Looks like i will be doing some research tomorrow to find out what is needed to be approved for Veer. 10 submitted, 10 rejections.
From the looks of the images approved from other contributors it is a whole new ball game to what i have been reading up on for the last few months. There's an artistic feel to the site. Less white backgrounds and pearly teeth staring out from the screen but darker images that wouldn't go amiss in a children's illustrated book of some kind.
Looks like i will have to change my approach to get in with Veer and will post back if (when) i am finally accepted along with what images they do like.
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Editorial on Shutterstock
I came up with an idea for an illustration based on the Olympic logo and thought after checking that it would be ok as an editorial on shutterstock.. I figured it would pass as i had found other images of the logo (which is copyright/tradmark protected) on SS.
Graphic Leftovers stated very quickly after i emailed them that such an image would be ok if it was very abstract (which mine wasn't.) So i just submitted it to SS and DT where i have previously found Olympic non-abstract images.
It was approved on DT but rejected at SS on the grounds that "Trademark--Contains potential trademark or copyright infringement--not editorial."
© Photographer: Devonsun | Agency: Dreamstime.com
I emailed Shutterstock support over a week ago to get clarification on the matter but i haven't had a reply from them yet:
"Need some clarification on a recent rejection reason please. File ID: *******
Understood copyright aspects so submitted for editorial after finding similar
images on SS:
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-44659942.html
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-40801201.html
But "Contains potential trademark or copyright infringement--not editorial." was the refusal reason.
Is there a difference between illustrations and photographs when it comes to
acceptance for editorial?
Thanks. David"
Based on the reply from SS i may make "Olympic Construction" exclusive to DT. In any event i think i will have to contact SS again to get an answer.
Graphic Leftovers stated very quickly after i emailed them that such an image would be ok if it was very abstract (which mine wasn't.) So i just submitted it to SS and DT where i have previously found Olympic non-abstract images.
It was approved on DT but rejected at SS on the grounds that "Trademark--Contains potential trademark or copyright infringement--not editorial."
© Photographer: Devonsun | Agency: Dreamstime.com
I emailed Shutterstock support over a week ago to get clarification on the matter but i haven't had a reply from them yet:
"Need some clarification on a recent rejection reason please. File ID: *******
Understood copyright aspects so submitted for editorial after finding similar
images on SS:
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-44659942.html
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-40801201.html
But "Contains potential trademark or copyright infringement--not editorial." was the refusal reason.
Is there a difference between illustrations and photographs when it comes to
acceptance for editorial?
Thanks. David"
Based on the reply from SS i may make "Olympic Construction" exclusive to DT. In any event i think i will have to contact SS again to get an answer.
Other Microstock Agencies
A little posting on my experiences with other stock sites i haven't mentioned very much, if at all, to date.
Yaymicro:
A nice clean looking site. Haven't had any problems with them and their upload process is smooth and easy. No sales but after getting over 50 images approved i am starting to get more views. AR 100% so far.
3DStudio:
Sells 3D images as well as 2D, textures, stock illustrations and photos. Uploading has been fine and their method is for your image to become 'live' and viewable as soon as it's uploaded where it has the status of 'editorial only' until it is reviewed and, if good enough, will then go into the 'RF - can be used commercially' category.
No sales there yet but a massive amount of views (over 4000) so there is certainly a lot of activity there. AR 100% to date.
Featurepics:
A nice site. Friendly communications and a healthy number of views per image. No sales to date but 100% AR.
ScandinavianStockPhoto:
I haven't had any problems here but i think their site needs a little fine tuning. It looks a bit simple and lacks character. Their FAQ only contains 5 questions/answers and views per image are few and far between. I will continue to upload images though as it's an easy process. AR currently 100%.
StockphotoPro:
All i can say about SPP is that i submitted my initial 10 images (to be accepted as a contributor) upon registering on the 27th Jan this year and its now 14th March and they are still pending review. Doesn't inspire confidence.
The site looks and feels ok although there are pages such as 'my images' in the 'quick links' menu that are extremely slow to load for some reason. We are talking minutes. (In fact i timed it at 3mins 31secs for the page to load.) Perhaps it doesn't like Firefox but as other pages are generally ok i am assuming for now it's down to the site and not my imac or browser choice.
I'll post an update if/when my images are ever approved/rejected.
ShutterFarm:
I have views on SF although no sales to date but my main problem with them is that their system doesn't automatically read meta data therefore i have to manually type in title, description and keywords (up to 20 max). This is very annoying and time consuming as well as leaving open the possibility of making a typing mistake. This happened recently and for the life of me i couldn't figure out how to edit the title (where the error was) so emailed SF via their online form to find out how to do so. I also asked when they would support automated EXIF/IPTC data retrieval. That was a good week ago and no reply from them as yet.
I'll continue to upload for now but they are currently way down the list of priority sites to add to.
ImageStoreUK:
Having problems with this site. Getting logged out every time i try to edit an image (after submitting and getting an initial four sample illustrations approved.) I think their site is a bit 'wonky' but i have emailed them for advice/suggestions. Could be a firefox and/or camino problem. I'll update when i know more.
WorkingTitleImages:
Got approved as a contributor after submitting initial 3 sample images and although i have tried to upload the bulk of my portfolio i am unable to do so due to an error page popping up. The site is still in BETA stage and obviously has some teething problems and i know from an email received at the end of Jan that their official site launch could be delayed.
I have tried to contact them using their 'contact us' link but that too gives an error message of 'email not sent' so it seems their site has a way to go before it's up and running properly. I'll up date if the situation changes.
MostPhotos:
I nicely laid out site. No problems uploading but i feel more of a photo community rather than a site that's going to bring in a great deal of sales. It's good to see comments on your images and fun to leave feedback or click 'like' on other peoples images you admire and enjoy viewing. Having said all that there are sales to be had and as it's an easy site to use and navigate i suspect i will continue to add my illustrations there. I'll let you know if i ever get sale.
That's it for now... there are a few others i am registered with but I'll save those for another post. :-)
Yaymicro:
A nice clean looking site. Haven't had any problems with them and their upload process is smooth and easy. No sales but after getting over 50 images approved i am starting to get more views. AR 100% so far.
3DStudio:
Sells 3D images as well as 2D, textures, stock illustrations and photos. Uploading has been fine and their method is for your image to become 'live' and viewable as soon as it's uploaded where it has the status of 'editorial only' until it is reviewed and, if good enough, will then go into the 'RF - can be used commercially' category.
No sales there yet but a massive amount of views (over 4000) so there is certainly a lot of activity there. AR 100% to date.
Featurepics:
A nice site. Friendly communications and a healthy number of views per image. No sales to date but 100% AR.
ScandinavianStockPhoto:
I haven't had any problems here but i think their site needs a little fine tuning. It looks a bit simple and lacks character. Their FAQ only contains 5 questions/answers and views per image are few and far between. I will continue to upload images though as it's an easy process. AR currently 100%.
StockphotoPro:
All i can say about SPP is that i submitted my initial 10 images (to be accepted as a contributor) upon registering on the 27th Jan this year and its now 14th March and they are still pending review. Doesn't inspire confidence.
The site looks and feels ok although there are pages such as 'my images' in the 'quick links' menu that are extremely slow to load for some reason. We are talking minutes. (In fact i timed it at 3mins 31secs for the page to load.) Perhaps it doesn't like Firefox but as other pages are generally ok i am assuming for now it's down to the site and not my imac or browser choice.
I'll post an update if/when my images are ever approved/rejected.
ShutterFarm:
I have views on SF although no sales to date but my main problem with them is that their system doesn't automatically read meta data therefore i have to manually type in title, description and keywords (up to 20 max). This is very annoying and time consuming as well as leaving open the possibility of making a typing mistake. This happened recently and for the life of me i couldn't figure out how to edit the title (where the error was) so emailed SF via their online form to find out how to do so. I also asked when they would support automated EXIF/IPTC data retrieval. That was a good week ago and no reply from them as yet.
I'll continue to upload for now but they are currently way down the list of priority sites to add to.
ImageStoreUK:
Having problems with this site. Getting logged out every time i try to edit an image (after submitting and getting an initial four sample illustrations approved.) I think their site is a bit 'wonky' but i have emailed them for advice/suggestions. Could be a firefox and/or camino problem. I'll update when i know more.
WorkingTitleImages:
Got approved as a contributor after submitting initial 3 sample images and although i have tried to upload the bulk of my portfolio i am unable to do so due to an error page popping up. The site is still in BETA stage and obviously has some teething problems and i know from an email received at the end of Jan that their official site launch could be delayed.
I have tried to contact them using their 'contact us' link but that too gives an error message of 'email not sent' so it seems their site has a way to go before it's up and running properly. I'll up date if the situation changes.
MostPhotos:
I nicely laid out site. No problems uploading but i feel more of a photo community rather than a site that's going to bring in a great deal of sales. It's good to see comments on your images and fun to leave feedback or click 'like' on other peoples images you admire and enjoy viewing. Having said all that there are sales to be had and as it's an easy site to use and navigate i suspect i will continue to add my illustrations there. I'll let you know if i ever get sale.
That's it for now... there are a few others i am registered with but I'll save those for another post. :-)
Books on Microstock - Part 1
I thought i would write a little about the books i have read to expand my understanding of the microstock business. It's not a massive list of reading so don't worry.
Actually my book shelf currently contains 2 books on microstock specifically, a few on photography in general and one on the 3D software 'Blender' Program.
As i do hope to get back into 3D at some point in the future i thought i would add my thoughts on "The Essential Blender" publication also. But first:
Microstock Photography - By Douglas Freer
The title captures your attention in the first instance: "How to make money from your digital images". It starts off by giving a little background on how the microstock industry got started, how it has grown and progressed into what it is today after which you start to get an idea of what it takes, or rather, what mental attitude to take, to be successful at microstock.
There is background info on the top microstock sites out there and how they function (subscriptions/credits etc) and although that part is slightly out of date due to changes in pricing and the like its still helpful to read through especially if you are completely new to microstocking.
Chapter 3 "what sells and what does not" is very useful in that it reminds us that even the greatest landscape photo in the world probably wouldn't sell very well for stock if there wasn't any 'copyspace' to one side of the image for the potential buyer to stick their company logo or text on! There are plenty of full colour images as examples downloaded from, yes you guessed it, istock/shutterstock etc to show what sells and more importantly WHY it sells.
There is a chapter on the technical side of submitting photos to sites: The noise reduction, white balance, checking histograms etc as well as further advice for the home photographer on setting up a modest home lighting studio.
I particularly like chapter 10: Case Studies. In which a number of microstockers give their experiences and their earnings details from 2006 across all the sites they had a portfolio. Certainly that was 2006.. and it's now 2010 but all the same.. interesting reading.
The last chapter is all about copyright, trademarks, model releases etc.
These are by no means all the chapters or a complete list of everything in the book. It's just the parts i recall and remember stuck in my mind when i read it. Of course, i still read it and go back for inspiration when i feel the wheels are turning a little slower than i would like them to.
All in all i found it a good book. Interesting and useful but not patronising or overly detailed with a 'light' writing style that didn't make unrealistic and grandiose promises of massive amounts of money 5 minutes after putting it's principles into practice . I would recommend it to anyone already starting out in microstock. And if you haven't even started uploading your images to DT or SS yet then i would seriously consider reading this book more than once before you even attempt at submitting your images to stock sites. It will save you a lot of rejections!
Actually my book shelf currently contains 2 books on microstock specifically, a few on photography in general and one on the 3D software 'Blender' Program.
As i do hope to get back into 3D at some point in the future i thought i would add my thoughts on "The Essential Blender" publication also. But first:
Microstock Photography - By Douglas Freer
The title captures your attention in the first instance: "How to make money from your digital images". It starts off by giving a little background on how the microstock industry got started, how it has grown and progressed into what it is today after which you start to get an idea of what it takes, or rather, what mental attitude to take, to be successful at microstock.
There is background info on the top microstock sites out there and how they function (subscriptions/credits etc) and although that part is slightly out of date due to changes in pricing and the like its still helpful to read through especially if you are completely new to microstocking.
Chapter 3 "what sells and what does not" is very useful in that it reminds us that even the greatest landscape photo in the world probably wouldn't sell very well for stock if there wasn't any 'copyspace' to one side of the image for the potential buyer to stick their company logo or text on! There are plenty of full colour images as examples downloaded from, yes you guessed it, istock/shutterstock etc to show what sells and more importantly WHY it sells.
There is a chapter on the technical side of submitting photos to sites: The noise reduction, white balance, checking histograms etc as well as further advice for the home photographer on setting up a modest home lighting studio.
I particularly like chapter 10: Case Studies. In which a number of microstockers give their experiences and their earnings details from 2006 across all the sites they had a portfolio. Certainly that was 2006.. and it's now 2010 but all the same.. interesting reading.
The last chapter is all about copyright, trademarks, model releases etc.
These are by no means all the chapters or a complete list of everything in the book. It's just the parts i recall and remember stuck in my mind when i read it. Of course, i still read it and go back for inspiration when i feel the wheels are turning a little slower than i would like them to.
All in all i found it a good book. Interesting and useful but not patronising or overly detailed with a 'light' writing style that didn't make unrealistic and grandiose promises of massive amounts of money 5 minutes after putting it's principles into practice . I would recommend it to anyone already starting out in microstock. And if you haven't even started uploading your images to DT or SS yet then i would seriously consider reading this book more than once before you even attempt at submitting your images to stock sites. It will save you a lot of rejections!
Books on Microstock - Part 2
This second book i would like to bring to your attention is "Digital Stock Photography - How to sell and shoot" - by Michal Heron.
Within the 270+ pages of this book is packed a massive amount of useful information to get the beginner started as well as making for a good read for the established professional alike.
It delves into more detail than the previous title (above) but i feel it is well worth adding both to your book shelf as they compliment each other in a balanced way.
Not many photos fill the pages and what ones are present are not very awe inspiring for the only reason that they are black and white versions.... but that's OK. I didn't get this to just stare at pretty photos but for the wealth of practical information that would improve my understanding of the stock photo business and market place.
The first chapter explains how stock started and gives a realistic non-sugar coated view of a very competitive market. This leaves you with the impression that it's going to be 'tough out there' and to succeed in this business you have to produce work that is a cut above the rest, or at the very least, of such high quality that it stands a chance of making a long term and consistent profit.
This view did not discourage me though but helped in my understanding of what it takes to be successful and galvanised me to improve, look at stock in a less 'dreamy' way and in a more professional and realistic manner.
This book really is based more on the likelihood that you will attempt at selling your work yourself and doesn't look at the microstock sites such as Shutterstock etc in detail as the previous book. That doesn't mean it's not of use if you are not going to be your own agent though which is why i suggest getting both books. On the other hand, you'll never know where your chosen career path will lead and learning about copyrights, dealing with clients and negotiating prices isn't going to be time wasted if it helps your understanding of how the stock business (as a whole) operates.
Chapter 5 is entitled: "25 stock assignments you can shoot."
This useful tool gets you thinking like a pro and building a stock portfolio. The practical applications and learning process involved in following the assignments is extremely helpful in appreciating what forward planning is required to create photos that would make saleable images and the practice of trying your best to match the assignment categories and fulfil that assignment can surely only make for a better and more accomplished photographer.
Further areas of the book delve into such varied subjects as organising your work flow, editing and backing up images, keywording and metadata as well as researching locations.
I would certainly add this title to your wish list and take the time to read (and re-read) all it has to offer.
Within the 270+ pages of this book is packed a massive amount of useful information to get the beginner started as well as making for a good read for the established professional alike.
It delves into more detail than the previous title (above) but i feel it is well worth adding both to your book shelf as they compliment each other in a balanced way.
Not many photos fill the pages and what ones are present are not very awe inspiring for the only reason that they are black and white versions.... but that's OK. I didn't get this to just stare at pretty photos but for the wealth of practical information that would improve my understanding of the stock photo business and market place.
The first chapter explains how stock started and gives a realistic non-sugar coated view of a very competitive market. This leaves you with the impression that it's going to be 'tough out there' and to succeed in this business you have to produce work that is a cut above the rest, or at the very least, of such high quality that it stands a chance of making a long term and consistent profit.
This view did not discourage me though but helped in my understanding of what it takes to be successful and galvanised me to improve, look at stock in a less 'dreamy' way and in a more professional and realistic manner.
This book really is based more on the likelihood that you will attempt at selling your work yourself and doesn't look at the microstock sites such as Shutterstock etc in detail as the previous book. That doesn't mean it's not of use if you are not going to be your own agent though which is why i suggest getting both books. On the other hand, you'll never know where your chosen career path will lead and learning about copyrights, dealing with clients and negotiating prices isn't going to be time wasted if it helps your understanding of how the stock business (as a whole) operates.
Chapter 5 is entitled: "25 stock assignments you can shoot."
This useful tool gets you thinking like a pro and building a stock portfolio. The practical applications and learning process involved in following the assignments is extremely helpful in appreciating what forward planning is required to create photos that would make saleable images and the practice of trying your best to match the assignment categories and fulfil that assignment can surely only make for a better and more accomplished photographer.
Further areas of the book delve into such varied subjects as organising your work flow, editing and backing up images, keywording and metadata as well as researching locations.
I would certainly add this title to your wish list and take the time to read (and re-read) all it has to offer.
Istock's tough criteria
Well, after getting four photographs approved a good 18 months ago and with this new found urge to get back into this micro-world i have been submitting jpeg illustrations for approval to istock.
Their approval time seems to be one of the slowest (not counting Crestock which personally i feel is going to go down the drain due to something not working behind the scenes as i have previously mentioned.)
Sadly out of 6 submitted only one image has so far been approved and is live with two pending and the rest rejected. Various reasons for rejection most of which i can not grumble about. They have their criteria and i can live with that:
"overall composition of this file could be improved"
"....visible polygons, jagged lines, banding..."
"...posterization from excessive adjustments..."
At least their emails try to be polite and i am free to re-submit many if i can correct the problems they are seeing in the images. I am not sure that i will though but instead try to improve and create even better images altogether.
Still a few more uploads that might be worthy though so i will endeavor to persevere :)
Their approval time seems to be one of the slowest (not counting Crestock which personally i feel is going to go down the drain due to something not working behind the scenes as i have previously mentioned.)
Sadly out of 6 submitted only one image has so far been approved and is live with two pending and the rest rejected. Various reasons for rejection most of which i can not grumble about. They have their criteria and i can live with that:
"overall composition of this file could be improved"
"....visible polygons, jagged lines, banding..."
"...posterization from excessive adjustments..."
At least their emails try to be polite and i am free to re-submit many if i can correct the problems they are seeing in the images. I am not sure that i will though but instead try to improve and create even better images altogether.
Still a few more uploads that might be worthy though so i will endeavor to persevere :)
Mid month update
Not much has happened lately. I have come to a crawl as far as uploads and haven't added anything new to the sites during April as yet.
I think 3D is going to take me longer to master than i had thought and 2D via inkscape is slow and also never really gives me the images that are in my head as i would expect. Lack of experience there i suspect in graphic design perhaps.
More approvals on StockphotoPro although there site is down for maintenance for a few hours at the moment (21st April - 13.20pm GMT). No views last time i looked there tho.
More rejections at iStock but can't complain as the look and feel of their approved images are way off the simple designs i put together. I feel i am going to have to up my game and create nothing less than 'stunning' to get my approval rating looking more healthy there.
This month so far a little slow on sales and i don't see myself beating last months total if things continue at this rate. I am certainly re-thinking my approach and dusting off the Canan camera with a view to getting out there in this lovely sunshine. I just have to motivate myself to get up at 4am to get that perfect shot! ;-)
I think 3D is going to take me longer to master than i had thought and 2D via inkscape is slow and also never really gives me the images that are in my head as i would expect. Lack of experience there i suspect in graphic design perhaps.
More approvals on StockphotoPro although there site is down for maintenance for a few hours at the moment (21st April - 13.20pm GMT). No views last time i looked there tho.
More rejections at iStock but can't complain as the look and feel of their approved images are way off the simple designs i put together. I feel i am going to have to up my game and create nothing less than 'stunning' to get my approval rating looking more healthy there.
This month so far a little slow on sales and i don't see myself beating last months total if things continue at this rate. I am certainly re-thinking my approach and dusting off the Canan camera with a view to getting out there in this lovely sunshine. I just have to motivate myself to get up at 4am to get that perfect shot! ;-)
April Earnings Report
Well, as expected, April's total wasn't very impressive. Without uploading any new material for the whole of the month i didn't even come close to the previous months figure.
I have spent the time looking closer at the Photomatix program and playing with the camera settings with a view to creating some decent HDR photos. A work in progress.....
I have spent the time looking closer at the Photomatix program and playing with the camera settings with a view to creating some decent HDR photos. A work in progress.....
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