Amanda Hides (Rohde): Learn to Think Like a Designer

Many beginners are curious about how much they can earn on microstock sites, whether it’s truly possible to make a profit, and how quickly they can start earning.

Many are also concerned about the stability and prospects of earnings on microstock sites.

I was once similarly curious and, filled with doubts, read many interviews with microstockers who achieved success in this field.

I would like to offer you the opportunity to explore the success stories of leading microstockers in the world, so you can understand what can be achieved on these platforms, in what time frame, and with what efforts.

Let’s begin with a charming Australian woman, formerly known as Amanda Hides, now Amanda Rohde.

Amanda Hides was born on May 1, 1980, in Brisbane, Australia, into a very poor family as the youngest daughter of Linda and Gordon Hides. Amanda has an older sister who also works with iStockphoto under the name Rinelle.

Amanda’s father was a fish farmer, so she spent most of her childhood on the east coast of Queensland. Her upbringing was unusual in many ways. Amanda spent her childhood without electricity, hot water, and many other conveniences. For several years, she even lived in a simple eight-person tent, where meals were prepared right outside.

She spent much of her life in a wooden hut and, for several years, lived in an eight-person tent where meals were prepared outside. Essentially, she was practically homeless and couldn’t afford an apartment in Brisbane, where she worked multiple temporary jobs.

From second to tenth grade, Amanda was homeschooled because her family often lived far from schools. After finishing school, she returned to Brisbane to attend university and earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a specialization in information management.

After university, Amanda worked in various libraries and held several temporary jobs, but the salary did not reflect her efforts.

Amanda then spent several months working on her father’s farm, but returning home proved challenging. She went back to Brisbane and began working in technical support for internet projects. However, the shift-based nature of the job conflicted with her internal clock, leading to fatigue.

Following these experiences, she decided to start her own business.

She frequently practiced using Photoshop for personal projects and felt she had achieved a professional level of proficiency. So she began offering digital photo retouching services to professional photographers.

Some photographers showed interest in her services, leading Amanda Hides to establish a small business that provided a solid supplementary income. During this time, she discovered iStockphoto and began contributing to this microstock platform.

Everything changed when she received a basic 3-megapixel camera. Shortly thereafter, she surprised her husband, Michael (whom she married in 2001, becoming Amanda Rohde), by announcing her decision to close her business and focus entirely on iStockphoto.

In just over three years, she became one of the most successful photographers on iStockphoto, amassing a portfolio of over 7,400 images and achieving more than 245,000 sales (this interview was conducted with Amanda on 22/03/2007; though dated, it remains relevant).

Amanda Hides is committed to not selling her works for more than $1 per photo.

Despite this pricing strategy, her earnings from microstock exceed $250,000 per year!

Hello, Amanda. First, thank you for agreeing to this interview. I’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions from various forums. I’m eager to hear your responses. Let’s begin.

It’s my pleasure. Let’s get started.

From the introduction, we understand how your interest in microstocks started. Did you have any formal photography education before joining iStockphoto?

No, I don’t believe such education would have benefited me personally. While some aspects might have been useful, during my studies, traditional film cameras were predominantly used, not digital ones. I’ve never owned a film camera and, to be honest, have no desire to acquire one now.

With enough enthusiasm, you can learn almost anything on your own by utilizing various information sources and learning from others’ experiences.
The iStockphoto forums and its members were invaluable during my learning process. Additionally, I reviewed hundreds of materials through the internet, books, magazines, and interactions with other photographers.

I have also dedicated (and continue to dedicate) significant time studying other photographers’ works, analyzing what makes a photo effective, how the lighting was set, the choice of subject, and ways to enhance the shot.

You don’t have formal photographic education, but I assume you were a photography enthusiast beforehand?

Actually, no. Before joining iStockphoto, I hadn’t taken a single photograph, except for a few lucky snapshots. I knew nothing about the technical aspects of photography; I learned all of that on the job. In my opinion, the best feature of microstocks (especially iStockphoto) is that you can continue learning throughout your time working with them.

They assist you with that, rather than merely judging your skill level. They evaluate not your personal qualities but solely the quality of each photo.

Do you now consider yourself a full-time professional?

Yes. I could have considered myself one several years ago. The only difference now is that I receive a full-time salary. 🙂

Is stock photography your only source of income, or do you also take on freelance assignments?

Although I receive offers for full-time positions and freelance assignments, I’ve chosen to decline them because I cherish the lifestyle and freedom that microstock provides me.

I believe you’re one of the most active photographers on iStock, with nearly 7,400 images in your portfolio. That’s about 45 images a week; I think that’s quite a lot. How many hours a day do you spend creating photos, uploading them, and so on?

Believe it or not, that’s probably the hardest question you could have asked. At times, I spend 18 hours a day working; other times, I might go a month without doing anything. My work schedule is irregular, and I occasionally get tired.

For those who focus on ‘how many hours have I worked already,’ working with microstocks can be challenging. I tend to focus more on how many photos I can prepare today and how many shots I need to take this year.

Do you have time for hobbies other than photography?

‘Hobby’ is an interesting concept; I don’t think I’ve ever had a specific ‘hobby’ per se. I have business-related ideas and things I’d like to learn simply because I find them interesting. But nothing has occupied me for long; it either turns into something productive or fades away.

I read a lot, if that can be considered a hobby. I enjoy spending time with friends, regardless of the activity. I play billiards (honestly, not very well), go bowling, and rollerblade. I play air hockey quite well, though not very often.

For me, what’s important in leisure activities is who I’m spending time with rather than what I’m doing. People are much more important than the specific activity.

ou’re an exclusive photographer with iStock. Why? There are many other microstocks out there. Don’t you think you could earn more by collaborating with five or even six of them?

Let’s focus on a few points.

First of all, there’s the loyalty I feel toward iStock for supporting me throughout my professional journey. Plus, as a ‘diamond’ exclusive photographer, I earn twice as much as I would as a regular iStock photographer.

Also, I think other stock agenciess won’t provide the same legal support that iStock can if I ever need it.

I like that I can track the use of my works regarding illegal use, which contradicts the licensing agreement. As an exclusive photographer, it’s not difficult for me at all.

Finally, iStock is the biggest and best stock agency. How many stock agencies can boast works that have sold over 3,000 times?

You’ve been working with iStock for over three years. What has changed in the last 2–3 years?

A lot has changed in my life over the past couple of years. Thanks to the increase in buyers and payouts, I started receiving a steady income much sooner than I expected.

This means I can upgrade my equipment more quickly and achieve more as a photographer.

Do you notice a difference between the photos that are bought today and those from a few years ago?

I feel that there is very little in stock photography that can be called “fashionable.” Of course, some things fluctuate in demand. The first thing that comes to mind is the frangipani flowers from my portfolio.

They are quite popular right now, but no one knows how long that will last. Works based on a specific, in-demand concept are a whole different matter – the demand for such works hardly changes.

I mean works like: a businessman holding a lightbulb, wedding rings, or a piggy bank, etc.

Are there any reasons you might not upload a particular image to the stock agency? For example, an image that holds personal value for you?

The only reason I wouldn’t upload a certain photo would be its insufficient technical quality, which does not meet my standards, or if I feel that the photo won’t be useful to designers. After all, this is a way to show the world who I am and what matters to me.

Have you ever felt that your work is worth more than $1? And have you tried selling photos through other channels?

No. The better the photo, the more it will be bought, and the more money it will bring. Plus, I believe that microstocks are the best place to sell my works.

Continue reading the interview in the next article…

Source: www.perrush.be/art_hidesy_01.html
Translation: microstock.ru