sells. Here we briefl y consider the other pros and cons for the current
four leading microstocks.
All stock photo images sold are sold subject to terms contained
in a license the buyer agrees to at the point of sale. That license
grants the buyer certain rights that govern how the image can be
used. Standard licenses tend to restrict the use of images to print runs
not exceeding 250,000 or 500,000 and limit the use of the image in
certain ways. For example, a standard license might allow the use of
the image on a Web site, up to a certain resolution, but not in a Web
template or as an item for resale, such as a mug or mouse pad. Some
uses require the purchase of an extended or enhanced license; this
costs more money and therefore nets a bigger royalty for you,
the photographer.
So, let’s revisit our “top four” libraries and see where the cash is
coming from.
DREAMSTIME
Dreamstime claims that its royalties are the best in the industry, at
least in terms of percentages. For each sale, the photographer receives
a commission of 50%. Images offered exclusively through Dreamstime
receive a 60% commission, while exclusive photographers enjoy an
additional bonus of $0.20 for each approved submission. However,
Dreamstime boss Serban Enache points out that if you add in the
bonuses that Dreamstime supports, the real royalty fi gure is closer
to 80%, which is claimed to be the best in the industry. To qualify
for a payout, Dreamstime needs to owe you at least $100, a fi gure
you should soon reach if you submit a reasonable amount of work
to it.
As prices for successful images increase incrementally, your com-
mission in absolute terms can also increase. The downside of Dreams-
time is the need to maintain online 70% of new uploads for 6 months.
Files older than 6 months can be deleted at any time. This 6-month
retention for new uploads may be a nuisance if you should decide you
want to pull your work from Dreamstime for any reason, for example,
if you want to accept artist exclusivity at iStockphoto. I know I objected
to the idea when it was fi rst introduced, but it should not be a problem
for most people.
You can make more money by opting in to Dreamstime’s extended-
license regimen. The standard royalty-free license covers most uses
the average buyer is likely to need, such as in Web sites, magazines,
newspaper, books, fl yers, or any other advertising and promotional
material, in either printed or electronic media, but there are some
restrictions that require the purchase of an extended license.
Dreamstime’s “U-EL” extended license removes the single-seat
restriction (i.e., one-person use only); the “I-EL” extended license
ROYALTIES AND LICENSES, OR “WHERE IS THE CASH?” 23