Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(March 2010)
On this page, I will publish, on a monthly basis, the top of the agencies that are active within the microstock system, using the revenue of the previous month as a criterion. Ever since 2003, RazvanPhotography has been using more than 20 agencies in this system to sell photographs. This top includes the eight most developed agencies and, occasionally, it will include new ones that I may find promising. All the data published here reflect the opinions and experience of RazvanPhotography and may differ from other opinions present on the web. Nevertheless, I think that this page will be very useful in helping those interested in figuring out the microstock system. By studying my portfolio and my achievements on a particular site, they will be able to gather data that may be seminal to the development of their own portfolio. The photographs that are submitted to these agencies undergo a process of careful examination, which is a very important tool in achieving high standards of education in stock and commercial photography.
March 2010:
This month’s results were very good. All the major agencies yielded a bigger income, as compared to the previous month. The evolution was similar to that of the previous years, with March being among the best months of the year. As for myself, this month I reduced to a minimum my new uploads for a while, for various reasons. Under these circumstances, obtaining positive results proves very valuable, as it shows even when short production breaks occur, earnings can stay at the same level, even in these trying times. However, it will be interesting to see what the trend is over the next months. I invite you to read the following report to find out about this month’s details.
top8-RazvanPhotography
1. Fotolia: 
About My Portfolio Register
Fotolia has made great progress, becoming this month’s leader. There haven’t been any unpleasant announcements, contrary to what had been customary, and larely there have been a great number of downloads.
2. iStockphoto: About My portfolio Register
This agency has registered surprising progress, that shows a significant difference between independent photographers and exclusive ones. Having in view that the selection of photos is pretty restrictive, strict and many a time, although professional and effective, subjective nevertheless, the images that get selected by the inspectors yield very good results. The uploading trend they want to impose is also very interesting. They limit the number of images one can upload per month, especially for independent photographers. Thus, those who produce a great number of images find themselves in difficulty, since their production is too big for what the agency demands. It is as if what is being tried is a change of one of the basic ideas of stock photography: “ Stock photography is a game of numbers.” By using these uploading rules, they stimulate the ability of selecting subjects that are suitable for stock photography, to the detriment of the sole importance of the sheer number of photos, which, for the time being, is a positive aspect for photographic activity in general, or at least that is what I think.
My best images on iStockphoto
3. Shutterstock: About My Portfolio Register
This month’s results are superior to those obtained over the previous month, but far more inferior to those pertaining to the first two agencies in top8 RazvanPhotography. This agency specializes in selling photos mostly on a subscription basis and where that principle holds true which says that “ Stock photography is a play of numbers.” The problem over the past few months has been that, because of the huge number of photos they have in their collection, one finds it difficult to obtain results comparable to the past ones, irrespective of how many photos one uploads over a given time interval. It will be interesting to see how things will evolve in this case. We must not forget that Shutterstock bought Bigstock, which sells classic images and which Shutterstock has been successfully developed during the past months. The future is very promising in this sector.
4. Dreamstime: About My Portfolio Register
Results are good, although the problem with this agency remains the fact that the number of downloads is still too small to generate a satisfactory total income, despite the fact that the price per download is the highest among microstock agencies.
My best images on Dreamstime
5. Bigstockphoto: About My Portfolio Register
Again, a very good result with this agency. It will be interesting to see whether it will ever succeed in yielding better results than those yielded by Shutterstock.
My best images on Bigstockphoto
6. 123RF: About My Portfolio Register
This month’s evolution is, once again, remarkable when we speak about 123RF. Things might get significantly better if the trend continues and the pace stays the same.
My best images on 123RF
7. ScandinavianStockPhoto: About My Portfolio Register
Without standing out, just as always, Scanstockphoto holds this month’s last but one position in top8-RazvanPhotography.
My best images on Scanstockphoto
8. Canstockphoto: 
Descriere Portofoliul meu Inregistreaza-te
Canstockphoto has a very unsatisfactory evolution, since it is the only agency in this top that yields results that are inferior to those obtained during the previous months.
My best images on Canstockphoto
Nota:This page will be updated on a monthly basis. The next update is scheduled for April 24th 2010.
Quotes about photography-Edward Weston
Today the quote is:
Consulting the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk. Such rules and laws are deduced from the accomplished fact; they are the products of reflection…- Edward Weston
Interesting thoughts about the rules in photography.
Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(February 2010)
On this page, I will publish, on a monthly basis, the top of the agencies that are active within the microstock system, using the revenue of the previous month as a criterion. Ever since 2003, RazvanPhotography has been using more than 20 agencies in this system to sell photographs. This top includes the eight most developed agencies and, occasionally, it will include new ones that I may find promising. All the data published here reflect the opinions and experience of RazvanPhotography and may differ from other opinions present on the web. Nevertheless, I think that this page will be very useful in helping those interested in figuring out the microstock system. By studying my portfolio and my achievements on a particular site, they will be able to gather data that may be seminal to the development of their own portfolio. The photographs that are submitted to these agencies undergo a process of careful examination, which is a very important tool in achieving high standards of education in stock and commercial photography.
February 2010:
As always, even if shorter than the other months, February was extremely interesting and intense in terms of results. A far as I am concerned, the major events were the apparition of a new agency with fairly good potential, Deposit Photos and an extremely interesting statement by istockphoto, which consolidated the agency’s leading role on the microstock segment of stock photography. Please go through the following to find more details.
top8-RazvanPhotography
1. Shutterstock: About My Portfolio Register
Shutterstock climbs back to pole position in “top8-RazvanPhotography” after nothing spectacular occurring within the agency. They launched a new programme facilitating the individual promotion of photographers’ galleries by a Facebook application. We expect them to make major announcements concerning prices. I think their attention is focused on the development of their latest acquisition, namely Bigstockphoto.
2. Fotolia: About My Portfolio Register
Even if it has had a relatively steady evolution as compared with the previous month, Fotolia cannot maintain its leading position. Note should be made that recently they have changed the conditions under which photographers can donate free pictures to the site. Now they require that the pictures remain on the site for five years as compared with the 1.5 years stipulated previously. Unfairly, they included automatically the pictures donated under the 1.5 year-rule. It seems that unfair change of rules is a characteristic of this agency.
3. iStockphoto: About My portfolio Register
iStockphoto goes down to the third position in “top 8-RazvanPhotography” , with an acceptable evolution. They made an extremely interesting announcement that makes them worth the title of agency of the month: they postponed the moment they are going to change the classification system of photographs (cans). Actually, they mention the possibility of full cancellation of this action by a later decision. If they cancel this action, which I consider profoundly unjust, it will be an important success giving them an advantage over competing agencies that change rules randomly and surprisingly.
My best images on iStockphoto
4. Dreamstime: About My Portfolio Register
Dreamstime maintains its position, this time on a descendent trend. Similarly to previous changes and in spite of obvious achievements based on the best price per download (PPD), the latest changes operated by the agency have not generated a stable income increase. The total number of sales is still too low.
My best images on Dreamstime
5. Depositphotos: About My Portfolio Register
Depositphotos is a new agency that tries to attract an important number of photographers. Their program offers $0.25 per each accepted photography for the first 500 pictures. Those who have this number of pictures available think that the collaboration is worth trying. I am going to follow attentively the sales potential of this agency.
6. Bigstockphoto: About My Portfolio Register
After a few months of decline, it seems that this agency has started recovery probably due to the fact that Shutterstock is its new owner.
My best images on Bigstockphoto
7. 123RF: About My Portfolio Register
This is the second consecutive monthly increase of 123RF agency, which seems to be preparing an important promotional campaign with a much more attractive website with enhanced functionality.
My best images on 123RF
8. Canstockphoto: Descriere Portofoliul meu Inregistreaza-te
Canstockphoto maintains its last position in “top8-RazvanPhotography”.
My best images on Canstockphoto
Nota:This page will be updated on a monthly basis. The next update is scheduled for April 12th 2010.
Quotes about photography-Henri Cartier-Bresson
Today the quote is:
To take photographs means to recognize — simultaneously and within a fraction of a second — both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one’s head, one’s eye and one’s heart on the same axis. It’s a way of life.-Henri Cartier-Bresson
A very exactly definition of street photography told by the father of modern photojournalism.
If you want to find more things about Henri Cartier-Bresson you might find useful to visit the following links:
Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(January 2010)
On this page, I will publish, on a monthly basis, the top of the agencies that are active within the microstock system, using the revenue of the previous month as a criterion. Ever since 2003, RazvanPhotography has been using more than 20 agencies in this system to sell photographs. This top includes the eight most developed agencies and, occasionally, it will include new ones that I may find promising. All the data published here reflect the opinions and experience of RazvanPhotography and may differ from other opinions present on the web. Nevertheless, I think that this page will be very useful in helping those interested in figuring out the microstock system. By studying my portfolio and my achievements on a particular site, they will be able to gather data that may be seminal to the development of their own portfolio. The photographs that are submitted to these agencies undergo a process of careful examination, which is a very important tool in achieving high standards of education in stock and commercial photography.
January 2010:
The beginning of 2010 shows a lot of convulsions, generated by the extremely diverse offers and changes that have been made by agencies, which find themselves engaged in a very tough competition, that has even lead to the disappearance of some very important players in this industry. Of course, this has had important repercussions, inasmuch as photographers are concerned. These changes are not always well-grounded or correct from all points of view, but this should not come as a surprise, since it’s all about business and everything is allowed and possible in this world of ours. Generally speaking, the concept of exclusivity, as applied to photographs, is becoming ever more attractive, due to ever more attractive offers, but, for now, I consider that non-exclusivity remains more lucrative. This month’s earnings dropped slightly, as compared to the same time last year. Read about the evolution of each agency to see the specific details.
1. Fotolia: About My Portfolio Register
Fotolia remains in pole position, showing a slight involution as compared to December 2009. After a few rough days at the beginning of the month, caused by introducing the tax applied to sales towards American clients, things got back on course, as the matter was concluded reasonably.
2. iStockphoto: About My portfolio Register
It maintains its second position in “top 8-RazvanPhotography”, although the trend of this agency is clearly a negative one, as a direct consequence of changes regarding commissions and prices, operated at the beginning of the month, and of its browsing and sorting system. During this month, they will also change the system of classification of photographs (cans), one of the most arguable measures agencies have undertaken lately. It is as if people started running the marathon and, after 10 or 20 kilometres, they are told the distance changed from 42 to 84 kilometers, because the number of participants is too large, as compared to what the organizers expected it to be. But then again, all is “justified” when it comes to doing business.
My best images on iStockphoto
3. Shutterstock: About My Portfolio Register
Shutterstock stays in the third position, having a slightly positive trend, which is good, considering the overall evolution of revenues during this month. Nothing has been announced yet and no changes scheduled for March have been hinted at yet, which is quite unusual for this agency.
4. Dreamstime: About My Portfolio Register
Dreamstime is in the same position as last month and continues to have a positive trend. The agency evolves positively and is capable of generating the best price per download (PPD), but, unfortunately, the number of downloads is not as good as with agencies that are placed higher in “top 8-RazvanPhotography”.
My best images on Dreamstime
5. Stockxpert: About My Portfolio Register
StockXpert has undergone a very important decline, due to the fact that Getty Images and iStockphoto, the companies that have been managing this agency over the past months, wish to limit its activity. Moreover, SotckXpert has stopped its activity and announced it is closed for business and will cease to exist as of 11th February. Therefore, this is the last time it appears in “top 8-RazvanPhotography”.
My best images on Stockxpert
6. Bigstockphoto: About My Portfolio Register
In this case, the diminished turnover generated by this agency makes us wonder if it is probable that Bigstockphoto be the next small agency to be closed by its new owners, namely Shutterstock.
My best images on Bigstockphoto
7. 123RF: About My Portfolio Register
Having a positive evolution this time, 123rf.com manages to stay for one more month in “top8-RazvanPhotography”, which is a good performance for this agency.
My best images on 123RF
8. Canstockphoto: Descriere Portofoliul meu Inregistreaza-te
Canstockphoto has progressed and comes back in the last position in “top8-RazvanPhotography”.
My best images on Canstockphoto
Nota:This page will be updated on a monthly basis. The next update is scheduled for March 10th 2010.
Quotes about photography-Ansel Adams
I am going to post now and then some interesting quotes of the big photographers. I think these are very useful for those who try to enter and understand this complex world full of passion.
Today the quote is:
Not every quote I will publish is suitable to express the ideas of stock photography, but the above one can be the essence of what good stock photography is.
If you don’t know who is Ansel Adams maybe it is useful for you to visit these resources:
If you want to suggest me a quote to publish it please contact me
Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(december 2009)
On this page, I will publish, on a monthly basis, the top of the agencies that are active within the microstock system, using the revenue of the previous month as a criterion. Ever since 2003, RazvanPhotography has been using more than 20 agencies in this system to sell photographs. This top includes the eight most developed agencies and, occasionally, it will include new ones that I may find promising. All the data published here reflect the opinions and experience of RazvanPhotography and may differ from other opinions present on the web. Nevertheless, I think that this page will be very useful in helping those interested in figuring out the microstock system. By studying my portfolio and my achievements on a particular site, they will be able to gather data that may be seminal to the development of their own portfolio. The photographs that are submitted to these agencies undergo a process of careful examination, which is a very important tool in achieving high standards of education in stock and commercial photography.
December 2009:
This was a very interesting month, as some of the best agencies announced important changes in 2010. The general trend was better than average this December, but there have also been some unpleasant surprises, which you will discover while going through the list below.
1. Fotolia: About My Portfolio Register
Fotolia reached the top position, after a very good evolution. The future will be very interesting, since, as of this month, they will also introduce a tax for sales to American clients. This may lead to a slightly diminished monthly income.
2. iStockphoto: About My portfolio Register
This agency had a very good evolution this month and therefore it climbs one position in “top8-RazvanPhotography”. They announced changes that are very important and, at the same time, arguable, which are very likely to put independent photographers at a disadvantage and favour exclusive photographers. It will be interesting to see what its trend is over the following period..
My best images on iStockphoto
3. Shutterstock: About My Portfolio Register
The agency disappointed during this month, hence it falls all the way to the third position. They have not announced any important changes for next year yet, as they usually do this in March.
4. Dreamstime: About My Portfolio Register
Dreamstime remains on the same position it held last month, but this time its trend is extremely positive. This is largely due to the new prices they announced. It will be interesting to see whether this positive trend will last or it is only temporary.
My best images on Dreamstime
5. Stockxpert: About My Portfolio Register
It is safe to say that Stockxpert had a typical evolution during the month of December, as the income diminished very much. They announced important changes concerning sales of photos based on submissions. The trend seems to show the public has become less interested in this agency, moving over to iStockphoto.com, which has been in charge of this agency for a while.
My best images on Stockxpert
6. Bigstockphoto: About My Portfolio Register
Its evolution was typical for December. The income diminished, probably only temporarily.
My best images on Bigstockphoto
7. 123RF: About My Portfolio Register
Although this is another case of involution, typical for any month of December, 123rf.com manages to keep its position in “top8-RazvanPhotography”, which is a good performance for this agency.
My best images on 123RF
8. ScandinavianStockPhoto: About My Portfolio Register
This is a re-entry, due to achievements that are by no means outstanding, but, on the other hand, December is always a slow month.
My best images on Scanstockphoto
Nota:This page will be updated on a monthly basis. The next update is scheduled for February 8th 2010.
Happy New Year 2010
Hello everybody and Happy New Year !!!
The holiday is over now. 2009 was a great year for RazvanPhotography. I have a portfolio containing over 6000 images, I can produce about 200-300 images/month,and I get over 35000 individual licenses yearly.In 2010 I will increase the size of my portfolio to over 10000 images. Currently I am focused on producing very high quality images covering a wide range of subjects.That is why I produce a relatively small number of images monthly, comparing with other top producers in stock photography.
You can license our images on these agencies:
Shutterstock, Fotolia, iStockphoto, StockXpert, Dreamstime, Bigstockphoto, 123RF, ScandinavianStockPhoto, Shutterpoint
Water drop
I the beginning of January I will do a lot of water drops and water splashes shots.I hope to generate a very attractive gallery and I will present it on this blog.So please come back to enjoy fantastic shots.
