Fotolia at Photo Plus

From the sun and sand of Key West Florida to the wind and cold of New York City, Fotolia has been traveling the US to speak on the future of stock photography.

Our recent trip was to New York City for Photo Plus where Oleg, President of Fotolia, Alan Meckler Chairman and CEO of Jupiter images, Ed Hidden (representing iStock), and Steven Pigeon from Masterfile, met for a special panel on titled “Microstock Photography and Other Burning Issues”. The panel was moderated and sponsored by David Walker from PDN (Photo District News). The panelist each had some time to explain their role in microstock photography and discuss their vision for the future.

(Picture of Oleg) The room was filled with photographers, press, and even a few stock photography buyers. The conversation was geared more towards commissions, the review process, fraud, and how the market is changing. Both istock and Fotolia offer images as low as $1 and commissions from istock start at 20 cents and commissions from Fotolia begin at 33 cents. It was clear from both istock and Fotolia that volume sales can drive significant cash to photographers in a years time. But both commented on the huge community aspect of the industry in forums where artists come together, share ideas, discuss trends, and even protect each other against copyright violation.

(Picture of Steve) Steve from Masterfile (the self-proclaimed dinosaur of the industry) commented how microstock seems to be expanding the industry and not taking away from the traditional RM and RF sales of the industry.

The industry is changing and companies like Fotolia are not a flash in the pan they have become the new model for the future of Stock Photography.

(Picture of Alan) After a few handshakes, exchange of business cards, and a brief walk of the show floor Fotolia ventured back out to the cold New York air seeking new sales in an expanding market.