Microstock photography has grown dramatically during the last few years and not without controversy. Many traditional stock photographers has cursed microstock photography for undercutting prices now when you can buy an image for under a dollar.
Why has microstock photography become so popular?
I think it’s because it enabled the hobby photographer to enter the scene without having a massive portfolio of images and expensive equipment.
Here’s the main advantages with microstock photography seen from a hobby photographer.
Inexpensive equipment
You can use fairly inexpensive entry level camera equipment and still sell your images through microstock agencies.
Easy submission requirements
The submission requirements are fairly easy compared to many traditional stock agencies, especially the high end stock agencies.
Fast results
In traditional stock photography it takes months or even years to see any noticeable results as it can take a long time before your first sale. In microstock photography you can see almost instant result because of the low price and frequent sales.
Fast feedback
Microstock photography also give you a chance to quickly see if the images you submit are sellable because of the cheap price and frequent sales. You can quickly analyze the result and change the type of images you submit based on the result.
Now to the question, should you sell through microstock agencies or through traditional stock agencies?
My answer is: BOTH!
I don’t see any reasons to limit your market reach by only selling through one or the other. I market my images through both microstock agencies and traditional stock agencies without any issues.
Increase your market reach and submit your images to as many agencies as is practical and your sales will increase.
