Where and how can I find reliable stock agencies?
I Googled, but was not able to get the information I was looking for. Any suggestion?? Thanks. - Judith
Posted by Eric Peterson on January 4, 2008 at 2:43 PM
One of the better places I know you could look is the 2008 Photographer's Market book. That should give you a good start.
Posted by Rod Barbee on January 4, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 4, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Also, what are you trying to market? That may make a bit of a difference. If you specialize in insects, a general stock agency may not be your best avenue.
Given that this is your first post here, so I don't really know you, your skills or photo files -
Just as general advice, shooting stock is a huge commitment on your time and energy. It is not just a matter of sending a couple of images every so often and waiting for the money to roll in. It just doesn't happen that way. Most of the major players do require regular submissions of high quality material that (should) be different, in style, content or subject, from what is already in their files. Nature photography is a tough route to go as the field is highly oversaturated with exceptional material.
I have had a fair number of sales through Alamy, which really more of a stock portal rather than an agency. They are also not really a nature agency, so I am really mismarketed there. If you go to their forum, you'll see a lot of whining about zero tolerance and their submission requirements. These standards are minimal - if you can't get past them, you probably should not be submitting for stock in the first place. But Alamy is reputable and I have been happy with them.
I have also looked into Animals, Animals and Oxford Scientific.
Both of these are well regarded for specialized material more along the lines of my files but have higher digital requirements than my current camera. They also have a much higher quality standard and they do edit your submissions.
Posted by Don George on January 4, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Judith,,,I've done my own stock submissions for many years. It eliminates the favortism and the % that stock agencies take. As mentioned the photographers market book is a good resource for contact information and the type of photography a company is looking for. When starting I wrote to many calender publishing companies etc asking for the wish list and submission requirements.
I got the addresses etc off calenders I thought would fit my type of photography from book stores etc. This has worked great over the years for me. Also when visiting National Park gift stores I would look at their book selection and make contacts from them. Its a tough market today,,,,,best wishes with your endeavour.
Thank you so much for your kind reply and input. The more I look into this, the more concerned I am getting that I am just not there yet, re quantity, etc.
I do appreciate so much you input and guidance. - Judith
Discussion
5 repliesI Googled, but was not able to get the information I was looking for. Any suggestion?? Thanks. - Judith
Given that this is your first post here, so I don't really know you, your skills or photo files -
Just as general advice, shooting stock is a huge commitment on your time and energy. It is not just a matter of sending a couple of images every so often and waiting for the money to roll in. It just doesn't happen that way. Most of the major players do require regular submissions of high quality material that (should) be different, in style, content or subject, from what is already in their files. Nature photography is a tough route to go as the field is highly oversaturated with exceptional material.
I have had a fair number of sales through Alamy, which really more of a stock portal rather than an agency. They are also not really a nature agency, so I am really mismarketed there. If you go to their forum, you'll see a lot of whining about zero tolerance and their submission requirements. These standards are minimal - if you can't get past them, you probably should not be submitting for stock in the first place. But Alamy is reputable and I have been happy with them.
I have also looked into Animals, Animals and Oxford Scientific.
http://ww3.osf.co.uk/ for Oxford Scientific
Both of these are well regarded for specialized material more along the lines of my files but have higher digital requirements than my current camera. They also have a much higher quality standard and they do edit your submissions.
I got the addresses etc off calenders I thought would fit my type of photography from book stores etc. This has worked great over the years for me. Also when visiting National Park gift stores I would look at their book selection and make contacts from them. Its a tough market today,,,,,best wishes with your endeavour.
I do appreciate so much you input and guidance. - Judith