Sandy, many photographers guard their stock partnerships since it's such a competitive market. I have friendly acquaintances who won't tell me who they're working with. So don't be surprised if you don't get an overwhelming response. I hope of course this is not the case here, but I'd understand if folks don't want to provide much info.
I've heard that Minden is one of the world's top agencies. They work with Lanting and others. However, they currently issue a token "we're not looking for more photographers" response. A friend of mine happened to meet one of their employees down in California a couple years ago, and through that connection WAS invited to submit photos... but that's what it often is these days: all about connections.
Like you I'm looking for stock representation, but thus far have only had luck partnering with a small British agency that mainly provides quirky or offbeat images to tabloids in the UK. If you think you have images that fit the bill, feel free to email me.
Sandy,
The best approach is to search the images of agencies your looking at and see where the "holes" are. Large, high end agencies won't touch you unless you can produce something they don't have or replace images that are out of date. Agencies like Minden, are like family and they will protect the interest of the photographers they already represent, so unless your invited by a "family" member and can fill a niche, don't waste your time.
I work with two agencies and also have begun to sell my own "stock" images through Photoshelter. I sell very little through these channels. The photographers that still squeeze out good money from stock either have thousands and thousands of images with an agency or shoot specifically for the stock market, filling gaps in agencies files.
Also read the fine print. I have an agency that sells images here in Alaska. I had assumed (!) that they printed only in textbooks, calendars, periodicals, etc. Then I did a search and found a place selling prints of my work on canvas for about $150.oo. the same work I would sell in a show for 2 or 3 times that amount. And from those $150 sales I might get about $30. I called my agent and found they had an 'opt out' clause which meant they would not sell the image to 3 rd party vendors. I exercised that clause right away.
Stock photos can be anything, but if they are your 'art work' vs. people going hiking etc. I'd be very reluctant to give them to an agency.
And when my agent sells the image, he now has to work through the large companies which also means cut my share in half again.
I did get a double truck in Nat Geo this summer, and received about $100 only. The large agency in that case was one of the largest on the web, ALAMY.
Good luck.
Discussion
5 repliesThanks -
Sandy
I've heard that Minden is one of the world's top agencies. They work with Lanting and others. However, they currently issue a token "we're not looking for more photographers" response. A friend of mine happened to meet one of their employees down in California a couple years ago, and through that connection WAS invited to submit photos... but that's what it often is these days: all about connections.
Like you I'm looking for stock representation, but thus far have only had luck partnering with a small British agency that mainly provides quirky or offbeat images to tabloids in the UK. If you think you have images that fit the bill, feel free to email me.
Max
The best approach is to search the images of agencies your looking at and see where the "holes" are. Large, high end agencies won't touch you unless you can produce something they don't have or replace images that are out of date. Agencies like Minden, are like family and they will protect the interest of the photographers they already represent, so unless your invited by a "family" member and can fill a niche, don't waste your time.
I work with two agencies and also have begun to sell my own "stock" images through Photoshelter. I sell very little through these channels. The photographers that still squeeze out good money from stock either have thousands and thousands of images with an agency or shoot specifically for the stock market, filling gaps in agencies files.
Good Luck.
Carl
Sandy
I don't sell my photo's, but here is a list of them for you. Stock Photo Agency's
Harold
Stock photos can be anything, but if they are your 'art work' vs. people going hiking etc. I'd be very reluctant to give them to an agency.
And when my agent sells the image, he now has to work through the large companies which also means cut my share in half again.
I did get a double truck in Nat Geo this summer, and received about $100 only. The large agency in that case was one of the largest on the web, ALAMY.
Good luck.