For over a year, I’ve been living in Accra, Ghana. Although I manage the revenue & marketing departments of a luxury hotel, living in this part of Africa is a continuous source of great photographic shots.
Apart from being a serial expat and a passionate photographer, I am also a philately maniac. Thus – I thought- why not combine it all? I decided to release some of my newest artworks via post, sent from Ghana to all over the world (which is easier said than done).
I call it my ‘Photo Mail’ and I distribute it mainly through postcrossing or upon request.
Due to the hardship of its journey form Africa, receiving my Photo Mail has stirred quite some interest. Furthermore, each design is a limited edition, making it rare, collectable and tradeable. However, my Photo Mail is original and valuable only if it has stamps, cancels and my official ‘VS’ seal.
If you’re on Postcrossing, you may be lucky to get one in your mail box. Otherwise, feel free to reach out to me!
This is my Postcrossing profile: https://www.postcrossing.com/user/vicschaal
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/postcard.jpg6281124Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-06-02 17:38:082022-06-01 22:11:06PHOTOMAIL FROM GHANA WITH LOVE: POSTCROSSING
I have been listed in Photographize’s annual book about the best 100 photographers of the year 2021!
Photographize Best Selected 2021 recognizes those who inspire us. In this book, Photographize collects the works of 100 visionary artists that pushed the limits, and we are thrilled to share them with the world. We dreamt of this book for a long time and put all our love on every page, we are proud to present our second issue this year.
During these challenging times, artists unleashed their imagination and connected us to our humanity. They found new ways of expression and of reaching their audiences. More than ever, art became a safe oasis where we could find beauty and inspiration. This book is a tribute to these artists and their incredible work.
It is naturally an immense pleasure to be included.
To view the digital version or buy the volume, please click here: https://www.photographize.co/book/
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/photographize-1.jpg14151416Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-31 19:13:262022-01-01 20:36:43LISTED IN BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS 2021 BOOK BY PHOTOGRAPHIZE!
Having been an expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my ‘Mail Photography’. At the moment I live in Ghana and I sent a postcard to Graham, star of the increasingly popular Exploring Stamp Youtube series. Almost unbelievably, my postcard travelled all the way from Accra and arrived safely in New Jersey. Resultantly, my mail photography was featured on an Exploring Stamps episode, which you can watch below.
Experimental photography of Venice through the lens of a Venetian artist, Victoria Schaal. Book in Italian with English translation.
My camera and I have travelled all around the world. We experienced the Asian megacities, tasted the charm of Africa, spent light-hearted summers in the Dolomites, climbed some of the most notorious volcanoes, but the greatest challenge has always been photographing Venice.Perhaps when you love a place and are accustomed to it, it is harder to grasp its deepest soul…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/square.jpg12001200Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-05-12 16:37:542021-12-31 17:27:08VENETIAN VISIONS: MY NEW PHOTOBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/asfastaslight.jpg834873Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-03-08 23:26:402021-12-31 17:27:09New Artworks on Saatchi Art Gallery
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/worth.jpg18382000Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-03-05 17:29:442021-12-31 17:27:09Worth Society: 'Victoria Schaal: A Leading Light in Contemporary Art'
If you, like me, have enthusiasm for digital photography burning in you, a profession in digital photography would certainly be a fantastic suggestion!
Yet, making money with photography is easier said than done!
Stock Photography is definitely a way to make money. There are numerous companies that require images that are substantial to their jobs yet do not have much time to take these images as a result of their busy routines. They decide to buy stock images as opposed to employing a specialist digital photographer, not just to conserve cash, however time too due to the fact that these images prepare to make use of.
I’ve been contributing for years and I learnt a couple of things about stock photography.
Moreover, I worked as a Marketer for one of the largest agencies too. So let me transfer to you some of my knowledge. Learn more about me here
Exactly what is stock photography?
Stock pictures are not photographed for a certain customer or usage yet portray a much more basic idea. Purchasers obtain wanted image, stock digital photography agents obtain a portion of every image offered on their site, and also professional photographer obtains continuing to be percent.
How to sell stock digital photography?
You require your pictures to be of its finest. You should ensure that there are no noticeable sounds or grains in your stock pictures. They have to be free from spots, as well as unneeded background products. There are stringent standards you require to comply with. In order for your images to be thought about stock picture top quality, they have to be small, effectively taken, skilfully revealed as well as with high resolution.
Stock photography is the highest quality requiring photography.
As such, see it as a gym to learn and practice photography at its toughest level. When in the future you decide to move towards more artistic creations or perhaps photojournalism, your standards will be amongst the highest. Learn more about this on this other article I wrote here
You will certainly additionally require software to edit your stock pictures.
You needn’t purchase the extremely expensive Adobe license to use Photoshop. You can download an older version of Photoshop for free, which is great if you want to start out without investment.
There are a whole lot of electronic cameras in market with fantastic attributes. Personally I like my Nikon D3200. It’s the best in terms of price/quality ratio and the easiest for beginners in the range of pro cameras. Nikon produced later versions like the D3400 which is a great DSLR and amongst the cheapest. DSLRs can be expensive to start out and the cheapest with a lens included goes between 250 to 380 Dollars. However you can also go for a second hand one. I always advise to buy used electronics either via Ebay because they protect you from scams or via Facebook if you can meet the seller, thus try the camera. However, it is always safer and better to purchase a new one. Amazon has interesting prices and options. Remember that you should always invest more on lenses rather than cameras.
I recommend this little book to practice all kinds of photography. I love it cause it tells you in bullet points exactly what settings to use in each situation and it’s small enough to be carried around and on the field.
What are the top selling portfolios?
Difficulty in offering your stock images is its originality as well as adaptability. In order to increase your possibilities of selling you can either try to build a portfolio with a large variety of categories (i.e. travel, business, food, nature…etc.) or select a certain particular niche market. if you choose this approach, you generally need less photos in your portfolio but these pictures have to be exactly what your consumers are trying to find. You have to have the ability to have an extensive understanding of the niche market and also make sure there is enough demand for that niche.
Quantity in your portfolio is also relevant. Most bloggers only give you tips about how YOU can improve your pictures. Reality is that the IT algorithms used by stock photo agencies determine heavily who and what is going to sell. If your portfolio is large, it’ll be shown more, thus you’ll have better chances of selling. The more you sell, the more the algorithm will show you.
There are a bunch of stock digital photography recruitment agencies where your images can be offered. These websites have standards on what you ought to get in order to make an effective image entry. Generally, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime and Istock require at least 4mp but 123RF will ask for 6mp.
I advise you to put your keywords directly in your files metadata rather than pasting them as you upload your pics on every site. It’ll save you a lot of time!
Last but not least
Remember, there are people who manage to live out of stock photography. They are only a few but you can be one of them. It just takes time and patience. You’ll likely need years to create a 10 000 photo portfolio but if you stay put, you’ll achieve it.
Start with small objectives. Reaching 100 pictures is a milestone. When you get to 500, you’ll start seeing a real progress in your earnings. 1000 photos truly changes your earnings report so work on that for now.
I’m out for now, drop a comment or email if you want more info. Please do not use this article in your blog unless you ask me first.
For over a year, I've been living in Accra, Ghana. Although I manage the revenue & marketing departments of a luxury hotel, living in this part of Africa is a continuous source of great photographic shots.
Apart from being a serial expat…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/postcard.jpg6281124Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-06-02 17:38:082022-06-01 22:11:06PHOTOMAIL FROM GHANA WITH LOVE: POSTCROSSING
BBC welcomes regularly its photographing audience to send in their best pictures.
Last week, the theme was "on the water".
Within their selection they added my artwork 'Beauty is Simplicity'
Here is the full selection of…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/bbcnews.jpg771825Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-05-28 17:21:362022-05-28 17:24:26BBC and my picture on the theme of WATER
I have been listed in Photographize's annual book about the best 100 photographers of the year 2021!
Photographize Best Selected 2021 recognizes those who inspire us. In this book, Photographize collects the works of 100 visionary artists…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/photographize-1.jpg14151416Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-31 19:13:262022-01-01 20:36:43LISTED IN BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS 2021 BOOK BY PHOTOGRAPHIZE!
Having been an expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my ‘Mail Photography’. At the moment I live in Ghana and I sent a postcard to Graham, star of the increasingly popular Exploring…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gr.jpg497680Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-12 14:13:332021-12-31 17:27:07FEATURED ON EXPLORING STAMPS EPISODE
Having been ab expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my 'Mail Photography'.
I send my photographic artworks by mail; they can be collected, traded, purchased and sold like any…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lightbulb-money-small.jpg767800Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2019-06-22 21:15:412021-12-31 17:27:46Stock photography agency employee: Best Ways to Make Money
For over a year, I’ve been living in Accra, Ghana. Although I manage the revenue & marketing departments of a luxury hotel, living in this part of Africa is a continuous source of great photographic shots.
Apart from being a serial expat and a passionate photographer, I am also a philately maniac. Thus – I thought- why not combine it all? I decided to release some of my newest artworks via post, sent from Ghana to all over the world (which is easier said than done).
I call it my ‘Photo Mail’ and I distribute it mainly through postcrossing or upon request.
Due to the hardship of its journey form Africa, receiving my Photo Mail has stirred quite some interest. Furthermore, each design is a limited edition, making it rare, collectable and tradeable. However, my Photo Mail is original and valuable only if it has stamps, cancels and my official ‘VS’ seal.
If you’re on Postcrossing, you may be lucky to get one in your mail box. Otherwise, feel free to reach out to me!
This is my Postcrossing profile: https://www.postcrossing.com/user/vicschaal
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/postcard.jpg6281124Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-06-02 17:38:082022-06-01 22:11:06PHOTOMAIL FROM GHANA WITH LOVE: POSTCROSSING
I have been listed in Photographize’s annual book about the best 100 photographers of the year 2021!
Photographize Best Selected 2021 recognizes those who inspire us. In this book, Photographize collects the works of 100 visionary artists that pushed the limits, and we are thrilled to share them with the world. We dreamt of this book for a long time and put all our love on every page, we are proud to present our second issue this year.
During these challenging times, artists unleashed their imagination and connected us to our humanity. They found new ways of expression and of reaching their audiences. More than ever, art became a safe oasis where we could find beauty and inspiration. This book is a tribute to these artists and their incredible work.
It is naturally an immense pleasure to be included.
To view the digital version or buy the volume, please click here: https://www.photographize.co/book/
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/photographize-1.jpg14151416Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-31 19:13:262022-01-01 20:36:43LISTED IN BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS 2021 BOOK BY PHOTOGRAPHIZE!
Having been an expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my ‘Mail Photography’. At the moment I live in Ghana and I sent a postcard to Graham, star of the increasingly popular Exploring Stamp Youtube series. Almost unbelievably, my postcard travelled all the way from Accra and arrived safely in New Jersey. Resultantly, my mail photography was featured on an Exploring Stamps episode, which you can watch below.
Experimental photography of Venice through the lens of a Venetian artist, Victoria Schaal. Book in Italian with English translation.
My camera and I have travelled all around the world. We experienced the Asian megacities, tasted the charm of Africa, spent light-hearted summers in the Dolomites, climbed some of the most notorious volcanoes, but the greatest challenge has always been photographing Venice.Perhaps when you love a place and are accustomed to it, it is harder to grasp its deepest soul…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/square.jpg12001200Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-05-12 16:37:542021-12-31 17:27:08VENETIAN VISIONS: MY NEW PHOTOBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/asfastaslight.jpg834873Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-03-08 23:26:402021-12-31 17:27:09New Artworks on Saatchi Art Gallery
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/worth.jpg18382000Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-03-05 17:29:442021-12-31 17:27:09Worth Society: 'Victoria Schaal: A Leading Light in Contemporary Art'
If you, like me, have enthusiasm for digital photography burning in you, a profession in digital photography would certainly be a fantastic suggestion!
Yet, making money with photography is easier said than done!
Stock Photography is definitely a way to make money. There are numerous companies that require images that are substantial to their jobs yet do not have much time to take these images as a result of their busy routines. They decide to buy stock images as opposed to employing a specialist digital photographer, not just to conserve cash, however time too due to the fact that these images prepare to make use of.
I’ve been contributing for years and I learnt a couple of things about stock photography.
Moreover, I worked as a Marketer for one of the largest agencies too. So let me transfer to you some of my knowledge. Learn more about me here
Exactly what is stock photography?
Stock pictures are not photographed for a certain customer or usage yet portray a much more basic idea. Purchasers obtain wanted image, stock digital photography agents obtain a portion of every image offered on their site, and also professional photographer obtains continuing to be percent.
How to sell stock digital photography?
You require your pictures to be of its finest. You should ensure that there are no noticeable sounds or grains in your stock pictures. They have to be free from spots, as well as unneeded background products. There are stringent standards you require to comply with. In order for your images to be thought about stock picture top quality, they have to be small, effectively taken, skilfully revealed as well as with high resolution.
Stock photography is the highest quality requiring photography.
As such, see it as a gym to learn and practice photography at its toughest level. When in the future you decide to move towards more artistic creations or perhaps photojournalism, your standards will be amongst the highest. Learn more about this on this other article I wrote here
You will certainly additionally require software to edit your stock pictures.
You needn’t purchase the extremely expensive Adobe license to use Photoshop. You can download an older version of Photoshop for free, which is great if you want to start out without investment.
There are a whole lot of electronic cameras in market with fantastic attributes. Personally I like my Nikon D3200. It’s the best in terms of price/quality ratio and the easiest for beginners in the range of pro cameras. Nikon produced later versions like the D3400 which is a great DSLR and amongst the cheapest. DSLRs can be expensive to start out and the cheapest with a lens included goes between 250 to 380 Dollars. However you can also go for a second hand one. I always advise to buy used electronics either via Ebay because they protect you from scams or via Facebook if you can meet the seller, thus try the camera. However, it is always safer and better to purchase a new one. Amazon has interesting prices and options. Remember that you should always invest more on lenses rather than cameras.
I recommend this little book to practice all kinds of photography. I love it cause it tells you in bullet points exactly what settings to use in each situation and it’s small enough to be carried around and on the field.
What are the top selling portfolios?
Difficulty in offering your stock images is its originality as well as adaptability. In order to increase your possibilities of selling you can either try to build a portfolio with a large variety of categories (i.e. travel, business, food, nature…etc.) or select a certain particular niche market. if you choose this approach, you generally need less photos in your portfolio but these pictures have to be exactly what your consumers are trying to find. You have to have the ability to have an extensive understanding of the niche market and also make sure there is enough demand for that niche.
Quantity in your portfolio is also relevant. Most bloggers only give you tips about how YOU can improve your pictures. Reality is that the IT algorithms used by stock photo agencies determine heavily who and what is going to sell. If your portfolio is large, it’ll be shown more, thus you’ll have better chances of selling. The more you sell, the more the algorithm will show you.
There are a bunch of stock digital photography recruitment agencies where your images can be offered. These websites have standards on what you ought to get in order to make an effective image entry. Generally, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime and Istock require at least 4mp but 123RF will ask for 6mp.
I advise you to put your keywords directly in your files metadata rather than pasting them as you upload your pics on every site. It’ll save you a lot of time!
Last but not least
Remember, there are people who manage to live out of stock photography. They are only a few but you can be one of them. It just takes time and patience. You’ll likely need years to create a 10 000 photo portfolio but if you stay put, you’ll achieve it.
Start with small objectives. Reaching 100 pictures is a milestone. When you get to 500, you’ll start seeing a real progress in your earnings. 1000 photos truly changes your earnings report so work on that for now.
I’m out for now, drop a comment or email if you want more info. Please do not use this article in your blog unless you ask me first.
For over a year, I've been living in Accra, Ghana. Although I manage the revenue & marketing departments of a luxury hotel, living in this part of Africa is a continuous source of great photographic shots.
Apart from being a serial expat…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/postcard.jpg6281124Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-06-02 17:38:082022-06-01 22:11:06PHOTOMAIL FROM GHANA WITH LOVE: POSTCROSSING
BBC welcomes regularly its photographing audience to send in their best pictures.
Last week, the theme was "on the water".
Within their selection they added my artwork 'Beauty is Simplicity'
Here is the full selection of…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/bbcnews.jpg771825Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2022-05-28 17:21:362022-05-28 17:24:26BBC and my picture on the theme of WATER
I have been listed in Photographize's annual book about the best 100 photographers of the year 2021!
Photographize Best Selected 2021 recognizes those who inspire us. In this book, Photographize collects the works of 100 visionary artists…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/photographize-1.jpg14151416Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-31 19:13:262022-01-01 20:36:43LISTED IN BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS 2021 BOOK BY PHOTOGRAPHIZE!
Having been an expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my ‘Mail Photography’. At the moment I live in Ghana and I sent a postcard to Graham, star of the increasingly popular Exploring…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gr.jpg497680Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2021-12-12 14:13:332021-12-31 17:27:07FEATURED ON EXPLORING STAMPS EPISODE
Having been ab expat around the world for ten years, a photographer and a philately enthusiast, I decided to create my 'Mail Photography'.
I send my photographic artworks by mail; they can be collected, traded, purchased and sold like any…
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lightbulb-money-small.jpg767800Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2019-06-22 21:15:412021-12-31 17:27:46Stock photography agency employee: Best Ways to Make Money
Nikon is releasing two full-frame mirrorless cameras on August 23rd!
The cameras apparently will get rather sci-fi android names: the Z6 and Z7 (so original guys!)
They are said to be introduced alongside three lenses and the Z7 will shoot at 45 megapixels!
It seems that a visual artist or photographer must be on Behance these days…and on Instagram… and on Facebook and on LinkedIn and on a website and on Twitter and on Pinterest…
Jeez, the time and energy wasted on all these publicity channels is crazy… all time not being used to create. It really frustrates me.
Yet, am not here to change the world so I gave in to some of these channels. Some..
And today i announce that I am on Behance. I am just starting, beware.
If you’d like to help me by putting a like on a project, it’d be real nice:
https://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/9.jpg10901920Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2018-04-12 18:32:272021-12-31 17:27:50Easy Tips to Boost your Photography
http://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.png00Victoria Schaalhttp://victoriaschaal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/VSHEADERrtranswhite2021.pngVictoria Schaal2018-03-16 11:08:562021-12-31 17:27:50Photographers, you can easily do better!
