Microstock Photography: BigStockPhoto Vs. ShutterStock
There are many options to choose from in stock photo companies. Some are harder to get into than others. In this article, I will discuss BigStockPhoto and ShutterStock.
The first step is the approval process. Does the site base the approval on an initial submission of several images, or is each image individually approved or denied? If you aren’t approved on the first try, do you have to wait to try again? At ShutterStock you must first submit 10 images. 7 of these 10 images must be approved in order for you to submit more photos to the site. If you are not approved at ShutterStock, the current wait period to apply again is one month (previously, you had to wait a whole 3 months). At BigStockPhoto, photos are approved or denied as you go. If you get 10 photos approved at the beginning that’s great. If you only get 2 photos approved at first, you can start uploading more photos for review right away.
In stock photography, you receive commission on each photo sold. The amount of commission and the selling methods can have a major impact on your earnings. BigStockPhoto has low prices for individual photos, as well as discounts for those buying many photos. ShutterStock tends to use package deals, possibly resulting in more downloads. However, ShutterStock has a lower commission rate when compared to BigStockPhoto. While looking at the commission rates, also make sure you are happy with how the commission will be paid. You generally have to reach a minimum payout and then choose between getting a check or money through your Paypal account.
Another thing to consider, is how buyers will view the site. If the company website doesn’t look professional, people won’t buy photos there. If the website isn’t user-friendly, buyers aren’t likely to spend time there purchasing your photos. Try searching the site for yourself before signing up. I personally don’t like the layout of ShutterStock as much as BigStockPhoto. I find BigStockPhoto far easier to search.
While it isn’t likely that microstock photography will bring in the extra income of a steady part-time job, it is fun to have some extra spending money. The more photos you upload, the better your income. If you took these photos anyway, why not earn some money on them? I’m sure your computer is full of thousands of images. Imagine sitting back, doing nothing once the images are uploaded, and just bringing in that extra spending money. Even if it isn’t much, it’s money you didn’t have before. So get out your camera and start earning.
