Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(december 2009)
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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: 
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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.
