After a relatively busy period of traveling and shooting, I’m taking a small breather to introspect how far I’ve come and how much further I intend to go. This means doing an obligatory audit of how my images are performing at some of the more specialist agencies I submit to, notably Robert Harding.

This audit comes at the back of receiving my Robert Harding quarterly sales report, which to put it gently, has been disappointing. Since I have no control over market forces, the next best strategy is to see how I can improve my own portfolio to attract buyers, while constantly diversifying into footage, fine art, travel writing, etc.

I’ve sent almost identical queries requesting tips to improve sales to REX Features and Arcangel and pending replies.

Benefits to contributing to Midstock vs Microstock

One of the major benefits to the submitting to the more specialist/boutique agencies, I find, is that, as a contributor, you can have a more direct business relationship with both the picture editor and sales team. As you’ll see in this exchange it means notifying select clients about your images via a Lightbox.

At Microstock level, my experience upon inquiring into poor sales has been poorly-written replies by someone in India directing me to a five-year old blog post on “how to increase sales in 2013”. Further inquiries means further links ad nauseum. It’s like customer service at one of the budget airliners vs traditional airliners.

Luke Nester, Account Manager at Robert Harding

I appreciate straight answers to straight questions, so today I had a pleasant and informative exchange with Luke Nester, Account Manager at Robert Harding.

Luke has kindly consented to allowing me to publish the short exchange. I trust it will useful be for you as well if you’re looking to increase sales, regardless of which agencies you contribute.

First exchange:

Alex:  …What can I do to increase sales?…

Luke: …Some tips for boosting sales:

1. Keep shooting! send us the images I know you have 346 images but the more you have with us, the better your chances of making sales.

2. Take a look at our top earning photographers. Gavin Hellier and Neil Emmerson. These guys  have around 5000 images on our site each. Really iconic Travel and Nature shots.

In the meantime I’ll put together a lightbox of your work and send it out to a selection of our travel clients, hopefully this will boost your exposure…

Alex: …If I could ask for even more specific feedback would be, if you could point out 3 images on my port which would be standout images that you would regard as the most commercially interesting for the clients you speak to on a daily basis. This would help me to focus my energies. In addition, during the past 6 months, which European cities/countries appear to be more in-demand for content. As you can see on my port I have traveled quite extensively throughout Italy, southern France, Spain and now Portugal.

Also, how often do clients buy directly from RH within the first 6 months before the content is distributed to Partners?

Luke: …It’s important to state that photography can be very subjective. What I like and think will sell may be different to the editor. I think your 3 best images are 1243-303 1243-320 and 1243-137. I also like 1243-129 [See below I have inserted them in that order]

These images tell a story, often something is happening in the shot. The first image in the list has space for copy (text in magazines/advertising etc…)

In terms of location that’s really up to you. The classic holiday destinations are great, however clients are always looking for something different. For example, there are millions of images of Paris but clients search for a side of Paris has never seen before or a Landmark from a different perspective.

I think what Gavin and Neil do really well (aside from taking technically great photos) is show variety in their work. Close ups, people, landmarks, beautiful vistas, animals, top down shots, always with great colour and lighting.

It’s all about standing out from the crowd. To summarise I’d advise any photographer trying to make money from stock to shoot something no one has shot before, shoot it differently or shoot it better.

I hope this helps and isn’t too vague.

In terms of clients buying images we we make sales of images everyday,
whether that be online or via long term relationships. There is no way to
predict what will get sold or how much. All i can do is contact potential
picture buyers and introduce your work.

From 346 Images to 5,000 Images

From the exchange above, it’s clear that to make regular sales anywhere I’ll/you’ll need both quality and quantity in that order.

That’s the harsh reality and challenge I’m facing…on how to increase my portfolio 10x to become a big player without sacrificing quality (mediocre won’t get through anyway). Even though I have come very far, I still have a real long ways…this isn’t just a marathon, it’s an IRONMAN!

Challenge accepted, even if it will take me 5 years at least. Even if it takes me 10 years I refuse to work for someone else.

Bench-marking my work

Another reality check has been to see “top-earning” contributors’ work and aiming for that sort of level of quality and quantity. While at the same time, seeking a “different perspective and storytelling” to reiterate what Luke has kindly advised.

I have tried different perspectives with various levels of success. My latest has been shooting with the ultra-wide angle 10mm lens – see blog post here on this experiment.

Special thanks to Elijah Lovkoff

I accept my limitations and am fortunate to be surrounded by really great professionals that give me crucial advice when needed. Theo is a crazy Greek guy who’s really helping me with my video work…I receive a daily reminder from him to shoot in 4K, yea yea yea I know…soon!

Another person who’s helped me a lot is Elijah, who runs a website consulting business. He’s been giving me tips on everything to do with the brutally honest blog and perhaps you’ve seen a few changes here and there. I highly recommend his services as a web-designer to help you build your online portfolios/blog/website. He’s also a photographer and has some cool perspectives of Toronto…you can see his Shutterstock portfolio here.

What’s next?

Well I’ve discovered a cool free tool to generate some analytics for iStock/Getty earnings. I’ll publish it just after the next report comes out in 2 weeks so you can take full advantage of it…stay tuned!

About Robert Harding

Robertharding was founded in 1972 and is the largest independent global supplier of quality travel and nature images. Our collection covers subjects such as destinations, travel & tourism, people, cultures, wildlife, nature, landscapes, archaeology, architecture and the environment.

About Alex

I’m an eccentric guy on a quest to visit all corners of the world and capture stock images & footage. I’m determined not to waste my life away as a corporate drone and have devoted five years to making it as a travel photographer and freelance writer. I hope to inspire others before it’s too late.

I’m proud to have written a book about my adventures which includes tips on making it as a stock travel photographer – Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography

Check out my new photo review service, where I’ll help take your images to the next level and get them sold regularly!