I’ve added a new potential revenue stream to my photography business. I saw some YouTubes on it, and decided to try out stock photography for my images. I’m currently working with two stock photography agencies, Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. I’ve edited and uploaded 16 and 27 images to Adobe and Shutterstock respectively, to get an idea of what they would approve for acceptance. So far, Shutterstock has accepted five of my images, with 22 remaining for review. While you can’t typically make a ton of money working with stock agencies, you can possibly make some decent, regular money, and I’ve got a bunch of new photo shoots coming up to post to the sites. Hey, even if I potentially make $100/month, it’s more than I am making now. While I know that I could be hired out for weddings, I simply don’t wish to do then anymore, and my focus on travel more where I want to be.
On another note, I have ordered a new video camera. I am planning to place a bigger emphasis on my YouTube channel, filming more and hopefully making better videos in the process, which will involve learning how to edit with DaVinci Resolve. As a part of this push, I am upgrading my video rig from the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 to their new competitor, the Insta360 Luna Ultra. DJI has a new Pocket version out, the 4, but it cannot be bought in the United States due to an embargo on DJI products. What I like the most about the Luna Ultra is that it has two camera lenses designed by Leica, a standard lens and a telephoto. The Luna Ultra also has the feature whereby you can remove the control plane from the camera, and operate the camera remotely, which is really cool. I’m waiting now for the order to be fulfilled by Adorama Camera in New York, as they’ve been popular and sold out, especially the white version.
I’ve recently made the decision that my Hasselblad X2D2 cannot serve the function of being my “everyday camera.” It’s simply too big to lug around daily, and its value is high so I don’t wish to put it in certain lesser photographic situations. And I want some degree of portability and ease of carry. I therefore bought a Fujifilm X100vi digital camera, one that has a small form factor and non-interchangeable lens. This camera I can carry in my handbag with me everywhere, and it captures 40mpix files with a compact sensor. It has a 35mm equivalent f/2.0 lens, which is fine for what I would like to use the camera for. My lineup is set for a number of years, now all I need to do is start producing.
Lastly, I’ve also put up advertisements in certain social media looking for social branding job opportunities. I have not gotten any leads as yet, but hopefully I will at some point, as a part of expanding my commercial photography business to support my travels. I am also thinking about changing the name of my little business to a Japan-themed name, but who knows.