• Asked by
• Savanna G.
• |
• January 18, 2012
• |
• Nobody else has this question

What makes a successful stock photographer?

I am currently a photography student in Massachusetts.

Something I would like to know would be, how does one become a successful Stock Photographer?
What may be the expected income for a photographer starting out?
What are the normal hours a photographer can expect to work while working for a stock agency?

Thank you very much for your time.
-Savanna G

• Answered by
• Yuri
• |
• April 25, 2012
• |
• No one likes this yet

Hi Savanna. What you're asking me is basically similar to asking me how much work you would have to put into becoming a musician. It really depends on what kind of artist you want to be, whether you want to do it full time or not along with your overall dedication and where you want to go in life.
As with everything else, if you want to go far, you will normally have to work very hard and many hours every week. If you only want to have microstock to generate a small income - like 1-200 USD per month - it will probably be enough to just work 3-4 hours a week for about a year, and then you will most likely see results.

You have to be prepared to not see any real income during at least the first year, but just keep on going. Always listen to the criticism you receive from both buyers and other photographers, never take no for an answer and always, always, always behave. I know this sounds like a silly thing to say, but there are so many challenges when starting out your own business and being in charge of everything, and nothing ever goes your way all the time. Always try to overcome obstacles with a smile on your face and be nice to everyone around you. Especially when you're shooting, because a shoot is never smooth without everyone being in a great mood. :)

Best Regards Yuri Arcurs