Great show…thanks for making it happen! The show felt very intimate…and being in such close proximity to so much brain power was a kick! I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with some very successful micro shooters, including Yuri. I remain convinced that there are still huge opportunities in stock if one stays flexible and informed. Micro still isn’t for me, but I certainly do not see it as the end of stock…more of an interesting addition. Right now I see it as an indicator…an indicator that tells us there is a demand for lower priced images, there is no shortage of those willing and able to fill that demand, and that for me to continue my success in stock requires more strategic thinking and business discipline than I have employed before. The industry continues to grow more fascinating by the moment!

John

At the same time as announcing his $1.4million earnings he spoke about keeping his business very close to the line of profitability. But he stressed that this was the result of his intentional heavy re-investment strategy. He added that he only pays himself a salary of US$6k per month. (keep in mind this conversation was in October 2008)

An obvious key strategic advantage in microstock is being able to produce photos cheaply. Yuri calculates the profitability of each of his shoots and knows his numbers well. Still – at least so far – he chooses to work with a large team, shoot with a Hasselblad, and base his business in a very high taxing country (up to 62%). Maybe that’s why he reinvests so heavily – it keeps his profits and subsequently his taxes lower, yet still builds his income level.

Another example is Andres Rodriguez. He shoots with professional models, on location, with a crew and lots of equipment. But he does this in Colombia. He said at UGCX he gets return on investment for each shoot in three months, on average.

My point is that it’s different for all of us. Large scale microstock production may not be at all feasible for highly capitalized photographers in the US, so I understand why you’re not convinced. But for people in different circumstances, it can be more than feasible.

We each see microstock from our own perspective, and one is not necessarily more valid than another. I’m not trying to convince you, but just highlighting some alternate perspectives.

-Lee

Chris

Don Farrall

Thanks for the write-up – we’ve been so busy it’s a good time to step back and look back at all the good stuff that happened at UGCX.

Great to meet you in San Jose – and many thanks for all your work to help put the show together.

We had an awesome time – looking forward to the next one!

- Brian

Thanks for your kind words on the event. Don’t believe what I told you previously, it was all worth it in the end!

-Lee

PS: You did an amazing job making this show happen and deserve a ton of credit for its success.

-Lee

-Lee