News
High-end RM site launches at Stockthatdoesntsuck.com (Really.)
Under a unique name, a unique stock photo agency has opened its doors. Toronto photographer Ron Baxter Smith launched with a group of like-minded investors, stockthatdoesntsuck Inc. (STD-S), an archive of high-end imagery available for rights-managed licensing. The idea for the business and its edgy name came out of a meeting Baxter Smith had with the creative partners of the Toronto/Chicago advertising and design firm, Zig, Inc. Lamenting the proliferation of standard stock photography fare and feeling his work didn't fit with the offerings of most of today's stock photo companies, the photographer decided to create an agency for professional shooters facing the same dilemma.
On that premise, the STD-S Team has built and archive of imagery that Baxter Smith refers to as "the grey area between fine-art and commerce." Photographers may submit their material to stockthatdoesntsuck by invitation only. So far, the archive includes imagery from photographers whose work STD-S knew from their publication in such artistic standard bearers as "Communication Arts," "Archive," "Graphis" and "American Photography."
The news of a rights-managed archive by photographers who won't compromise their creativity or the value they place on it is refreshing amidst the ubiquity of RF companies cranking out commercial productions and micro-stock web-sites growing by leaps and bounds. Baxter Smith is quick to point out, however, that the name of his company is in no way meant to disparage the working stock shooter. "The bigger companies offer a lot of great imagery, but it's mixed in with so much uninspired amateur material," says Baxter Smith, adding, "I know the standard stuff fills a need in the market, and we by no means expect to become a stock giant, but we believe there's a market for our imagery and we want to offer our clients a place where they know they'll find compelling photography without having to plow through so much of the more conventional stock imagery."
As for the unconventional name, Baxter Smith admits it’s not for everyone. But then, neither is the archive. “We hope people will have a sense of humor about it,” he says. Those who do will be rewarded with a seriously unparalleled archive of imagery available for commercial use.
Web: www.stockthatdoesntsuck.com - www.std-s.com.
Posted in: News, Stock Art Buyers
