Hi all,

applying for clips that include persons / action with release attached, is there a general rule of thumb on pricing? E.g. double or half double the generic / common / no persons included shots?

Allow me to explain,
my clips with person(s) in it including a release(s) are not always tripod solid stabilized shot. They might be some or quite "interesting" or "authentic"  as e.g. "girl sneezing" or "mohter and child playing" etc. but they still are handheld shots, some shake, some amateurish. But thiose clips are "my best" and I wouldn't like to see a sale for 11,50 Web version (65$ usual price as in all agencies).

Would it be wise to ask 100-150$ for what I think as "unique" shots as long as I currently have zero sales? (ok, just one web sale).

Your thoughts, experience and advice please?

Well, there are lots of people clips out there. If they don't look professional, they won't be very unique.

Anyway, the only way to know is to try.

The most important thing is search placement. I sell ridiculously simple and non-unique clips for almost $200 because they place near the top for common searches. These are clips almost anyone could film in their home in 10 minutes.

On the other hand, very unique and commercially promising clips that are not placed high up in search are never found, and rarely sell even for cheap prices.

Those same clips sell very, very well on other sites where they can be found.

I'm not sure if there's much of a market for shakey hand held footage. Might be off putting for some clients. When shooting footage, it's best to use a tripod or some other stabilisation device. Though sometimes with a wide angle lens, it is possible to produce hand held footage that is acceptable (using good technique.) Though never try doing that with a telephoto lens as it will look like you're filming during an earthquake.

Though never try doing that with a telephoto lens as it will look like you're filming during an earthquake.

You should try Panasonic's Dual I.S. You can handhold 800 mm no problem.

24 mm up to around 150-200 mm can look like a tripod.

Just out of curiosity, what subject is so candit or urgent to shoot handheld @800mm??

Wildlife.

Sorry, never thought of this!

I have filmed a lot of with a full-frame + 600 mm setup but that is impossible to handheld (only for photos). I missed so many shots since I could basically only film animals that are standing still or slowly walking.

But with a GH5 + 400 mm (800 mm full-frame) I can handhold and film birds in flight across very long distances with 180 degree movement, up and down etc. 4k60p helps a lot too.

This setup is VERY lightweight and I can walk for hours with the camera + lens in one hand. This is impossible with the full-frame setup unfortunately.

I've been selling for 3 years now, and I can assure you that your sense of an "authentic" shot is irrelevant.
As a noob, the stock algorithm is against you, but you can boost exposer and sells by being more attractive with your pricing.
For me, this advise is only relevant to Pond5.
I've tried to sell my footage there just as you mentioned - with the pricing I believed reflected their value.
After a year of almost zero sells, I lowered the prices and immediately got a sales boost.
After that, shots that are being sold well can get a higher price.