Why Going Exclusive with Dreamstime Makes Sense For Me.

I am pretty excited. I was accepted as an exlusive contributor!

So photography is more of a part time hobby and I have a full time job. I started out with a competitve agency and soon started using Dreamstime. I found I did not have time to keep up with posting on two different agencies so I started thinking about going exclusive. Most people advise against going exclusive, but it seems to make sense with limited time. After some research and much contemplation I decided to go with Dreamstime.

Here are the advantages that Dreamstime offered over the competing agency.

1 - My portfolio, though still limitied, gets more exposure on Dreamstime.

2 - Dreamstime accepts editorial photos, which I plan on doing alot more of.

3 - The monetary return is better ... much better.

4 - The feedback I get from Dreamstime is really helping my photography. I am learning better technique and learning to pay attention to details. My acceptance rate has went from 5% to over 50% in 3 months. You could Dreamstime is kind of holding my hand through my quest to learn stock photography (hence the image).

Elder hand holding youth hand

Although my success is limited so far, I can clearly see that stock photography is a long term committment that takes alot of work. After three months, I am now over 80 images on line sneaking up to that first benchmark of 100. My goal is to have 500 online by the end of 2012. I keep reading that if you keep with it, the sales will come. I am ready ... come on sales!

Photo credits: Val Armstrong.
Val Armstrong
View blog View portfolio
  • Vcarmstrong
  • Los Lunas, United States
I would like to see where my photography is being used. A message that shows me where it is being used, when possible, would be highly appreciated.

Your comment must be written in English.

We value all opinions and we will not censor or delete comments unless they come from fake accounts or contain spam, threats, false facts or vulgarity.

Sobek85

April 28, 2012

nice article, dreamstime is great place to learn more about photography

Kharyadi

November 07, 2011

Congratulations!!!
Welcome to the exclusive club!! ^_^

smartview27

November 06, 2011

Congrats !

Fotoeye75

November 05, 2011

I'm also planning to go exclusive very soon .. Only 2 more agencies need to get in gear and remove my images and then I can focus on DT. :)

Erinpackardphotography

November 05, 2011

Congratulations! I agree, Dreamstime is truly helpful at guiding you through your photographic mistakes and steering you towards better photography. And being exclusive with Dreamstime when it's just a part time venture is the best thing! You'll see the milestones roll by exponentially as you progress.

Adeliepenguin

November 04, 2011

Congratulations! I wish you many successes here, as you meet your milestones! I have never regretted becoming exclusive.

Heathse

November 04, 2011

Good decision! Unique portfolio, hope you do well.

Neilmachin

November 03, 2011

Well done. Hitting 100 images is a good target to be aiming for (I am up to 72 myself and planning to hit 100 as soon as I can) and, as is often stated, the larger the portfolio the quicker the sales come round - and with being exclusive the higher the rewards.

Laurasinelle

November 02, 2011

Welcome to DT I really enjoy to be exclusive!

Vcarmstrong

November 02, 2011

TY for all the welcomes everyone!

FabioConcetta

November 02, 2011

Welcome to the wonderful world of DT!

Nero67

November 02, 2011

Welcome to DT family!!!

Picstudio

November 02, 2011

Great decision.

Cammeraydave

November 01, 2011

Welcome to the inner sanctum !

EMFielding

November 01, 2011

I think you'll find as you past the 100 image mark sales will come more often.

Vcarmstrong

November 01, 2011

Thank you both :)

Egomezta

November 01, 2011

Welcome and enjoy the benefits of being exclusive.... : )

Marugod83

November 01, 2011

welcome to the club! good luck with your uploads and naturally, the sales...