The Official Newsletter of 2006
Happy New Year Everybody!!
I ended off 2005 quite
busy in the last three months. So much so that I've had little
time to work on more stock images or the web site. I've heard
through the grape vine that
it can be difficult
to manage assignment and stock photography at the same time. I
guess I will find out. I have made some stock sales in the past
year, although nothing to write home about.
I've only just got
started on this venture so I will expect more action (sales) as
I increase my collection and really determine what are the images
and concepts that will sell.
It appears that we
are in the middle of the digital "CRAZE". The sales
of the cameras and related equipment is on fire. Everybody thinks
they are a "PRO". Yes, there is a rather large influx
of 'wannabes' (I hate that word) and amateurs that are producing
images (some excellent and some really bad) in large numbers.
Let's say for now it is crowding the market.
There is lots of talk
about "ROYALTY FREE" and "MICROSTOCK SITES".
Where you buy images for a dollar or two (or pennies) and can
use them as often as you like. It is these sites that these wannabies
and amatuers are trying to sell their wares. Unfortunately, these
photographers don't realize what their images are worth (but the
web sites they are being sold on DO!!) In discussions with clients
that have used these sites for a quick generic image, they say
that they never quite find exactly what they are looking for.
These sites do serve a market for now. As time goes on, these
photographers will either realize the real value of what they
do and will move any from these sites, or, after not making much
or very little money from these sites they will loose interest
and just stop contributing images for pennies.
As with about everything
else we encounter in our modern fast pace (must have it today)
society, the digital bubble will burst. The pros will continue
to produce the higher end, higher priced and higher production
images. This will never die. There is always demand for quality
product. On the other end of the scale, many of the wannabies
and amatuers will drop off and move on to other things. The "Microstock
Sites" will, or will have to evolve to survive and will still
utilize the amatuer/wannabe photographer (hopefully for a higher
payout) It will be interesting to see how this will sort itself
out after the dust settles.
The argument of "Royalty
Free" vs. "Rights Manage" will probably never die.
"Royalty Free" is probably here for good. It has it's
advantages, disadvantages and a market. I guess it will be the
market that decides this.
Cheers
Don
Toll Free
1-877-314-4410
Toronto Number
416-930-1417
or
Copyright 2000-2004. Studio
Source Photography . All rights reserved.
