A Bit of Hard Work Does Pay Off

Well I have been a member here for just over a year and for most part not very successful. My first month saw me get 15 uploads and 45 rejections. It hurt and I pretty much felt fed up and left it feeling like I did not have what it takes to provide stock photographs.

I spent then the best part of a year buying a little bit of new equipment, spending time on the forum watching and taking in what was going on and selling etc. April 2010 I decided to try my hand at it again. In the year my very small portfolio sold around 20 pictures making around $25. Since April I have had around 130 pictures accepted, gone exclusive and tried to participate where I can on the furum. I feel this extra bit of effort has been rewarded as today I hit over $100 mark with around 35 sales in the last 8 weeks. I know this is still very small compared to a lot of the great contributors on here but I feel a sense a pride in this personal achievement and it certainly motivates me to continue with this venture.

I feel like this is a great place to learn and grow as a photographer and I would like to thank the people I have had dealings with in my time here. Also a big thank you to all the DT staff as I have had nothing but great things from them also :-)

Exclusivity ticked all the boxes for me and I feel like it was the correct choice for myself. I have less free time now to shoot and upload as I foster 2 children and most of my time is given to them so putting all my efforts in to DT really is the best option for me.

Again a big thank you and here's to the next $100. :-)

This was the shot I sold today to hit my first payout:

© BCritchley

Photo credits: Brett Critchley.