Microstock agencies-”top8-RazvanPhotography”(January 2010)

Romanian version

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.