You never know what can happen
When it comes to stock photography you never really know what can happen. It is all very inconsistent. And obviously, there are certain things you can do to get more images licensed, like following trends, and create for the special seasons and events, but even that way is really not guaranteed success.
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Even when you are creating having in mind the seasons and the events that trend each time of the year, you have to keep in mind, that probably 99% of the other photographers are doing the same. And although those trends are the ones getting more images licensed, those are also the ones that have more competition, so it is going to be more difficult to get your photos discovered.
When you come in and starting in this world keep that in mind. Because it will save you a lot of headaches.
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Many of the stock photographers that are doing well right now, are photographers that have been in the industry, uploading and working with microstock agencies for very long periods of time.
I have done some looking for content related about stock photography in 2024 and there are not a lot of people talking about it.
Literally, a couple of hands full are creating content when it comes to it, there are not a lot of hype and there are not a lot of people sharing information about it.
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Sadly, I have noticed that there are not a lot of people searching information about it. The engagement and visibility it is pretty low. That doesn't mean people are not doing it, but it means that maybe there are not masses joining in.
Pretty sure that there are many people trying to jump on the AI stock markets, and those are very popular now, easier for everyone to come up with stuff to upload. And there are a market for that as well.
But when it comes to photography, maybe this is a good time to give it a go.
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My biggest advice would be to be ready to work hard, long hours but at the same time to come in with low expectations, even those that are professional photographers and are doing stock photography for a decade or more, at least the ones sharing their journey and some of their numbers and results, talking about the reality. All say that the licensing have slown down.
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I don't really believe that AI is the cause for those numbers to been reducing. I believe more that the fact that more people are creating photography content and also the rise of the video content are the reason for that fall in income. Not the AI raise.
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The last advice I would give you, is to record video as well and try to upload them as stock video as well. Because maybe people and companies are licensing less photos but for sure they are looking for more videos and there are money to be made there.
Maybe you will also discover a new love for videography. You can start super simple and who knows what will happen.
To conclude, in 2024 Stock photography is still alive and well but it is a lot of hard work, many hours and you should not come with very high expectations.
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An interesting industry that had never really been on my radar before now. Wishing you every success!
It is a lot of work for maybe a small pay in the long long term!