Getty Images has agreed to acquire VCG for $220 million. Getty now owns the three major suppliers of stock images. It is predicted that Getty's revenues for 2000 will be about $440 million which would be about 35% of the total stock industry.
As methods of communication change and the stock photo industry becomes more controlled by big business and saturated with content it is time for many photographers to begin thinking about a course change for their career. This story outlines some of the reasons why this course change may need to be made soon.
It's time for stock photographers to take a look at video. The costs televison quality video equipment has come way down and the potential demand for this type of photography is about to skyrocket. Review the options and learn what you need to know to get started.
Shorts on Getty Rumors, Todtri and Picture Perfect, New York Times IPO, Happy Photographers at Corbis, Corbis Sub-Agent Strategy and Devaney Stock Photos.
FPG has upgraded their on-line site and added their iSwoop Royalty Free products to the site. They also have on-line prices and the prices are HIGHER that those in Negotiating Stock Photo Prices, a welcome change from some of the other things that have been happening on the price front.
Trend Watch reports that there is increasing demand for creative professionals to create designs that can be used across all media such as web pages, print ads, broadcast, direct mail, billboards, etc. This could result in sales for higher prices, but require much more tracking to be sure you are paid properly.
Getty reports $79.9 million in sales for the 4th quarter of 1999, up significantly from the 3rd quarter. E-commerce sales are up in real terms, but about level as a percentage of total sales. Rumors about VCG acquisition.