Chris Barton

What Kind of "Evolution" Is Hellman Friedman Planning for Getty Images?

ow! That was an expensive purchase for Hellman Friedman. With the current state of the economy, financial markets, and not to mention the stock photography business, it looks like they had pretty bad timing.

Picture This: Getty Images May Buy Jupitermedia

looking back on this historical in is interesting. This deal fell through, Getty Images waited a year or so, then when the markets fell apart and Jupiter found itself chronicly short of cash, Getty pounced and got the stock agency for a very cheap price. In the next year or two I believe many photo agencies will have similar problems. SOne will fall by the wayside, others will be bought up by the stock photo Big Boys once again, leading to mre consolidation.

Disclosure:
Chris Barton - Director
Photographers Direct - stock photo agency

Is the Flickr / Getty Stock Photography Business Getting off the Ground?

yes, I think there are a lot of issues with this, some of which I believe Getty probably do not want to publisize. What percentage on photo sales will Getty pay? Looking at their other models, the photographer may end up with 20%. Also, will there not be a concern from Getty's other professional photographers that their sales will be diluted by these new 'updstarts'?