An interesting launch here from three creative chaps based in Devon, UK. The Food Image Group (FIG) is a 100% dedicated food image library with an aim to ‘take existing stock image libraries by storm’ offering the ‘most affordable stock images you can buy’. FIG’s vision is to bring together a co-operative of leading international food photographers – including the nurturing of new talent – to provide the highest-quality, exclusive stock library without any licensing confusion at an affordable price.
Here’s a few image samples and the offer highlights:
• A unique ‘no restrictions’ licence… a one-off fee allows the buyer to use the image wherever and whenever they wish from a one-off project to a multi-national global campaign.
• All images are hi-resolution suitable for use across multi-media channels saving time and money when searching for that perfect image.
• Prices from £2 for a full size exclusive image for any use.
The three founders have many years’ experience both in supplying and buying from the existing stock image marketplace, FIG’s aim is to offer a credible alternative to established libraries. Photographer Neil Langan who set up the business with Dave Witcomb and Mike Arscott, believes there is room for change within the industry. He told PAN over the weekend: “High-quality food photography is becoming harder to find at a reasonable price while some of the larger stock libraries are engaging in ‘loss leader’ activities using poor quality images which can only frustrate and disappoint the buyer. The service we offer is open and totally transparent with no catch.”
‘Based on their collective experience, FIG stands out from the competition in several ways including the bold decision not to pay commission to its photographers, who join the business by invitation only. This gives the photographer a vested interest, enabling fees to be kept low for thousands of exclusive pictures.’
Am I missing something here? Perhaps you could give a clearer explanation for your prospective buyers and the photographers who are selected to contribute “by invitation only”.
You say…”including the bold decision not to pay commission to its photographers, who join the business by invitation only. This gives the photographer a vested interest, enabling fees to be kept low for thousands of exclusive pictures.’”
What does this mean in practice? You don’t pay your photographers commission, so how do they make a living? Do you pay them a set price for every image the present to you?
How many food photographers do you think will join your business “by invitation only” if they are not to be paid for their work and in what way do you consider this gives a photographer “a vested interest”.
You also say “Prices from £2 for a full size exclusive image for any use”. As samples you have basically the same image cropped or “zoomed in” slightly differently, this hardly makes the images “exclusive”.
More information needed I think.