Alamy - The Challenge - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/03/2007 01:58:07 PM · #1278

I have images on Alamy, all without sales.
But i'm wondering, as Alamy and microstock sites are non-exclusive, what's stopping me from putting the same images on micro sites aswell as Alamy?

But then i'm thinking why would anyone buy an image from Alamy when they can get the same image from a micro site, other than the different licenses?

Should i list my same set of images with both sites?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/03/2007 02:03:22 PM · #1279

Originally posted by Ben:

Should i list my same set of images with both sites?

I wouldn't, for the reason(s) you mentioned.

I'd maybe put a smaller or lesser quality (mainly composition) from the same shoot on micro, and the very best images on Alamy. If they ever get around to activating my upload capability, that is ... :-(

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

09/04/2007 04:34:41 AM · #1280

I would absolutely NOT NOT NOT recommend putting same (or similar, i.e. from same shoot) images on Alamy and microstocks.

A customer who has just paid serious cash for an image at Alamy (especially if bought under rights managed license) will be furious if they find the same image being sold royalty free for less than a $1.

And rightly so.

They will either have a right go at Alamy or let them know they are taking their business elsewhere.

Alamy will likely suggest you do the same.

Keep portfolios on microstock and macrostock sites by all means - we do so too - but ensure they do not overlap.

We put our best images on Alamy and any that aren't high enough resolution or quality AND are not too similar (even if composition is different, if subject matter is clearly same that counts as too similar in my book) we put on microstock.

Ben

Canon EOS-30D

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

09/04/2007 04:45:47 AM · #1281

Whilst i can appreciate your point, i would have thought the sites would perhaps have stipulated this somewhere, even if not a rule as a preference.
Because if Buyer A buys a shot of a park on Alamy for $500 then sees the identical image from the same photographer on micro for $1 it's his own fault, and has absolutely no grounds for argument, legally of course.

I think i might go with your thoughts and not list the same images, perhaps the best ones from a shoot on Alamy and the lesser quality ones on micro like has been sugested.

Thanks.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/04/2007 09:22:54 AM · #1282

I suspect Alamy have not bothered to stipulate this because they do not require exclusivity and know that a sensible contributor will figure out himself that putting same images for sale at two such different price bands will do HIS own reputation no favours.

With the continued growth of amateurs such as you and I joining their folds they may well find they need to introduce such a stipulation in the future.

BUT given the potential for furious customers and Alamy's likely reaction to a contributor who messed their customer around in such a way - it's not a sensible path to take.

Best of luck!

Ben

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/04/2007 09:35:18 AM · #1283

No i agree completely.
:)

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/04/2007 10:34:29 AM · #1284

Consider this. If you submit the same photos to micro and to Alamy and Alamy finds out, they will probably put your photos on the lowest priority in all searches. With nearly 8 million photos at Alamy, being at the bottom of the search will result in no photo purchases anyway. Even with good photos, Alamy is almost ready to rollout their new seach and ranking program. The photogs that have the best selling photos will have their photos show up in searches before those who have not had as many sales. It will get at Alamy that it's bad business to upload normal or just so-so photos because that will hurt your ranking.

nomad469

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

09/05/2007 05:56:42 PM · #1285

Guess I have been accepted at Alamy
Now the fun is what to post.

I have taken down a couple of images from Shutterstock that I want to move to Alamy... is that okay?

Chinarosepetal

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM

09/05/2007 07:02:32 PM · #1286

Originally posted by nomad469:

Guess I have been accepted at Alamy
Now the fun is what to post.

I have taken down a couple of images from Shutterstock that I want to move to Alamy... is that okay?

Only as RF images, not RM :)

pearlseyes

Canon EOS R7

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/06/2007 10:05:53 PM · #1287

Do most of you use Genuine Fractals for upsizing when submitting images to Alamy? If so, is it an easy program to use? Worth the cost? While I'm at it, what do you think of Alamy? Is it a good place to start for a stock newbie? Thank you.
Alecia

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/06/2007 10:22:36 PM · #1288

Originally posted by pearlseyes:

I only use PS for upsizing. Largest side to 5300px and save at 12. That's it. As for a place for newbies to start..... if you have a strong portfolio, then yes. If you are just learning photography, then probably not. Remember Alamy has almost 9 million images for you to compete against, so you need to give them things that will sell and of superior quality over those that will go head-to-head with your images. Alamy sells more editorial than RF, so those type images will sell better. People photography sells better than say flowers or buildings or boats - think lifestyle-type images.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/07/2007 12:24:04 AM · #1289

Originally posted by idnic:

People photography sells better than say flowers or buildings or boats - think lifestyle-type images.

Grrrr ... not exactly my forte -- the good news is my upload function's been activated, so at least I can try sending them some images again. :-)

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/11/2007 03:40:09 PM · #1290

[rant]Alright!! This is pissing me off! Did a dumb thing and sent in my 2 test pics when I got Upload, then put another 60 behind it. Both Fail, cuz of "Too Soft or Lacking Definition" on one of the first 2 (with the zero tolerance crap)
So, I resubmit the 60 again. Photos of landscapes in Utah. Almost all shot at f9 and above. Well...wait the MONTH for QC and get the same freaking thing. I do not know what the HELL they want. Must need to Sharpen my photos, contrary to their rules.
I guess if you can't make out the individual leaves on a bush that is 20 to 30 feet away, when you are shooting at 18mm, f11, and 1/500, upsized and converted in RAW only and not sharpened...then don't submit it.[/rant]

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/12/2007 11:34:33 PM · #1291

Anyone having luck with the upload function on Alamy? The images that I sent initially (disk) were all 8-13 MB jpgs, all were approved. But when I try to send via the online upload they are all being rejected due to "uncompressed size less than 48 MB".

What am I doing wrong or is this just not working?

Thanks

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/12/2007 11:40:51 PM · #1292

Originally posted by JeffDay:

I've uploaded 4 batches - 90 images in the last 2 weeks and all were approved. No problems. Look at my previous post - upsize your image to 5300 pixels on the longest side and you shoud be AT LEAST 48mb.

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/12/2007 11:56:22 PM · #1293

Thanks Cindi, ugh, I upsized to the wrong size.....DOH!

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/18/2007 08:05:26 PM · #1294

I have to say, the Alamy upload is very handy and fast. Uploaded some pics a few days ago, the upload process went smoothly, all passed QC within a few days. So much easier than submitting a disk and sending via snail mail.

09/18/2007 08:11:41 PM · #1295

I've gotten 112 images uploaded & through QC in under 3 weeks - I'm happy! :)

Kaveran

Canon EOS-50D

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye for Nikon

09/19/2007 09:24:39 AM · #1296

Well, believe it or not, my 4 test photos just passed QC in 10 days. Ive been procrastinating getting involved with stock but now that I got my new L glass I felt a bit obligated to try and recoup some of the funds I spent on it. Guess now I really have to start collecting some pics.

muckpond

Nikon D200

09/19/2007 09:31:52 AM · #1297

my alamy upload just came through last week (while, ironically, i was gone and shooting photos for stock). i'm THRILLED! now to really kick some ass.

question: how do you guys do your keywords? do you store them in the IPTC info and get them automatically uploaded with the images? i need to do some testing on Alamy, but i thought i'd ask to see if anyone had any experience.

WOO WOOOOO!

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX Diagonal Fisheye for Nikon

09/19/2007 09:33:30 AM · #1298

Originally posted by muckpond:

Rob, IPTC holds and uploads just fine. My lastest keywording technique involves searching for similar images & ripping relevant words for my own use.... really speeds things up. LOL

muckpond

Nikon D200

09/19/2007 09:40:59 AM · #1299

cool, thanks.

be careful of keyword poaching. i read a post somewhere about someone who got kicked off for verbatim ripping off of keywords. :)

have you read through the Yahoo! Alamy group? i don't read through it as much as i should, but it's pretty helpful.