A number of mid-sized and specialist agencies should join together and explore the possibility of establishing a Non-Profit Online Distribution System.
Stock photo prices have fallen dramatically in the last decade. Some RM photographers are earning, on average, less then 7% per-image-licensed of what they earned a decade ago. RF prices have seen similar declines, although not quite as severe. Seventy to 80% of traditional image licenses are for fees of $20 or less. More than 50% are for $10 or less. Throughout most of this period photographers have continued to produce new and better images. The cost of production has not declined.
Royalty shares have dropped as distributors take an increasing share of the gross fee paid. In many cases there are double and even triple cuts before the creator’s share is calculated. Creators, and many of their prime agents, have no control over pricing.
Without some dramatic changes photographers trying to earn a portion of their living from stock photography will be forced to give it up and engage in other activities in order to earn a living. To a great extent the industry has already been turned over to hobbyist who enjoy taking pictures and are unconcerned about any revenue their images might produce.
To read the full story of how such a marketing system might be developed check out
this link.