PhotoDeck is a new service that launched out of Paris to provide photographers with e-commerce photography Web sites. According to the company, the offering targets a growing group of photographers who are cultivating direct client relationships.
Founded by longtime stock photographer J.F. Maion and built by a wider group of professional photographers seeking non-agency alternatives to stock licensing, PhotoDeck allows self-pricing and sales from brandable, customizable Web sites. Though numerous photo Web site products are currently on the market, PhotoDeck says it is different; for example, it does not take a commission from photographer sales.
The stock industry has taken note of the direct-to-buyer trend, fueled in part by the continued upsurge in users of social media. As photographers get more search engine and social media savvy, many see an opportunity to cut out the agency middleman. PhotoDeck is banking on continued and rapid growth of direct licensing as search engines become more sophisticated.
PhotoDeck offers automated payment, digital image delivery, integration with existing Web sites and numerous other features one has come to expect in a relatively mature market of templated sites for photographers and artists. Pricing is comparable to similar services: PhotoDeck’s pro-level package is just under $25 per month.
The question of differentiation from more established offerings remains: will PhotoDeck be able to compete with the likes of PhotoShelter and liveBooks? Perhaps its European origin will attract a different demographic and the direct-to-client market is growing fast enough to allow a new entrant to make a living.