Be Willing to Change

By Val Gelineau, CEO and Cofounder, PhotoSpin, Inc.

Wow! After reading some of the email I received after the last blog I'm amazed at how many creative people are unwilling to change. Great artists throughout history have continually reexamined their creative work and pushed to create new and better forms of art. If they hadn't, all of the art in the world would still be cave and sand drawings. Think about it; first pinhole cameras; b&w film then color film; currently, digital. Great artist adapt to the medium and find ways to sell their art. Today's market is no different. I believe there are plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to venture into the new world of selling stock images for both professionals and amateurs. Is the only separation between amateurs and pros a paycheck? Many seem to think so. What about passion? Luck vs. talent? A formal education vs. self taught? The industry is changing. So what? The industry has always been changing throughout history and new and incredible things come out of it - always. Old school? New school? Whatever... Great work is still great work. Please, post your comments to the blog. Let's explore these topics together. Whether you agree or not, let others hear what you're emailing me.

Photographer as Blacksmith II

Is the Professional Photographer Resembling Yesterday's Blacksmith? (Part II)

by Val Gelineau, CEO PhotoSpin, Inc.

Previously, I stated that The Professional Photographer is resembling yesterday's Blacksmith.

But, is he truly becoming obsolete?

Hardly. The professional Photographer is much like Smithy. He needs to adapt to the changes within his industry. Major corporations like Ford, Nike, and Guess Jeans will always need branded images for their advertising and marketing campaigns. So, assignment work will always be here to stay. But, photographers need to embrace the changes within the industry and view themselves as a business and consider creating unique images to sell through various venues, not just assignment work. I believe there are four opportunities available for photographers to sell their work:

1) Assignment work - Working directly with a client, advertising agency or design studio.

2) Rights managed - Using one or more traditional Stock Agencies to represent your stock work. (Note: this work is not the same as "royalty free" clients. This is for clients willing to pay a premium to get an image history.)

3) Royalty free- Using one or more royalty free Stock Agencies (non exclusive deals) to represent your stock work.

4) Micro payment sites - Manage your own collection - Using one or more micro payment websites to upload and keyword your images.

Each venue offers the photographer a unique opportunity to make money and not all of these outlets are right for everyone. With digital cameras, expenses on film and processing aren't an issue. Every stock agency has a series of images they are looking for and are willing to pay to acquire them. Here is a short list of what my company, PhotoSpin is currently looking for: back to school, holidays, inter racial families, couples, handicapped people at work, home and leisure, food, gay / lesbian couples and families.

PhotoSpin, like other agencies, see great work everyday. Our approach is to allow our contributing artists build upon a theme and shoot or create pieces that interest them. This is a great opportunity to do a test shoot and get paid for it. We try not to over "art direct" a project. We believe in a collaborative effort giving the artist freedom to try new techniques. Ultimately, great work will stand on its own. I believe the industry is healthy and offers more opportunities for photographers now, than ever before, to create a sustainable income. Yes, the industry has changed and unfortunately, some photographers - like the blacksmith - are unwilling to accept change. But, for those willing to accept new challenges, like the changes within the photography industry... there are plenty of opportunities. I really think these changes are for the better.