To submit or not to submit .... advice ???

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/20/2005 09:46:24 PM · #26

Originally posted by Artyste:

...Perhaps we've made the difference now though. lol

Hope so! ;^) Time will tell...

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

03/20/2005 09:48:40 PM · #27

Many photo buyers go through image after image to find something that will either satisfy their desires or their project.

Stock photography challenge is really like an open challenge. You do not want to present images that tie it to one specific product. The secret is to have a generic look.

Stock photography goes from a to z in subjects there are even specialty idea opportunities. The important thing is to have a tecnically good image because its supposed eventual destiny is print either in the internet, a magazine or some journal. Most important, the user is ready to pay for it.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

03/20/2005 09:49:09 PM · #28

Originally posted by stdavidson:

Stock basically is any image that has wide appeal and that may be used in a variety of different ways to sell something, anything.

If an image is very artsy, poor technical quality or controversial it will not make a good stock photography image.

A good stock photography image should be like... well... my entry.
(All 10s welcome!)

Which one is yours? ;^) I like your take on the subject...good luck!

pawdrix

Nikon D700

03/20/2005 09:51:55 PM · #29

I have a friend who lived in Africa working for the UN and The Peace Corp and took photo's of famine and war torn regions where she was stationed and made good money from Stock Houses for over 15 years on pix that were taken throughout 80's.

Two weeks back she told me that last year was the first year since she took those shots when she hadn't recieved a check. Her X still lives there and makes a good dollar selling to Stock shops.

03/20/2005 09:57:40 PM · #30

Originally posted by graphicfunk:

Many photo buyers go through image after image to find something that will either satisfy their desires or their project.

I'm thinking it's much more fun on our side of the lens! :P

Originally posted by graphicfunk:

Stock photography goes from a to z in subjects there are even specialty idea opportunities.

It's really amazing when you look around...the list of subjects is pretty wide open. What's your take on Steve's thoughts (pawdrix) - Tsunami victims, famine, etc... as stock photos?

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

03/20/2005 10:01:16 PM · #31

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Oops! I think too much when typing. ;^) Or sometimes not enough...
Sounds like your friend had a pretty unique/interesting/dangerous thing going on. Guess the photojournalism market is a pretty good one - shows what I know about it! :P

pawdrix

Nikon D700

03/20/2005 10:15:57 PM · #32

It makes sense that almost any subject or topic could translate to stock.

In trying to narrow down my already too wide definition a bit, I would say that I will be looking for photo's that cleary define.

For example, if I, as a buyer needed a photo of a watch repair store, I will look for the definitive, textbook, picture/photo of a watch repair store. Simple as that. I assume I'll need to stretch in some direction for a number of entries but that's my general criteria.

admart01

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

03/20/2005 10:23:32 PM · #33

I've had some excellent conversations with Rachael (of pinupinoo.com -- going live 1st of April, I believe) on what's stock. Part of what makes an image sellable is both the quality of the image (Of course the image has to be excellent quality) and the items in the image have to be "perfect" (the ideal apple, beautiful place setting, etc.) look new (or really, really old/beat up). For almost all topics, it's a plus if an item is isolated clearly from its background (white and black work well) so a designer can cut them out easily and cleanly. I guess this wouldn't apply to landscapes and most outdoor photographs.

e301

03/20/2005 10:30:14 PM · #34

I still suspect something appraching product photography will win. My own image ... I think people will like it, but tell me over and over hat it doesn't count as stock, in their opinion.

;-)

e

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/20/2005 10:56:07 PM · #35

The results (top 10 finishers) from the original Stock Photography challenge had a decent range of subjects.

The winner was a rather colorful character! ;^)

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

03/20/2005 11:10:39 PM · #36

Of course, this challenge is also asking for creativity.

03/20/2005 11:14:25 PM · #37

Originally posted by graphicfunk:

Of course, this challenge is also asking for creativity.

Yep - I don't think a Rooster shot will get you very far this time! Voters don't really like those copy catters (sp?). ;^)