Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Does there exist any real relation b/w ELs,ODs and the file

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

(Sorry if this has been asked already)
I always wonder that is there is any actual relation between chance of download of images as ELs and ODs and the file size. I often hear that larger files are more prone to be downloaded as Els... but at same time i do see or know that even smaller 4-5 mega pxl size images are also downloaded as ELs frequently. And does file size also affect the ODs ? I am new to shutterstock and now building up my portfolio gradually so your experience or suggestions might help me. I personally found that if i keep my file size to lower most possible (~ 4-6mpxl, the acceptance is also higher and vice versa.
Please share your experience and suggestions are always welcome.

Mike Price · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 2919 Location: South Wales

I dont think there is much correlation. My best selling photo which has had most ELs, ODDs and subs sales is only around 5 MP. Yesterday I had two ELs on images which are 18MP, yet they had only sold a few times previously.

Also SS has an upsizing option so if you upload smaller images the buyer can choose the upsized version which SS presumably does with something like Genuine fractals.

I think on other sites which have diferent rates for diferent sizes it is probably more important.

Mike

Mike

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

Mike Price · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 2919 Location: South Wales

The shutterstock buyers plans allow for a certain number of downloads of any size image, so there is no difference in price between a small download and a large.

The subscription plan allws a buyer to download 25 images of anysize per day.

The ODD plan allows 5 images to be downloaded at any time.

The SOD allows one image to be purchased at a higher price for the buyer ($19)

Mike

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

ok. That means these are types of plans for buyers. Thanks mike.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:42 pm

I agree with Mike in saying that I do not see any relationship between the size of the file and what license it is DL'd at.

The ODs, SODs and the regular licenses are just subscription plans. ELs however can have some factors involved in which ones are DLd. I have found that images that would work well with large distributions will get more ELs than an image that would not work so well in a large run.

For example, Jeff Thrower has some amazing horror images. Many of these have appeared as book covers which often will require an EL. Jeff Banke has many nature shots that will work well with books, calendars etc which often need an EL. Laurin has many shots of his dog which has appeared in many calendars and books about that type of dog. I have had many specific food shots that have appeared in books, newspapers, magazines etc which often need the EL.

But, a simple shot of an isolated fork does not have the large run look and feel to it so it most likely will get fewer ELs.

Want more ELs? I would say shoot with that in mind.

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

Thanks Dave. Your explanatory thoughtful reply always gives some new idea and tips. I wish SS may add some programme that may tell us the subjects and trend of the ELs also like keyword trends :-)

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:58 pm

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

lol yeah. That is also true. I am still waiting for my 1st EL :-)

rinder99 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:37 pm

I think EL when I shoot. I don't know why I just do . If someone had the formula, They would be rich. There is no rhyme or reason, I've had EL's on the strangest things, so has dave and Im sure Mike also.I had 8 in one day a few months ago.SWEET!!! almost as much as we made on one image 20 years ago.LOL

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

pharm · Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 9406 Location: Never quite sure

Bottom line: no relation. It all depends on what the buyer wants and what he/she wants to spend.

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383

rinder99 · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:49 am

Also I believe, That being unique makes for more EL's, A different view. generic images goes for more of a web Blog/catalog or something.

drskn08 · Joined: 05 Nov 2011 Posts: 383