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Author Topic: This month's sales  (Read 151062 times)

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« Reply #650 on: February 06, 2025, 09:11 »
0
RPD Adobe:

2019: 0.64
2020: 0.71
2021: 0.95
2022: 0.87
2023: 1.00
2024: 0.99

the RPD is good,what I lack is the quantity,the number of sales is too low,the increase between one year and another is practically insignificant,only between 2022 and 2023 was there a significant increase.

even in these first 6 days of February I sold the same number as February 2024,two less sales to be exact.

real photos or AI makes no difference,it depends on what it is and how it is made.

one of the biggest problem in my opinion are the free sites,for example I read news every day and every day I see content downloaded for free from free sites,all lost customers.

and I'll also add something important in my opinion:

the content I made in 2024 sells.

my seventh bestseller is a content made at the beginning of December 2024,and among the first 100 bestsellers 20 are new contents.

therefore the new contents that I have created sell,only that these sales are not added to the old contents,and the number of sales always remains more or less the same.

This in my opinion is an important thing to highlight.


« Reply #651 on: February 06, 2025, 09:17 »
0
I guess depends what you are shooting. A good glass still wont be cheap. Example
I have Canon EF macro 100mm L which cost me nearly 1k, and provideds
Me with amazing results compared to the 50mm lens which cost me 130.

Yes, the quality will be better with expensive glass - I didn't dispute that :). It just doesn't matter for microstock, where in probably over 99% of cases buyers don't care about high-resolution image quality.

« Reply #652 on: February 06, 2025, 10:10 »
0
I do a lot with my mobile phone, especially editorial.

Ok, I upgraded to the new iphone 16 pro max...but the iphone 13 was fine for most things. But in lower light there is a visible difference also stabilization is better.

ai can be quite expensive. I know some nerdy types install it all on their computer and save a ton of money, I pay for midjourney and flux every month plus I often buy extra credits/hours.

So for me it is not cheap, but i am learning, so gradually costs for prompting will go down.

So for me, I have good camera gear, nice glass, doing things with camera is cheaper.

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #653 on: February 06, 2025, 11:57 »
+1
I wont say using a camera is cheaper. I would probably say using Ai is cheaper. To get a decent camera, you need to invest couple of grands, you want awesome quality, you need top notch glass, that aint cheaper. But yes, it is quicker at some point to click the button and take the photo.
Not necessarily true, except probably for wildlife, sports and high-end portrait photography. I often sell files made with an entry level DSLR and glass I bought over 10 years ago. Current value of the whole system is probably below $100. If you are on budget, you can get a perfectly fine used camera and glass for maybe below $300-400.

I guess depends what you are shooting. A good glass still wont be cheap. Example
I have Canon EF macro 100mm L which cost me nearly 1k, and provideds
Me with amazing results compared to the 50mm lens which cost me 130.

Because of mirrorless, the value of the EF for a DSLR has taken a dive. The 100mm Macro is under $250 now. If someone wants to save some money, the supply won't last forever. Someone can get a nice 18MP DSLR used for around $250. Then a nice sharp 70-200 f/4 under $400 but there's a really good, high quality sharp zoom. In my version of what someone could get, that and the memory cards and batteries, for around $1,000 would be a very top quality system, that isn't using lesser quality lenses, which can be a constant cause of flaws and a need for editing.

I'm still not sold on AI, and as others have pointed out, it takes some work, to get a good image from prompts, that's what you want, and then a bit of time to edit and make it right.

I'd say, either can be about the same, in many ways. I can make a photo in minutes, but still the idea, the location, the setup, anything else, takes time. Just like AI, where getting the prompt right and getting a good starting image, takes time.

Editing, depending, could take about the same amount of time. Personally a photo takes less time than going over every inch of an AI image. Since I won't pay for AI, I don't know how the sizes are, straight from the generated output. If they are as small as what I see, then there's another problem, upsizing, cleaning and repairing.

Oh was this, this months sales?  ;) Adobe is still best for me. SS is nothing but dimes.

Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...

« Reply #654 on: February 06, 2025, 12:40 »
0
I wont say using a camera is cheaper. I would probably say using Ai is cheaper. To get a decent camera, you need to invest couple of grands, you want awesome quality, you need top notch glass, that aint cheaper. But yes, it is quicker at some point to click the button and take the photo.
Not necessarily true, except probably for wildlife, sports and high-end portrait photography. I often sell files made with an entry level DSLR and glass I bought over 10 years ago. Current value of the whole system is probably below $100. If you are on budget, you can get a perfectly fine used camera and glass for maybe below $300-400.

I guess depends what you are shooting. A good glass still wont be cheap. Example
I have Canon EF macro 100mm L which cost me nearly 1k, and provideds
Me with amazing results compared to the 50mm lens which cost me 130.

Because of mirrorless, the value of the EF for a DSLR has taken a dive. The 100mm Macro is under $250 now. If someone wants to save some money, the supply won't last forever. Someone can get a nice 18MP DSLR used for around $250. Then a nice sharp 70-200 f/4 under $400 but there's a really good, high quality sharp zoom. In my version of what someone could get, that and the memory cards and batteries, for around $1,000 would be a very top quality system, that isn't using lesser quality lenses, which can be a constant cause of flaws and a need for editing.

I'm still not sold on AI, and as others have pointed out, it takes some work, to get a good image from prompts, that's what you want, and then a bit of time to edit and make it right.

I'd say, either can be about the same, in many ways. I can make a photo in minutes, but still the idea, the location, the setup, anything else, takes time. Just like AI, where getting the prompt right and getting a good starting image, takes time.

Editing, depending, could take about the same amount of time. Personally a photo takes less time than going over every inch of an AI image. Since I won't pay for AI, I don't know how the sizes are, straight from the generated output. If they are as small as what I see, then there's another problem, upsizing, cleaning and repairing.

Oh was this, this months sales?  ;) Adobe is still best for me. SS is nothing but dimes.

Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...

Not a chance you can get the Canon 100L version for that low money. I just had a look, and the lowest I found was 450. Which  is still a lot.  I am shocked because this lens on Canon website is now 1300 when I paid for it 890 years ago. Means is still in demand.

I still plan to get a mirrorless camera hopefully soon. Aiming for R6 M2.

But have some gear around me, definitely won't sell any of lenses.

Canon 7D Mark II
Canon M50 M I
Insta360 x3
GoPro12
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 IS L II
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II
Canon EF 100mm macro USM f2.8 IS L
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 STM Wide Angle Zoom
Speedlite 600 EX II-RT
DJI Air 2s
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Avata
DJI OM6

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #655 on: February 06, 2025, 13:07 »
0

Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...

Not a chance you can get the Canon 100L version for that low money. I just had a look, and the lowest I found was 450. Which  is still a lot.  I am shocked because this lens on Canon website is now 1300 when I paid for it 890 years ago. Means is still in demand.

I still plan to get a mirrorless camera hopefully soon. Aiming for R6 M2.

But have some gear around me, definitely won't sell any of lenses.

Canon 7D Mark II
Canon M50 M I
Insta360 x3
GoPro12
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 IS L II
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II
Canon EF 100mm macro USM f2.8 IS L
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 STM Wide Angle Zoom
Speedlite 600 EX II-RT
DJI Air 2s
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Avata
DJI OM6

Nice collection and I know how we all do that, more and more.

Yes a chance:

Sold this morning just so it's not some ancient news or stale.

I have a original M now as my car camera. That's a long way from an A1200 that used to ride next to the hand brake. Just in case...

But still the original point is, someone could get started without a huge investment. I think editing software is an investment, and then time, time, time.

« Reply #656 on: February 06, 2025, 13:57 »
0

Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...

Not a chance you can get the Canon 100L version for that low money. I just had a look, and the lowest I found was 450. Which  is still a lot.  I am shocked because this lens on Canon website is now 1300 when I paid for it 890 years ago. Means is still in demand.

I still plan to get a mirrorless camera hopefully soon. Aiming for R6 M2.

But have some gear around me, definitely won't sell any of lenses.

Canon 7D Mark II
Canon M50 M I
Insta360 x3
GoPro12
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 IS L II
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II
Canon EF 100mm macro USM f2.8 IS L
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 STM Wide Angle Zoom
Speedlite 600 EX II-RT
DJI Air 2s
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Avata
DJI OM6

Nice collection and I know how we all do that, more and more.

Yes a chance:

Sold this morning just so it's not some ancient news or stale.

I have a original M now as my car camera. That's a long way from an A1200 that used to ride next to the hand brake. Just in case...

But still the original point is, someone could get started without a huge investment. I think editing software is an investment, and then time, time, time.

I said the L version. The premium Macro lens you won't find cheaper. Thanks. I use to do weddings and portraits, sadly I can't get more leads, not sure why. I guess because if financial crisis and people don't want to spend money of photography.

« Reply #657 on: February 06, 2025, 14:46 »
0
Everybody has an Uncle Bob with a great camera...but yes, people are hurting, the pandemic was financially bad to many people plus inflation is crazy.

« Reply #658 on: February 07, 2025, 07:45 »
+1
Everybody has an Uncle Bob with a great camera...but yes, people are hurting, the pandemic was financially bad to many people plus inflation is crazy.

Inflation is deliberate theft by the people who print money, i.e., the fed/reserve/etc.. The reason there is 'inflation' - is because the money supply in many cases was increased by at least 2x. If you have '1 trillion dollars' - and then another 1 trillion is printed - and one person keeps that 1 trillion - for everyone else the value of their fiat currency was decreased by 50%. It is theft - without anyone having to go in your home/in your bank account/etc. It is very very deliberate.

« Reply #659 on: February 07, 2025, 07:51 »
+1
In my 15 years of stock I have always uploaded about 400 images per year ... just over 1 per day.

I have always looked for the highest quality. Sometimes I spent 3 hours retouching an image. In addition to the time and cost to take it.

And this brought me an income of between 3k and 4k per month until two/three years ago. This income also includes the sale of prints and licenses through my website. I also spent a lot of time on marketing.

Then, in the last 3 years, with the collapse of sales on Shutterstock, and the arrival of AI on Adobe Stock and on POD sites, everything became much more complicated and the old strategies no longer worked. And I lose about 1K per month compared to before. Now, I am at the limit for a European salary.

My photos are much better than those of 5 or 10 years ago, but the highest quality no longer works as before.

The reason? I don't know.

Some hypotheses:

- The average quality has increased thanks to new software that is easier to use. So I have new competitors.
- The arrival of AI that allows good quality (at low resolution) and, above all, incredible production speed.
- The tsunami of AI images on Adobe and on Pods sites has obscured my visibility. Portfolios with many images are more visible than mine
- Every year, RPD gets lower and lower

Last year I uploaded almost 700 images and this year I would like to upload 100 per month. I have slightly lowered the quality to increase the quantity.

However, I am not sure that this choice is the right one.

I'd agree with all your assessments/hypotheses here. Also - if your net income "only" dropped by $1k - you are actually still doing quite well in spite of all the new competition.

Knowing that then - the question is - what do you do about it?
a) You can produce more. That is the hamster on the wheel thing though, unless you can spam all you can.
b) You can figure out how to market better. Not as 'easy' to do for people - so - gives you a bit of an edge.
c) Figure out how to make your images stand out more. I do agree with cobalts insight that the east indian spammers simply copy off other people for the most part - so by having a unique portfolio - not necessarily 'best sellers' - but consistent sellers - makes it last longer.

I would not lower your quality, otherwise you reduce your distinguishing features - plus - you won't feel good about it longterm. Money is not the "only" thing. Figure out how to increase your production speed while maintaining your quality.

« Reply #660 on: February 07, 2025, 09:13 »
+1
I would also add that since 2020, agencies such as shuttersh!t have found a way to tweak the algorithm, so that you never reach your financial goal and end up perpetually chasing the carrot. This benefits them because month after month you're filling up their database with media for AI training, which can be sold and marketed to 3rd party companies in a myriad of ways (hummm very lucrative), while at the same time they get to continually pay you the bare minimum.

« Reply #661 on: February 07, 2025, 10:09 »
+1
I would also add that since 2020, agencies such as shuttersh!t have found a way to tweak the algorithm, so that you never reach your financial goal and end up perpetually chasing the carrot. This benefits them because month after month you're filling up their database with media for AI training, which can be sold and marketed to 3rd party companies in a myriad of ways (hummm very lucrative), while at the same time they get to continually pay you the bare minimum.

So far this year zero P5 sales.  about 4000 assets.  Ever since SS took over sales stopped for me.  Here we are in 2025 and still not a single sale.

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #662 on: February 07, 2025, 13:04 »
0
I said the L version. The premium Macro lens you won't find cheaper. Thanks. I use to do weddings and portraits, sadly I can't get more leads, not sure why. I guess because if financial crisis and people don't want to spend money of photography.

Oops, the regular f/2.8 is quite good as well. Yes, any L lens is going to be expensive and, worth it, if someone cares about the extra quality in construction and the images. Smart shopping and being patient is important. A great all around lens.

The 70-200 2.8 peaks at about 45-48 lines per mm at f/5.6. (Varies by focal length). However, the 100mm at f4 and f/5.6 it resolves about 54 lines per mm. Canon 300mm f2.8 II is the sharpest lens Canon has ever made as tested by DXO. Followed closely by the RF 135mm 1.8 and EF 85mm 1.4. I'd ay any of those, would be a good choice, depending on what someone intends to shoot



The RF lenses and cameras have been kicking the heck out of EF lens prices, especially if someone is willing to buy from Japan. But it's not just new RF, the RF lens test ratings are better than the EF.

I was kind of collecting my opinion of the best Canon EF L lenses. The 135mm L is one of them. I probably paid too much, at an auction, no box, no bag, no hood, just a lens and lens cap. But it's every bit as sharp as promised. The 200mm f/1.8 will be hoarded. I'm not so sure that the F/2 isn't just as good. 70-200mm I dropped to the f/4 non-is version, for the value vs the cost. I don't shoot low light, I don't use IS. "good enough"  ;) I used the money from selling the big ass, IS USM f/2.8 to buy a 400mm f/5.6. Sometimes finances demand a step down.

I agree with you, the theory for anyone, should be the best lens that someone can afford, that meets the needs of what they shoot the most. That's the first lens they should buy, and then figure out the camera second. That lens will still be great in ten years and often, most people, will have replaced the camera body 2 or 3 times as sensors and electronics are improved.
« Last Edit: February 07, 2025, 13:06 by Uncle Pete »

« Reply #663 on: February 07, 2025, 13:22 »
+1
I said the L version. The premium Macro lens you won't find cheaper. Thanks. I use to do weddings and portraits, sadly I can't get more leads, not sure why. I guess because if financial crisis and people don't want to spend money of photography.

Oops, the regular f/2.8 is quite good as well. Yes, any L lens is going to be expensive and, worth it, if someone cares about the extra quality in construction and the images. Smart shopping and being patient is important. A great all around lens.

The 70-200 2.8 peaks at about 45-48 lines per mm at f/5.6. (Varies by focal length). However, the 100mm at f4 and f/5.6 it resolves about 54 lines per mm. Canon 300mm f2.8 II is the sharpest lens Canon has ever made as tested by DXO. Followed closely by the RF 135mm 1.8 and EF 85mm 1.4. I'd ay any of those, would be a good choice, depending on what someone intends to shoot



The RF lenses and cameras have been kicking the heck out of EF lens prices, especially if someone is willing to buy from Japan. But it's not just new RF, the RF lens test ratings are better than the EF.

I was kind of collecting my opinion of the best Canon EF L lenses. The 135mm L is one of them. I probably paid too much, at an auction, no box, no bag, no hood, just a lens and lens cap. But it's every bit as sharp as promised. The 200mm f/1.8 will be hoarded. I'm not so sure that the F/2 isn't just as good. 70-200mm I dropped to the f/4 non-is version, for the value vs the cost. I don't shoot low light, I don't use IS. "good enough"  ;) I used the money from selling the big ass, IS USM f/2.8 to buy a 400mm f/5.6. Sometimes finances demand a step down.

I agree with you, the theory for anyone, should be the best lens that someone can afford, that meets the needs of what they shoot the most. That's the first lens they should buy, and then figure out the camera second. That lens will still be great in ten years and often, most people, will have replaced the camera body 2 or 3 times as sensors and electronics are improved.

My plan for this year to upgrade to Canon R6 M2, will be still using my EF L lenses as these have been purchased brand new, and  these are in mint condition. Will invest in RF lenses in the future, especially want to get into wildlife photography.

But yes, I've looked even here in UK, the price for some EF lenses are still expensive.

By the way, feel free to join one of my forum for such gear discussions:  https://explorness.com

« Reply #664 on: February 08, 2025, 05:15 »
+1
Everybody has an Uncle Bob with a great camera...but yes, people are hurting, the pandemic was financially bad to many people plus inflation is crazy.

Inflation is deliberate theft by the people who print money, i.e., the fed/reserve/etc.. The reason there is 'inflation' - is because the money supply in many cases was increased by at least 2x. If you have '1 trillion dollars' - and then another 1 trillion is printed - and one person keeps that 1 trillion - for everyone else the value of their fiat currency was decreased by 50%. It is theft - without anyone having to go in your home/in your bank account/etc. It is very very deliberate.

fully agree. countries take out loans, then print money to pay them back cheaper. and the population has to pay twice, with their taxes and through inflation.


« Reply #665 on: February 08, 2025, 13:42 »
+1
I would also add that since 2020, agencies such as shuttersh!t have found a way to tweak the algorithm, so that you never reach your financial goal and end up perpetually chasing the carrot. This benefits them because month after month you're filling up their database with media for AI training, which can be sold and marketed to 3rd party companies in a myriad of ways (hummm very lucrative), while at the same time they get to continually pay you the bare minimum.

So far this year zero P5 sales.  about 4000 assets.  Ever since SS took over sales stopped for me.  Here we are in 2025 and still not a single sale.

I know what you mean, feels like P5 has been on life support since convid.

What were your sales like in 2024 with P5?


« Reply #666 on: February 08, 2025, 14:30 »
+1
I would also add that since 2020, agencies such as shuttersh!t have found a way to tweak the algorithm, so that you never reach your financial goal and end up perpetually chasing the carrot. This benefits them because month after month you're filling up their database with media for AI training, which can be sold and marketed to 3rd party companies in a myriad of ways (hummm very lucrative), while at the same time they get to continually pay you the bare minimum.

So far this year zero P5 sales.  about 4000 assets.  Ever since SS took over sales stopped for me.  Here we are in 2025 and still not a single sale.

I know what you mean, feels like P5 has been on life support since convid.

What were your sales like in 2024 with P5?

I made $500 for the year. Previous year $1580, and about 2200 in 2022.


« Reply #667 on: March 02, 2025, 06:47 »
+2
February horrible.  >:(

Worst earnings since 2013 on SS.

Downloads decreased only 5% from Feb 2024 and increased from Jan 2025 (+3%), but RPD is a disgrace: $0.42. My worst ever.

No sales over $15 ... never happened.

The only good news is Adobe Stock. I have always stayed between 2500 and 3000 in the ranking ... and made one of my best earnings ever.

Unfortunately, this does not compensate for my losses on SS (which has always been by far my best agency and still is despite heavy losses) and other agencies.

After 15 years, I am very close to ending my experience as a full-time.  :'(

It is becoming an unsustainable business.

There is no room for professionals in this industry anymore. It is becoming exclusively an amateur activity to buy some equipment and take a few trips.

I should increase uploads even more, but I can't. I have reached my physical limit. I am too tired and I get to the evening with little energy.

The slice of the cake that the agencies take is too big, we contributors are left with only the crumbs, * them!  :-X
« Last Edit: March 02, 2025, 06:50 by Bauman »

Mir

« Reply #668 on: March 02, 2025, 07:21 »
+1
Well, my RPD on SS was 0.21 since there were no extended licenses(or whatever they are called nowadays) this month.

« Reply #669 on: March 02, 2025, 08:39 »
0
. error, sorry  8)
« Last Edit: March 02, 2025, 08:42 by Bauman »

Brasilnut

  • Author Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock & Blog

« Reply #670 on: March 02, 2025, 13:30 »
+2
https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2025/02/28/february-2025-brutally-honest-earnings-report/

Summary: My drone sales accounted to roughly 1/3 of my monthly earnings despite being less than 10% of total assets.

« Reply #671 on: March 03, 2025, 17:25 »
+4
Shutterstock - earnings fell below $100 for the first time since April 2022 when I had a video port at least 5x smaller that it is now.

Shutterstock - a 11-day consecutive period of non-video sales not seen since... oh also April 2022... when I had a video port at least 5x smaller that it is now.

Also to mention multiple pathetic $1 video sales when they did sell.

Adobe Stock did very well for February 2025.

Overall earnings were lowest + first time under $1k month since January 2024 and if not for a late sale of $117.90 on Pond5 would of been lowest since March 2023.

A poor month with exception of Adobe Stock which performed well.   
   

 


« Reply #672 on: March 06, 2025, 02:41 »
0
February 25 was 68% more overall than Feb 24 and for Adobe it was 80% more yoy. When istock comes in February will be 70% overall.  Currently 7900 files on Adobe.

Still a long way to go for a full time income. With everything together probably 750 dollars for Feb 25.

This month I want to focus on all the unprocessed videos I have. Thank you everyone for the great tips.

I am still 95% supplying only adobe and dreamstime.

« Last Edit: March 06, 2025, 02:44 by cobalt »

« Reply #673 on: March 06, 2025, 06:05 »
+3
Shutterstock - earnings fell below $100 for the first time since April 2022 when I had a video port at least 5x smaller that it is now.

Shutterstock - a 11-day consecutive period of non-video sales not seen since... oh also April 2022... when I had a video port at least 5x smaller that it is now.

Also to mention multiple pathetic $1 video sales when they did sell.

Adobe Stock did very well for February 2025.

Overall earnings were lowest + first time under $1k month since January 2024 and if not for a late sale of $117.90 on Pond5 would of been lowest since March 2023.

A poor month with exception of Adobe Stock which performed well.   
   

This also pretty much sums up my own experience with both SS and Adobe in February and the overall trend.

SS video is nothing short of pathetic even though I'm increasing my port.


 

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