Ken Wolter Posted March 1 Share Posted March 1 When I began as a Shutterstock contributor ten years ago, I barely knew what I was doing. I thought of myself as a fairly good photographer and I thought I would turn my camera into pocket change for new gear. I faced all the challenges of new contributors with constant rejections and poor sales. Like a lot of people, I nearly gave up on stock photography. It wasn't until 2014 when I changed my focus to Editorial that my fortunes changed for the better. And it was at that time I set a goal for myself. I decided that I would make it my objective to have 5000 images in my Shutterstock port by the time I turned 65. To that end, I have worked my tail off. A few months before my 65th birthday, I'm one image short of my objective. I think back over the decade. I look at how far I have come as a photographer and videographer. I think of all work I have put into stock photography and making this endeavor work. Even with Shutterstock's commission changes, stock photography here and with other agencies can work. Thanks to those on this forum who have been of help over the decade. Now, on to setting another goal for my 70th birthday! 13 Link to post Share on other sites
Marcel Rommens Posted March 1 Share Posted March 1 Congratulations! My goal is, to have 2000 photo's and 100 video's in July/August 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Alysee Posted March 1 Share Posted March 1 I just joined and have hope to have many images on my account for myself. Thanks for the inspiration. Alysee Link to post Share on other sites
Studio 2 Posted March 1 Share Posted March 1 Congratulations. A great achievement. It's nice to read a 'feel good' post here on the rather sad nowadays Sstock forum. Here's to the next 5 years (and beyond) 🥂 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Ackab Photography Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 Awesome. Finally a positive post, I need more of those. Great achievement and beautiful, inspiring portfolio Ken. Thank you so much. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Rudra Narayan Mitra Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 Congratulations and wishing you all the very best ! Birthday wish too.... Regards, Rudra 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Wilm Ihlenfeld Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 Congratulations on this milestone. I have almost no editorial images. That's why I don't know much about it. But I would imagine that your specialization on brands and branded products should generate pretty good download numbers. Link to post Share on other sites
David A Litman Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 Congratulations Ken! It looks like you've spent a good deal of time in my neck of the woods (Monterey County). I've been trying for years to displace your top selling image for keywords "Salinas Lettuce", lol. Nice work! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
HodagMedia Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 Come on @Ken Wolter just one more! 👍 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Awana JF Posted March 5 Share Posted March 5 Congratulations! Keep the good work! Are you going to submit just one more pic or a full batch? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Repelsteeltje Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 Congratulations ! 10 years of hard work shows a lot of dedication.👍 Well done ! Hoping to reach your current milestone in 10 years time when I am 60 (though this might be an impossible task, as after one year I already feel deflated like a hot air balloon ready to hit rock bottom 🤪) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Wolter Posted March 7 Author Share Posted March 7 On 3/2/2021 at 2:27 PM, David A Litman said: Congratulations Ken! It looks like you've spent a good deal of time in my neck of the woods (Monterey County). I've been trying for years to displace your top selling image for keywords "Salinas Lettuce", lol. Nice work! I lived in Salinas for a few years when I worked a Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center Monterey. I took that image in 2013. That lettuce field image with Toro Park in the background is my top selling image of all time and I had no idea when I took the photo it would have done as well as it has. Not all that much thought went into the image, to be honest. I miss the California Central Coast a great deal. I can't wait for the pandemic to subside so I can visit again Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, The Pinnacles and other places of beauty. Thanks for the compliment and best wishes from frozen Hudson, Wisconsin. Link to post Share on other sites
HodagMedia Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 On 3/6/2021 at 7:48 PM, Ken Wolter said: I lived in Salinas for a few years when I worked a Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center Monterey. I took that image in 2013. That lettuce field image with Toro Park in the background is my top selling image of all time and I had no idea when I took the photo it would have done as well as it has. Not all that much thought went into the image, to be honest. I miss the California Central Coast a great deal. I can't wait for the pandemic to subside so I can visit again Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, The Pinnacles and other places of beauty. Thanks for the compliment and best wishes from frozen Hudson, Wisconsin. Was Henry Hudson ever in Wisconsin? Nope it's named after the Hudson River in New York. Hudson on the Interstate is the last sign of civilization before you enter Minnesota? 😉 After that you're smack in the middle of "Fargo" types and "ya hey der" folks. Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Wolter Posted March 9 Author Share Posted March 9 In fact, I can see Minnesota from my dining room window. The city was named Hudson because a mayor in the 1850's thought the area reminded him of Hudson, New York. And yes, people around here have accents like in the movie Fargo. Of course, I don't, doncha know. Link to post Share on other sites
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