5
2005 STOCK PHOTO INCOME SURVEY
January 28, 2006
One of the big questions in our industry is how well photographers are doing, and what the trends are as far as earning a living. I have listened to comments and complaints from various photographers in the last few years, but I haven't done a survey in three years. The attached new survey will attempt to measure the income and expense trends between 2004 and 2005, as well as the percent of income photographers are receiving from the three major brands relative to the income from all other stock agencies. We'll also be able to compare these results with earlier surveys to measure trends over a five or six year period of time. In addition, with this survey I'm also trying to drill down and determine the income trends in RM and RF sales.
I'm also asking stock agencies and portals to answer a separate set of questions that should provide a good picture of some of the things that were happening in the business of marketing stock photography in the last couple of years. We have very good and detailed information about Getty Images that is reported regularly in this newsletter. We also have some information about Corbis and JupiterImages and almost no solid information about the other agencies in the industry. How are the small and medium sized agencies and portals doing? Is business looking up for them, or is the only key to success to seek acquisition? Are those marketing RF more successful than those marketing RM?
I urge all my subscribers to answer whichever survey is appropriate. In addition, please tell your friends. Non-subscribers may also respond to this survey by going to www.pickphoto.com/survey-2006stockphoto.asp. The results will be posted in a public place on my site available to non-subscribers as well as subscribers. As we plan for the future we all need solid statistical information in order to make wise decisions. The results will be tallied around the end of February so please don't delay in responding.
ALL INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND AGENCY INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
I have prepared separate surveys for photographer/illustrators and for agency/portals. Please click on, and fill out, the survey that is most appropriate to your working situation.