Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
iStock Image Subscription Email Notice
The popular stock photography service, iStockphoto, sent out an email to contributors today that it will begin offering a new subscription model to customers in April 2014. While iStock did not reveal the customer pricing for the subscription model, it is likely to be similar to Shutterstock’s plans, which allow 25 image downloads per day for a flat rate of $249/mo. [Read more…]
iStockphoto has long used a “credit” payment system that lets you buy images and other stock files with credits instead of dollars.
Until recently, the only option available for purchasing stock files at iStockphoto has been to purchase credits and then purchase the files with those purchased credits. Additionally, the actual dollar value of a credit may be different depending on how many credits you purchase in bulk. For those who buy lots of images on a frequent basis, the bulk purchase of credits makes sense. However, those who only occasionally purchase stock images or other files encounter problems with understanding the credit-to-dollar value of files, as well as the possibility of your credits expiring (it’s happened to me).
The new Shopping Cart Checkout at iStock now allows you to purchase stock images without having to first purchase iStock credits. When you add a file to your shopping cart, you will see the price in dollars and not credits.
[via iStockphoto]
iStockphoto is crossing over into the editorial licensing realm for stock photography. Rolling out in 2011, iStock will only be accepting editorial submissions for specific categories, such as products, architecture and landmarks, travel and lifestyle, social commentary, and urban living. iStock is expressly avoiding submissions for time-sensitive news and traditional photo journalism.
You can find a thorough review of the new editorial submission guidelines in this article on iStockphoto’s website.
Taking Stock: Make Money in Microstock Creating Photos That Sell is a new book from photographer, Rob Sylvan. In Taking Stock, Sylvan addresses “how to shoot, edit and keyword photos that sell” on microstock sites like iStockphoto.
If you’ve ever tried your hand at microstock photography, then you understand how challenging it is to acquire the right formula for image upload acceptance, let alone sales. Sylvan is an iStockphoto inspector and well-respected member of the iStock community, so picking up this book might be a good idea for those who need to brush up on their stock photo skills.
Taking Stock: Make Money in Microstock Creating Photos That Sell carries a retail price of $29.99; however, it can currently be found on Amazon.com for $19.79.
More details in the full press release below.
iStockphoto has officially launched its website redesign. The new design offers a more modern appearance with improved navigation.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Last week, iStockphoto raised the weekly limits for photo contributors.
New upload limits for non-exclusive contributors:
New upload limits for exclusive contributors:
Getty Images has launched a new microstock subscription site called ThinkStock. The site is built around a subscription model for image buyers and pulls from Getty’s image libraries at Getty Images, iStockphoto and Jupiterimages. The flat rate subscription of $249/mo or $2499/yr allows users to download up to 25 images per day and 750 images per month on a royalty-free basis.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Stock photography agency Dreamstime has added canvas and poster formats to its repertoire of products, thus increasing purchasing options for customers and additional revenue sources for contributing photographers. Prices for poster and canvas prints range between $13 and $80 for a 20″ x 60″ size.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Shutterstock has acquired BigStockPhoto. It doesn’t look like there will be any changes for BigStockPhoto photographers at the moment; however, Shutterstock plans to grow BigStockPhoto in the future.
More details below. [Read more…]
Yesterday, iStockphoto made an important announcement for designers and photographers. In an attempt to build trust with their customers who purchase royalty-free content, iStockphoto implemented a guarantee that all image, video and audio files purchased on the site will be guaranteed, such that iStock will cover all files for legal costs and damages up to $10,000.
However, purchasers who demand additional peace of mind may purchase greater coverage under the guarantee on a file-by-file basis at a price of 100 iStock credits. The credits vary in price/value depending on the bulk amount in which customers pre-purchase those credits. For example, a package of 12 credits will run $18 or $1.50 per credit; however, a package of 2000 credits will run $1900 or $0.95 per credit. As a result, this “insurance” can run anywhere between $95 and $150 out-of-pocket per file.
While that seems like a bit much to pay per file, companies running a national or global campaign probably wouldn’t mind a little more peace of mind. Just ask Virgin Mobile. Designers working on or quoting these major campaigns should probably think about which ones to build this into their budgets or quotes. When you think about the scale, it sounds like a pretty good deal on insurance.
What does it mean for photographers? iStock has a history of being sticklers on trademark and copyright elements in submitted photos, as well as obtaining appropriate model releases. iStock does a good job of covering its butt (and photographers’ butts too) when evaluating submitted files. If a file is questionable as to whether there is a copyrightable or trademark element within, the safe thing to do is reject it. While iStock uses a fine tooth comb in reviewing files, iStock is not your momma or your lawyer. When submitting files to iStock, the artist makes some heavy representations and warranties as to his or her authority to submit the files for commercial use.
If iStock gets called on the carpet for a file, you can bet your $1.06 commission that iStock will be dragging the photographer along with them. Just a little reminder to conduct your own, personal inspection of files for potentially troubling elements before clicking submit.
With the scary part out there now, I think this move by iStock can increase the marketability and visibility of stock photography as a valuable resource for bigger customers.
More reading on this topic from John Harrington and Thomas Hawk.
Also see the news release below. [Read more…]