Dreamstime: Review

Dreamstime, one of what I call 'the big four' Microstock agencies is not only green and twirly, but also a powerful and top selling Microstock site. In this review you'll learn about what makes this dreamy Microstock site so special.

Website
Dreamstime.com

Support
International: (+1) 615 771 5611
Toll Free (US, Canada): 800 243 1791
Fax (US): 615 734 0671
Regular business hours: 
Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 7 PM EST


Business Model
Credits can be bought in packages, additionally there are several subscriptions

$$$ per download/ Subscription
800X600 pixels are between 1 and 5$

3MP- up to 5MP are between 2 and 6$

5MP- up to 8MP are between3 and 7$

over 8MP are between 4 and 8 $

RAW files: Double the amount of the largest size available

The special thing about the Dreamstime pricing is the fact that images become more expensive the more they are downloaded. This "forces" the buyers to look at other images covering the same subject.

Media types
Only JPG files, RGB, at least 3 Megapixels, saved at the maximum quality will be accepted (70 Megapixels max resolution).Vector files should be saved in a very high quality JPG file. Furthermore Dreamstime allows you to additionally upload a RAW file for each image.

FTP Access
Yes

ITPC usage
Yes

Approval Procedure
Not really, just start uploading your images. Generally I think Dreamstime refuses quite a lot, so better check your images twice before uploading.

Ease of use
While the front site is relatively well ordered, the member sites are quite confusing for the first time. After you've figured out how the site works, the UI is efficient and offers the user many options at once, very nice.

Chance of being granted as a contributor
High. But double check your images first before uploading, they really take a close look at your images!


Chance of selling your media
Due to the system Dreamstime uses, image sales are constantly high and new images have a realistic chance of being discovered by potential buyers.

Chance of survival
As one of the biggest and entrenched agencies out there, you won't have to worry about Dreamstime going bancrupt.

Popular stock photography on Dreamstime

Notes
- Good User Interface
- Medium review times
- System that allows new pics to compete with popular ones
- Allows RAW files in addition to normal JPEG`s
- No EPS files allowed, save them as large HQ Jpeg's
- Lots of great tools and statistics
- Fast FTP upload
- You can write your own blog if you like

Verdict

Dreamstime is one of what I call "the big four" in Microstock. It offers many features, statistics and options for Microstock photographers. This is definitely one of the agencies you should start with, chances of selling pictures are high and they offer a system that raises the prices for popular images, therefore newcomers have a realistic chance competing against them since they are cheaper. A definite recommendation!

Get started at Dreamstime and register today!