Where Do I Go From Here?

So I have had a few days to recover from the unexpected closure of the PhotoShelter Collection and collect a few thoughts and plan a course of action. First a few thoughts:

1. For those that think your time was “wasted” keywording and uploading images, it is only wasted if you keyworded on the PSC site directly. If you keyworded locally in the EXIF of each image, that work will be recovered when you upload to your new agencies.

2. Thanks to the PSC team for giving it a go. I have worked at many startups so I know what a tough decision it was to try PSC in the first place then have to pull the plug 1 year later. I am sure the numbers where just not working out. Good call as I have seen far to may companies ride a bad decision all the way into the ground.

OK so now whats next?

1. Diversification is really important. I rode PSC into the ground and failed to upload anywhere else with any regularity. Now I am starting from scratch again.

2. Alamy seems like the next logical choice but man upsizing and uploading big ass image files is going to suck.

3. I need a microstock play. Yeah I said it, it sucks, and I hate it. I have images in my portfolio that are best suited for a RF microstock site. So it looks like iStock here I come for at least a few images.

4. I need to focus on a few niches. I spent most of this year shooting a little bit of everything. Some silos, a lot of kids, some landscape/nature, and a few travel shoots. I live in an area that has great travel and lifestyle photo opportunities, it is silly not to take advantage of them. Plus these types of photos tend to do fairly well in a RM portfolio.

5. My goal is in major jeopardy. I need to have an insane 4th quarter comeback. $1000 is going to be really tough given that I am still at $0. I got lazy waiting for that one big PSC sell instead of focusing on my goal.

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