So, I’m back in Portugal, the light is crap, it’s raining and cold. So, I’ve been trying to be productive and decided to create this free PDF highlighting some of my practical experiences as a book cover artist at Arcangel. It’s 100% free to download as a PDF (6.5MB) and up to you if you want to share widely. Best viewed on PC.
Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed drafting it!
In return, all I ask if that if you’ve found the information useful is to buy me a coffee! Happy reading!
*Disclaimer: This is 100% an independent guide and I have in no way been instructed by Arcangel or another Party to draft this or have I received any remuneration for its creation and subsequent publication.
About Alex
I’m an eccentric guy, currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, on a quest to visit all corners of the world and capture stock images & footage. I’ve devoted eight years to making it as a travel photographer / videographer and freelance writer. I hope to inspire others by showing an unique insight into a fascinating business model.
Most recently I’ve gone all in on submitting book cover images to Arcangel Images. Oh and also recently purchased a DJI Mavic 2s drone and taking full advantage.
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
Alexandre Rotenberg's Brutally Honest Guide to Stock Photography & Footage 
Very useful.
I was a little sad about my acceptance rate, but my 30% look that may be into the normal rate, so almost happy now lol
About the feed back, I know that looking at my rejected images can be an auto learn method, but could be more positive to know the rejection reason for take a quickest learning. Maybe I’m used to see at the workflow of the microstock agencies, but that could not be the best. Some time ago I had a direct request for AC for edit an image and that was very gratefully.
Anyway, I’m working to be a better AC photographer, and to learn from experiences like yours is very important.
It would be a pleasure to take a coffee with you, maybe here in Valencia (any photography travel here?). Meanwhile, I send one for you!
Thanks a lot!
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Thanks for the coffee! Next one is on me in Valencia, tio!
Yeah, 30% seems about average for most contributors. It’s quite a bit higher if you’re using a model and even higher if that model is dressed up in 19th century outfits + makeup, or not dressed at all!
Microstock is deceiving, they accept almost everything and only reject on technical merits. I much prefer the AC way that they care more about the subject matter first / commercial qualities and than technicals. I do wish they would give at least a generic type of rejection reason, perhaps something I’ll suggest to them one of these days…
Direct requests are great and very specific. Really enjoy working with Nash and the rest of the team – many based in Spain interestingly.
Hope you’re having a good start to the year and many accepted.
All the best – Alex
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What frustrates me the most is seeing approved images from other photographers, which are similar to some of mine that were rejected. In those cases it is when I would find it very useful to know that it failed in mine. Always wanting to learn and improve myself!
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Depending on which day there are different reviewers with different criteria! Try to avoid uploading on similar days and spread them out – that’s my advice!
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Thank you for your information. I have been a contributor at AA since 2020. I have over 700 accepted images and 1800 rejections. I also love your monthly reviews of what you have done . I don’t have nearly the catalog of images you do at the microstock agencies but your information encouraged me to get the images off of my hard drives and get them working for me. It was hard to accept the .10 cent price until it started adding up and I could see some monthly income.
Thanks
Berryvineimage
Christy Berry
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Thanks for the kind words, Christy!
700 accepted images in 3 years is damn good, I’ve just taken a look at your port and you’re a case study for targeting a niche….American Wild West + Horses + Cowboy, super great stuff!
My port is all over the place and I’m yet to find one unique niche, but I enjoy the variety…which comes with travel.
As for microstock, it wont’ be too long in the future until even 10cents will be a “fortune”, so might as well milk what you have in your HD for what it’s worth. Even at $100 a month (for example) it’s still OK, as you can see I don’t earn much from micros these days but had a good run in 2018/2019.
All the best – Alex
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Hi! I’m not an Arcangel contributor so I’m curious about your income for the sale of a photo for a cover.
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At least 200x that of a microstock sale :))
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