Web-based Photo Sales

[bobinatcat]

Hi guys

Just curious does anyone sell their snaps to the online sites such as shutterstock.com ?

Anyone with any experience with them, is there a recommended site to use, and good bad stories about them?

Does anyone here actually make any decent money to make it worthwile having your work for everyone to "take" (personally I dont post pictures because I hate the thought of other taking crdit for my work.)

Thanks

Matt

[Peiling]

Hi i do.

you can take a look at this comprehensive website that i did on all the online sites, their pros and cons etc. Anything and everyhting u want to know.

All About Micro Stock

Cheers

[snapzz]

I sell quite a lot from my on-line galleries. I use the EOS Template to create them which comes complete with shopping cart and and a selection of on-line payment options which enables your customers to pay by credit card. Template is fully customisable and just tags onto your website. With a one off payment of only $70 and no other payment is very cost effective.

[bobinatcat]

Graham, can I get a link to yours?

Thanks

[Gary_Evans]

I use the EOS template too, if Graham is shy about his site. Which he isnt usually

I let him know you're asking

[snapzz]

Originally Posted by bobinatcat

Graham, can I get a link to yours?

Thanks

Yep no problem go to:
www.digitalphotoevents.co.uk

The EOS Template can be found at:
http://www.eostemplate.com/eos/index.html

Here you can see the different styles available but quite a few edit to match their own websites.

Hope this helps.

[Gary_Evans]

Didnt take him long. As you see, he's got a quiet day too!

[snapzz]

Originally Posted by Gary_Evans

Didnt take him long. As you see, he's got a quiet day too!

No quiet days for me especially when I've spent all evening helping you with your web galleries!

[Gary_Evans]

only in return for all the bookings I give you

[vladnl]

If I may jump in discussion....
Graham, would you mind to share your advertising strategies?
Thanks
Cheers
Vlad

[snapzz]

Originally Posted by vladnl

If I may jump in discussion....
Graham, would you mind to share your advertising strategies?
Thanks
Cheers
Vlad

Its all about specialising and building contacts. I spend very little on advertising. But I do spend time on my websites tho'. My wedding site is listed about 6th or 7th on page one on Google if searching for wedding photographers in my area. My events site is my selling tool or shop front. Although I cover a fairly wide range of events I do specialise in ice skating. I have just returned from the British Ice Dance & Figure Skating Championships which I was the official photographer. Achieving this gives me a very high standing in the ice skating world and from that section I donot go looking for work, it finds me. This leaves me time to look at other sports or events plus I sub contract for other companies. Track days is another area I am looking to build on but that is quite a competitive market and can be a dead loss if the weather is bad.

Look at the area you want to specialise in, do your homework then market yourself accordingly. Dont give up at the first hurdle. If it doesnt work then change your strategy and try again.You may need a little bit of luck but most successful people will earn that first bit.Lastly what ever you do make sure you have the tools to do the job.So this bit I will repeat. "Do your homework first!"

Sorry no little gems to pass on but hopefully this will encourage you to sit down and think.

[vladnl]

Thanks Graham,
I like your story and the way you do business. That concept is something that I'll try to achieve.
Deal is, I'm somewhat new to the Dutch market. I use to live in South Africa, and I was working for on line and print publication. Manly as a multimedia producer, and on sometimes photographer. That way I was introduced to many PR agencies, I had a friend which was editor in chief of another magazine, and practically the door of success was widely open. I've freelanced for a while, doing mainly corporate portraits, but the business side of photography was always something that I really didn't like or wanted to do, thus PR agencies did it for me
Considering that I've move to the Holland 3 yrs. ago and that I am still following the language course, market was quite gray area for me. Here I know no one, I don't socialize a lot neither I go out, at that point gray turns into black.
However, I'm not giving up, I invested in gear, shooting friends and family in a "pro" way (which obviously everyone of them likes), thinking a lot about business models and ideas and waiting for a spark.
Otherwise thank you again for inspiring and encouraging post.

Peace to all
Vladimir

[snapzz]

Vladimir
If people & portraits is your area then I would suggest you look at joining a professional body. We have three to choose from in the UK and at least two hold monthly meetings. These would be ideal for you to integrate into the pro photography market in Holland. You may learn about new techniques and marketing stratagies as well as making new friends. Another is any local business/social groups. Again we have several in my area to which I often attend black tie functions. Sorry I cannot suggest any over there as I dont know of any but good luck in the future and hope it goes well for you.

[britt777]

Graham I couldn't find you website using google. can you tell me what to google.
thanks
Brittany

[Gary_Evans]

He's not about much at the moment but look at

http://www.digitalphotoevents.co.uk/