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Stock Libraries..

RebeccaSC

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Dec 15, 2005
Messages
92
Location
England
Format
35mm
Does anyone have any tips or advice about using or working with Stock Libraries. There seems to be loads on the internet. I appreciate there's an element of suck it and see and you've got to learn the hard way and all that - I'm not asking for a free ticket BUT is there anything I should be aware of or any tips before I step in to that world?

I really would appreciate some advice here - many thanks for your time

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Search the BAPLA website Dead Link Removed There are many different categories and links to libraries own sites. Depending on what you are looking for there can be lots or next to no choice! You will soon get a feel of what they are offering and how they want you to approach.

Don't expect money immediately, nor very much, the stats can be quite depressing. Not sure if you have seen the good feature in recent UK B+W photography mag, though I expect Trevillion will have been inundated from their input.
 
some stock agecies used to require an innitial submisison of 500-1000 slides and a full array of model, property and object releases.
i dont' know what they want nowadays with cd roms and all that ...
 
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Good Afternoon, Rebecca,

I worked with a small St. Louis stock agency for several years in the 1980's and early 1990's. Obviously, I'm out of date on some current practices, since digital was only in its early stages when I became too busy otherwise to continue in the field. I'm sure, though, that Baxter's advice above is on the mark. Earnings are unpredictable and rarely enough to constitute one's primary income. The number of images required to lead to even a few sales per month can be quite large. I was satisfied with the agency I worked with because I never expected to make a great deal of money; as a teacher, I had some free time during summer months and could produce enough images to make an occasional sale--enough to cover costs and buy a new lens or some other piece of equipment from time to time. It was an interesting and pleasant experience, but, when the agency was sold to a larger one, I decided to give it up and just shoot for fun.

Konical
 
Hi Rebecca,

In the past the photographer used to have an exclusive arrangement with a Stock Agency. However, a friend that sells much more stock than I now informs me that he is now being represented by several agencies and this restriction no longer appears to be in place. As to sales, they can vary dramatically week to week, month to month, etc. Payments for stock sales may be made quarterly. And it may take a potential sale to drag on for months. Additionally, though it can be a large source of income if you are fortunate, do not expect that it will be your main or only source.

Rich
 

Hi Baxter,

Both tips are perfect and very helpful many thanks
Rebecca
 
thank you very much for the advice. Apart from local galleries, craft fairs, online and stock libraries are there other ways to exhibit/sale pix.
Am I missing a trick anywhere?
I've recently got my local hairdressers to put my work on their walls. Its win win they've got some cool b&w photographs on the walls and my work is getting seen rather than collecting dust at home.

Its not really about the money!! I'm not loaded by its not my primary income source its something I'd like to build towards maybe.

I know there are no short cuts just wondered if there was a route that everyone was following apart from me!

thanks once again
Rebecca

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A few links:
http://www.stockphoto.net/FAQ/index.php
http://photography.about.com/library/weekly/aa043001a.htm
http://www.danheller.com/bizfaq.html

One book worth reading is Lee Frost's book "Taking Pictures for Profit". Another is the Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook, published annually by the Bureau of Freelance Photographers or BFP. It's an invaluable resource and lists hundreds of markets including magazines, greetings cards and stock agencies/libraries. There are a couple of copies of the 2006 issue on ebay right now.

Simon.
 

thanks Simon - very helpful
Rebecca
 
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