Features
A brief chat with Haim Ariav
Haim Ariav is a professional photographer and new-media professional with several years experience running photography based internet companies. After recently leaving a21 / Superstock Haim started a new business called Glossy Finish working with professional photographers to cover amateur sporting events and utilizing a digital workflow to offer image based products with the images. Naturally we were curious about this business model and asked Haim for more information about this new venture.
About The Image (ATI): So Haim, you left a21/SuperStock back in early June and we know you must be up to something. What is it?
Haim Ariav (HA): Well, yes, I have been busy and I’m happy to report all is going well. After leaving the company, and understanding I had a non-compete clause in my agreement, I looked at myself and said ‘oh no, now what?’ Actually, in all seriousness, I have been doing a lot of research and have decided to start a company called Glossy Finish, which will focus on youth sports photography. The area we’ll be focusing on is action photography, with the team and individual shots as secondary.
ATI: That seems to be quite different than what you learned and did at a21/SuperStock.
HA: Exactly. About the only thing we have in common is we also use cameras. Well, as I mentioned, I can’t compete with my former company and quite honestly, I don’t want to. I’m still a large shareholder and I hope they do well so my stock will be worth more.
ATI: So how will Glossy Finish operate and what is the business model?
HA: Glossy Finish will be a two part model; one is a web based portal where photographers, primarily photojournalists, will shoot sporting events and then upload their images to GlossyFinish.com and we will in turn sell the images as prints, posters, mouse pads, coffee mugs, etc. to the parents, grandparents, leagues, etc. We’ll pay the photographers either a flat fee for covering the events and/or an ongoing royalty for products sold with the images they created. The other part, which is quite unique and has great potential for national targeted market growth, is that we are building a custom digital photo lab that we will bring to large sports tournaments and allow images to be uploaded, viewed and printed on the spot! The upside here is HUGE because the instant gratification factor can be fulfilled. Obviously, we’re starting in Northeast Florida where my home is, but we will, rather quickly, be able to build out the units and get them located in other key markets.
ATI: Very interesting. What are you currently doing to ramp up the business?
HA: We are currently looking at recruiting photographers around the country to support our ‘portal’ business that I mentioned. The perfect fit for us would be a photojournalist or sport photographer that loves shooting and is interested in making money from covering tournaments. I will say that our edit criteria will be high, as we believe a differentiator for us should be quality of the image and the customer service backing it. Hence, we’re not looking for a GWC (guy with camera) that just want to shoot. We really will select and edit our photographers based on the quality of images they produce and the equipment they have or have access to. One thing with sports photography is the need for fast, long glass (telephoto lenses like a 300mm F2.8). Obviously, we will only accept digital submissions.
ATI: So how would a photographer contact you if they are interested?
HA: The best and easiest way is for them to go to www.GlossyFinish.com and fill out the online questionnaire. It’s quick and easy and it will give us a good idea of who they are and what they have to offer. Also, they can send us an email to if they have any questions. We will be happy to get back in touch with them.
ATI: The onsite digital photo lab sounds interesting. Can you tell us more?
HA: Well, there are some secrets worth keeping. Actually, the photo lab is unique and will be quite state of the art. The beauty of an all digital workflow is that we can get everything done, from capture to viewing to printing, in a very quick and efficient way. Literally, a game can finish and we will have photos up for sale within minutes, if not sooner. The local leagues we have spoken to are very much into our service and believe they will have an offering that the parents and athletes will appreciate. The parents (customers) we have spoken to all understand and get the idea of the instant gratification fulfillment. So we hope this initial response and understanding if the concept will be our enabler and leverage to get this going.
ATI: You make it sound very simple, has your experience in photography and e-commerce helped?
HA: Yes, most definitely. The degree I have from Brooks Institute of Photography, to the years I spent building Muffin-Head, my interactive agency, and to the time spent at a21/SuperStock, has definitely set me up here and now for a good run. The part that I like the best is making a plan and building a company around it. It’s nice to be in that role again.
Posted in: Features, Photographers, Stock Photo Companies
