Eye tracking studies by Jakob Nielsen, a Web site consultant and author of a number of books about design and user interface, show that users pay close attention to photos and other images that contain relevant information but ignore fluffy pictures used to “jazz up” Web pages.
Based on some recent discussions with producers of video stock John Lund offers some thoughts on the possibilities, and limitations, of motion stock and how stock footage might fit into a photographer’s future.
Six-year-old Dreamstime is expecting to add image number 10,000,000 to its archive some time this month. On that day, Dreamstime will pay 100% contributor royalty on all licensed images—and exclusive contributors will collect 110%.
Universal Images Group and Virtual Picture Desk announce new representation agreements.
Skeptical photographers are struggling to understand whether Corbis’ new Contributor Gateway and the elimination of foreign office fees will actually benefit them. Many have focused on the royalty reduction from 40% to 37.5%. In order to participate in the Gateway, contributors must sign a new contract with Corbis and agree to this lower royalty rate. However, the 35% foreign sales office fee that is currently being deducted from sales made by any office outside the contributor’s home territory will be eliminated
Masterfile’s new agency, Rethink Canada, has developed an new ad campaign that centers around Master Creative, whom the company describes as “ancient, all-knowing, wise-cracking guru of the advertising and design industries.” The campaign is designed to promote Masterfile’s Web site in North America and Europe.
If you’re a professional image producer looking for assignments, and you live or would like to work in remote parts of the world, the new World Assignment Web site may be for you.
Paul Melcher recently wrote a story that asked, “Are You Carving a Photography Niche – or Digging Your Career in a Hole?
” Melcher argues that there are few inadequately covered niches left and points out that perhaps those niches that do not already have thousands of images available exist because there is no demand for the subject matter. He also asks: “If you do not know who your customers are, if you do not have your own data, how can you niche yourself?”
The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies has announced that its flagship event, the Picture Buyers Fair, will not return in 2011.