[Steve]

AOP Joins Coalition Calling on Getty Images to Remove RM Collections from $49
"Web Use" License

The Association of Photographers (AOP) have joined forces with an international coalition of photographic trade associations, led by the Stock Artists Alliance (SAA), to protest at Getty Images plan to launch a $49 web use (500 px wide, 72 dpi) across all licensing models (RM, RR, RF).

It’s widely recognized that Getty Images are seen within the industry as being the leading supplier of stock images. We expect other image suppliers will quickly follow suit and are deeply concerned about the impact this model will have on those AOP Members who rely on stock.

The launch of such a model means that photographers who currently have work with Getty will see a cut of around 95% on a like for like basis. It is the opinion of the AOP that such cuts do not represent a viable or sustainable business model for our Members.

One Member shared their recent sales figures with us: “I had three web sales on Getty’s Stone brand last month, grossing $3361.00. Better than $147!” Do the sums – it seems that this member would have to sell these images around 23 times just to break even with this “average” month of his. The images he sold, by the way, were for use in “typical” websites, so an unusually large license or two haven’t inflated the figures he’s talking about. He’s not convinced that such a multiple is achievable and we concur.

Furthermore, the AOP sees that this action will, ultimately, have a negative impact upon all rates, stock or assignment, so this issue is of industry-wide significance to all photographers.

Financial analysts in the City agree that the model is flawed and the value of Getty shares (GYI) have continued to move downward, with many re-rating it to their ‘Sell’ category and expressing concerns that the projected increase in sales volumes won’t be realized and will fail to make up for the dramatic price cut.

AOP Members who contacted us have been vocal about expressing their disagreement with Getty’s move and the long-term effects it will have on their business. Many of them tell us that they no longer want to submit to Getty and several big names are now reconsidering their relationship with Getty.


Getty’s proposed change affects premium RM/RR photography in particular and it is here that the AOP’s concern is most acutely focused, for it seriously devalues the high quality and evocative photography that our Members specialize in and which Getty markets for many of them.

We join with our partner organizations in calling for Getty to remove RM/RR image collections from this business model.

The AOP was formed in 1968 to promote and protect photographers’ rights and we continue to do so. Today, we are proud to be working in close alliance with our trade association partners, who collectively represent over 40,000 photographers worldwide, to fight against this business model.

The Association of Photographers
81 Leonard Street
London
EC2A 4QS
020 7739 6669
The Association of Photographers

[Sonsey]

And the pressure keeps building!... What does everyone else think, good or bad move by Getty?

[Dave]

Fair stand I say by AOP , otherwise Photograhers will soon be working for peanuts.

[ChrisRabior]

I think Getty's move is a double edged sword. If they can somehow manage to shut down the micros by offering a comparable price on far superior products, then there will be no more draw towards micros. On the other hand, it's unlikely that they'll be able to stop micros. Many are questioning where the hell all of these agencies were back when micros first surfaced.

I kinda feel it's too little too late. This scheme seems to rely on the notion that the majority of microstock profit comes from website usage. If they're right, then the move will most certainly damage the micros, but it is unlikely it will close them down. If they're wrong, then they're becoming a part of the problem that they've protested so strongly against.

[Dave]

Large companies have no problems paying decent rates for services, including marketing photography etc. As such they will stick with the likes of Alamy, Getty etc & ignore the smaller competitors (eg. Microstock agency). As such you would hope there is a place for the likes of Getty to keep prices as is.

Problem is, the moment the likes of Getty & Alamy lower their prices, there is no going back. The large customers will get used to that price. The scary thing is, there will be a snowball effect. If a customer can get a web image for n% less, they will push for all other services related to photograph images to drop by a similar margin .... simple business economics.

Not good for the Pro Photographers & in long run not good for whole industry, as you will start to squeeze out the decent Pro's & as such , overall quality of Photography will be impacted accordingly