misconceptions about microstock

“Make cash from your vacation photos” – that’s pretty much how microstock was viewed not too long ago. Unfortunately, some still view it the same way today in 2010/2011. Well, that’s no longer what it is (if it ever was to begin with).

There’s a ton of similar articles out there – some more useful and realistic than others. Below you’ll find my take on some of the most common mistakes microstock contributors make. I’ve been a contributor for more than four years and an editor/reviewer for over three of them. As such I’ve had the chance to look at the industry from two very different standpoints, the combination of which will hopefully enable me to help you at least a bit. Add to this my own mistakes and you have a lot to read.

Not taking it for what it is. Everyone comes to microstock with the goal of making some money. A lot of people, however, seem to forget that this is a business. Besides what you went there for (ie. your money), the agency also needs to make some for the service they offer and the customers want quality in exchange for what they give. Business as such isn’t always pretty – the competition becomes fiercer (pretty much by the day), your work gets rejected because it is (no longer) up to the standards, the strive for success becomes even more demanding. If you’re not ready for all of this, then you better toughen up because it’s coming your way no matter what.

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