meditating in a meadow, to a cat meditating while surrounded by candles…to even an elephant meditating at sunrise (or sunset).  Hmmm, we also have an elephant meditating in a Yoga pose in a Yoga studio! These funny cat and dog meditating images lend a little needed levity to what is generally a pretty solemn subject matter!

Business Meditation Pictures

Our business meditation photos range from an African American businessman meditating on a mountain peak, to an African American woman in business attire meditating on a pile of cash (U.S. Dollars), to a woman of East Indian Descent meditating in an office. Also in our meditation collection are photos of a Thai businesswoman meditating in a Bangkok office, an ethnically diverse group of office workers meditating together on the floor, and business people meditating outdoors in front of their office buildings. Meditating in front of the computer…we have it. Meditating on a conference table…yes! And we are always adding to our business meditation photos.

Meditation and Yoga Photos

No collection of meditation photos would be complete without including Yoga into the mix. We have Yoga pose meditation (and sun worship) outdoors, and Yoga-pose meditation indoors as well. We have meditating on Yoga mats both inside and outside and meditating in Yoga class too.

Unusual Meditation Pictures

We have some pretty unusual meditation photos in our collection as well. We have meditating underwater (we put lead weights in the models bathing suite bottoms to hold her down), meditating on a busy street (in the crosswalk), and new age meditating with energy waves (Kundalini rising) emerging from the meditating people.  We even have pregnant women meditating.

Best Selling Meditation Stock Photos

I admit I was surprised to find two meditation images in the top 100 sellers (total history at Blend Images) but upon some further thought realized that there is a big contributing factor. Both images were also in a Yoga context, which of course greatly increases the market for those images. In fact, as I reflect on things, it may well be that the Yoga aspect of the images actually are what made them best-sellers. Now if I could just figure out ahead-of-time which of our hundred or so meditation/Yoga photos were going to be the best sellers then I’d be cooking! Hmmmn, maybe I should meditate on it!