There is an interesting article posted by Pocket-Lint with some details into the current leader in micro-stock photography companies (iStockphoto) you might want to read.

I fall in the category of 'just messing around' if you look at my portfolio on iStock. I have uploaded a total of 6 files since... well since they first started. Those six files have only netted me $63 over the years, so figure a regular photograph that is well lit, composed, sharp and relevant equals about $10 USD.

Say you want that new 'L' series Canon lens for $1500 - expect to upload 150 photographs to sell on iStockphoto.

I've recently started uploading to iStockphoto competitor Dreamstime. They simply pay more royalties. Over the same period of time that I've made $50 on iStockphoto, Dreamstime gave me nearly double for the same 6 photographs.

I've since uploaded a lot more, but mostly editorial pictures and just cashed a check just over $100 for the sales of those pictures. ($100 is the minimum check payout).

Update on 2010-07-22 20:26 by Mike Mu

Someone else reports on their own microstock success which more than compensates for a lot of camera gear.