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Author Topic: Advise on DT Please beefore I upload to them.  (Read 16763 times)

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« on: December 15, 2008, 13:10 »
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I know that every site has it's do and don't do policy's.

Advise on image types they do not like or like best.
What is the most common reasons for rejects?

Selling options: Subs, sizes, etc.

I do not use FTP so I up load via single image 10-30 at a time as their software allows.

If you look at my BigStock port you will see what I like to upload. I know Like and should are two different things.  ;D

Thanks a bunch in advance!

-Larry


« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2008, 13:21 »
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they dont like flowers and textures... recently they rejected lots of my  textures for the reason "we have enough of this subject" or something like this....  ;D :'(

WarrenPrice

« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2008, 13:52 »
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I too am trying to figure out what they like or don't.  I keep reading that nature and landscapes are a waste of time.  I'm not a prolific contributor but nearly all my sales are nature and landscape.  Go Figure!


« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2008, 13:56 »
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They will sometimes take flowers and landscapes but they must be of exceptional quality or unusual subject matter.

e-person

« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2008, 14:53 »
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They'll take isolated subjects, plus all sorts of oversaturated ones.

« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2008, 14:55 »
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If your not on FTP then you can upload only one image at a time like on IS. However once the images are uploaded you can keep them in a "pending" status until you can edit keywords, titles, etc. They also offer a keywording service for 40 cents an image. I haven't used it so I can't comment on how well it works.

hali

« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2008, 15:04 »
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nature, birds, animals,... are all sure suicide for DT.
editiorials have to be news worthy. not just because you do not have a MR.
other than that, oh... yes, not more than two similar images, even from a slight different perspective. or different tone, warm and cold.
it has to be really different view point . or else they will reject both, due to one reviewer saying , "already have one". and the other say the same thing. so to avoid that, submit one at the time, at different intervals.

other than that, DT is very good. rejections are well explained. and mostly justified.
good luck.

« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2008, 15:21 »
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We must upload to a different site :) 
None of our images are saturated.  None of our images are "Photoshopped".
We have nature, animals, isolated, people, etc all up there.
They take what I send them, as long as it is clean.
I have several series up with several images per series. I also have vector illustrations there.  My vector acceptance is 100%

Just send them the best of what you have, then take it from there.  You will see, as you start to upload, what types of images they like, and what they don't like.


WarrenPrice

« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2008, 15:31 »
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nature, birds, animals,... are all sure suicide for DT.
editiorials have to be news worthy. not just because you do not have a MR.

I may be an exception to that rule.  All I have sold is animals, landscapes and an out of date editorial picture of a motocross champion.

As for acceptance ratio, however, mine sucks.   :(

« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2008, 15:35 »
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Use pertinent keywords in your title and description, as DT uses these in their search algorithm. Looking at the first image in your BigStock portfolio, you'd be better off with something like 'rolling countryside boardwalk' for a title and 'rolling countryside boardwalk with tree silhouette in vertical frame' for a description rather than using 'boardwalk to heaven'.

e-person

« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2008, 16:09 »
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We must upload to a different site :) 
None of our images are saturated.  None of our images are "Photoshopped".
We have nature, animals, isolated, people, etc all up there.
They take what I send them, as long as it is clean.
I have several series up with several images per series. I also have vector illustrations there.  My vector acceptance is 100%

Just send them the best of what you have, then take it from there.  You will see, as you start to upload, what types of images they like, and what they don't like.



I don't do oversaturated photos, not my style. I mean: I basically do not like them. I was just referring to what I see when I browse the site.

« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2008, 17:34 »
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nature, birds, animals,... are all sure suicide for DT.

Not for me. That is more or less all I have uploaded to them from when I started some two month ago. Now I'm at close to 500 pics online with an acceptance rate of above 80%.

RacePhoto

« Reply #12 on: December 16, 2008, 02:51 »
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Free FTP just in case you want to make your life easier. Filezilla

http://filezilla-project.org/


« Reply #13 on: December 16, 2008, 03:12 »
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Free FTP just in case you want to make your life easier. Filezilla

http://filezilla-project.org/


FTP is also built-in to Windows, which makes it free, too.

« Reply #14 on: December 16, 2008, 05:21 »
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You can take a look at my portfolio on DT. it's easier than to tell you what kind of images you have to submit. I have good acceptance ratio there, good sales and I am satisfied with DT. I never had big problems with rejections there and somehow they seem to like what I shot. It's my second earner after SS.

« Reply #15 on: December 16, 2008, 09:15 »
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You can take a look at my portfolio on DT. it's easier than to tell you what kind of images you have to submit. I have good acceptance ratio there, good sales and I am satisfied with DT. I never had big problems with rejections there and somehow they seem to like what I shot. It's my second earner after SS.

I am checking everyones portfolio that has a link along with their post. Your work looks as though you truly like variety, not just stock  oriented stuff. I'm about the same on that, I shoot what I like and if they like it fine, if not to heck with them.

Thanks!
-Larry

« Reply #16 on: December 16, 2008, 09:22 »
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Free FTP just in case you want to make your life easier. Filezilla

http://filezilla-project.org/


FTP is also built-in to Windows, which makes it free, too.


OK you guys! I downloaded the filezilla program .... now I just have to learn how to use it. I fear uploading a hundred images at once and having them all rejected for some dumb reason that I knew nothing about.

Advise on that welcomed also. I have been a photographer longer than I care to remember but some of the tech stuff with computers leaves me behind.

Thanks!
-Larry

« Reply #17 on: December 16, 2008, 09:31 »
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OK you guys! I downloaded the filezilla program .... now I just have to learn how to use it. I fear uploading a hundred images at once and having them all rejected for some dumb reason that I knew nothing about.

Advise on that welcomed also. I have been a photographer longer than I care to remember but some of the tech stuff with computers leaves me behind.

Thanks!
-Larry

You can upload as many as you like via FTP and leave them there in the queue. Then you can select few shots and start adding categories and submit them, while the rest stays in the queue. You can learn from there what is acceptable and what is not, so you can go back to the queue and submit some more or delete the shots with the new insight.

That's what I do and even if I'm an almost total newbie to this game and to photography in general, i can keep my Acceptance Rate to about 70% on DT, and learn in the process. It works nicely in my opinion.

« Reply #18 on: December 16, 2008, 09:46 »
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OK you guys! I downloaded the filezilla program .... now I just have to learn how to use it. I fear uploading a hundred images at once and having them all rejected for some dumb reason that I knew nothing about.

Advise on that welcomed also. I have been a photographer longer than I care to remember but some of the tech stuff with computers leaves me behind.

Thanks!
-Larry

You can upload as many as you like via FTP and leave them there in the queue. Then you can select few shots and start adding categories and submit them, while the rest stays in the queue. You can learn from there what is acceptable and what is not, so you can go back to the queue and submit some more or delete the shots with the new insight.

That's what I do and even if I'm an almost total newbie to this game and to photography in general, i can keep my Acceptance Rate to about 70% on DT, and learn in the process. It works nicely in my opinion.

Fran, that is good news! I thought that when you uploaded the images they would be in the approval stage and too late to do anything. You have relieved many of the fears of this old dinosaur!   ;D

-Larry

« Reply #19 on: December 16, 2008, 11:24 »
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Hi Larry,
nice to see you around here :)
Don't think twice! Upload to DT!
They are fair, easy going, friendly, and their inspectors are consistent and well trained.
They're are looking for new images, they want them and will accept easily most of your portfolio.
More over, they WILL sell almost everything.
Payment is good and once your images hit higher levels, you'll be flying!
Their HTTP uploading process is one by one, but not as complicated as it sounds.
While waiting for review you can still modify/delete any of your files.
Nice, friendly forum with many happy contributors.
The only problem is the waiting time. Sometimes it takes weeks for them to review your files.
You'll get used with it though, and it is well worth the wait.
Give them a try!
Soon enough they'll be high up on your favorites!

Best,

WarrenPrice

« Reply #20 on: December 16, 2008, 13:43 »
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I think Fran is on to something.  Keeping that acceptance ratio up is important.  It is the key to being able to upload in large numbers.

As for FTP ... have you tried any of the microstock processing programs ... ProStockMaster or Cushy Stock?  I'm still using the trial version with restrictions on number of uploads but find that it is a really good tool to place in the workflow.

Warren Price

DanP68

« Reply #21 on: December 16, 2008, 22:23 »
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I can't say enough good things about Dreamstime.  Very fair 50% commission share.  You will love the Levels, which increase the cost of your individual images as they increase in sales.  Reviews are consistent, although they tend to take about 6-8 days.

They have individual image exclusivity, which increases the commission to 60% and (apparently) gives a slight boost to the image's search position.

DT became my #2 earner last month passing IS, and this month they have vaulted to #1 for the first time passing SS.  Their growth the last 18 months has been sure and steady.  They just seem to make better decisions than their competitors when it comes to price increases, contributor relations, etc.  In my opinion they are the best run microstock agency.

« Reply #22 on: December 17, 2008, 07:10 »
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I think Fran is on to something.  Keeping that acceptance ratio up is important.  It is the key to being able to upload in large numbers.

As for FTP ... have you tried any of the microstock processing programs ... ProStockMaster or Cushy Stock?  I'm still using the trial version with restrictions on number of uploads but find that it is a really good tool to place in the workflow.

Warren Price


Thanks Warren. It also has a (small) impact on search placement as far as I know.

Quote
DT became my #2 earner last month passing IS, and this month they have vaulted to #1 for the first time passing SS.  Their growth the last 18 months has been sure and steady.  They just seem to make better decisions than their competitors when it comes to price increases, contributor relations, etc.  In my opinion they are the best run microstock agency.

From my very limited experience, I totally agree with you on this.

« Reply #23 on: December 17, 2008, 07:18 »
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Lcjtripod I wish you all the best on DT!

« Reply #24 on: December 17, 2008, 10:35 »
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Can't go wrong with Dreamstime. They were the first site I joined back in 2006, and they provide very consistent sales. The more I upload, the more I earn (which can't be said about several other sites).

I am also a buyer, and Dreamstime is the only agency I buy from. It's a very easy to use website.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2008, 10:36 by Norebbo »

AVAVA

« Reply #25 on: December 21, 2008, 22:37 »
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Very Good People.

Best,
AVAVA

traveler1116

« Reply #26 on: December 21, 2008, 22:58 »
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Just so you know you cant take down your images for 6 months, everything else about DT I like.  This one policy really sucks though if you want to go exclusive at IS so be sure and plan ahead if you are considering it.

« Reply #27 on: December 22, 2008, 11:11 »
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Just so you know you cant take down your images for 6 months, everything else about DT I like.  This one policy really sucks though if you want to go exclusive at IS so be sure and plan ahead if you are considering it.

Thanks for the info!

I will never go exclusive with any site unless EVERY photographer on the site is exclusive. That would be a site to create! Something different that is not "I got that image also" Plus this site would need a strong track record of sales, etc.

Once I upload to a site (any) I have no intention of removing my portfolio even if they sell very slowly.

As far as the sites that have you submit 10 images and wait for some zit face kid that thinks he/she is the only person in the world that knows anything about photography and they can reject one and have me resubmit in 30 days. They can go fly a kite!

On an additional note: I like your DT port. Nice variety and I noticed they do take similar images, flowers and other things many other folks said they would not take. I'm glad you had a link to your port as I was able to "see" who you are and I place a much higher value of your oppinion over those that do not link sites to their post. I bet some do not even have a site to link!  ;D

Thanks again,
-Larry

« Reply #28 on: December 22, 2008, 16:10 »
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Larry,

When we started out about a year ago, I went through the same thought process as you did.  If they don't like my port, they can go fly a kite!!
But, in retrospect, I'm glad I changed my mind.
The sites we had to knock at their door a few times, well, we're in solid now.  The test is the hardest you will have to face with their company, usually the regular reviews are much more relaxed.
We had our port at a few of the small companies, and I quickly closed them out when I realized that:
1. There are only a handful of customers that use this site
2. There are only a handful of images that have sold on this site more than 20 times
3. There is NO WAY I'm going to collect the $4.50 I made on that EL sale, because there isn't any traffic, besides, $4.50 for an EL?? what???
4. Admin is literally unreachable

Sure, we have a few sites that I mess around with, some I'm giving a chance.  But there are others that are sinkholes, and they need to be avoided!

StockXpert is worth the wait, remember, they just sold to Getty. Once the dust settles, it may be much harder to get in..
SS is definitely worth the trouble.  Keep knocking at this door until someone lets ya in, the party is loud, sometimes you gotta knock a few times :)
IS, well, I remain neutral.  We got crapped on along with everyone else in the last best match change, but two things are happening now...  We are getting more images accepted per submission, and we are getting more regular sales again, so I have hope. 

Good luck!!

« Reply #29 on: February 01, 2009, 09:08 »
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Thanks to all for the help and valuable information on DT. I'm getting close to signing up with them and I have one more question.

All people require a model release even if their back is to the camera. That I understand .... but how about if they are a long ways from the camera?  (Like this sample I found on DT.)

There must be some point where a release is not required on long distance shots.   Yes?

http://www.dreamstime.com/golf-image2870379

To the Photographer, I posted a link to your port here without permission. Hope it is OK. ( ..and I like your shot!)

-Larry
« Last Edit: February 01, 2009, 09:10 by Lcjtripod »

« Reply #30 on: February 01, 2009, 09:12 »
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Thanks to all for the help and valuable information on DT. I'm getting close to signing up with them and I have one more question.

All people require a model release even if their back is to the camera. That I understand .... but how about if they are a long ways from the camera?  (Like this sample I found on DT.)

There must be some point where a release is not required on long distance shots.   Yes?

http://www.dreamstime.com/golf-image2870379

To the Photographer, I posted a link to your port here without permission. Hope it is OK. ( ..and I like your shot!)

-Larry

If you are sure the person in the photo can't recognise themselves, you should be OK.  The sites seem to have different rules on this, some are more strict than others.  I used to upload some photos with people in them without an MR but now I try to clone them out.

« Reply #31 on: February 01, 2009, 09:15 »
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DT are really strange with their model releases.  I have put up bodies without heads and attatched a model relaease only to have it refused because it didn't need one.   This is probably my only critisism of DT, I think it is ludicrous to have to reupload an image with somebody in it just  because it has a model release.

« Reply #32 on: February 02, 2009, 23:40 »
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There must be some point where a release is not required on long distance shots.   Yes?

The basic rule is, can a person recognize himself on a shot full size? The face rule went a while ago.

traveler1116

« Reply #33 on: February 03, 2009, 00:12 »
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I had a few images rejected at different times from different series' because I did include a model release.  Mainly hands and arms but since I already had the release for other images I submitted it, I'm not sure why but they rejected them for having the release.  Sorry I didn't read through all the info but you should try to keep your accepted % high because it affects search placement and how many images you can upload, I really wish I knew that when I started, the last 6 months I have 90% but overall 65% because of all those vacation pics when I first started.  I figured who cares if they get rejected it doesn't matter, it does on this site.

lisafx

« Reply #34 on: February 03, 2009, 12:19 »
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Congrats on your choice to upload to Dreamstime, Larry!   It is my personal favorite site for all the reasons that have already been mentioned.  I'm sure you will have a great experience with them :)

« Reply #35 on: February 05, 2009, 23:06 »
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Larry, I think you need to sign up under me. LOL I dont have a referral for DT.  :o
I made a $20.30 sale today on DT for one of my images. I was excited. YEY!
You will like DT They are wonderful. They are on of my highest sales.


« Reply #36 on: February 13, 2009, 12:39 »
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UPDATE: Friday the 13th

I did it! I signed up with DT today and I gave a referral to the person that helped me the most.

I want to thank all of you for all the help and suggestions. I did read them all and I checked your portfolio if you had a link for it.

It will be 127 hours from now for the images to be on site, then you can see who was the person I gave the referral to and as I will be uploading about 2,000 images, they should be able to make a few bucks from that.

I will upload slowly until I know what they will not reject.

Lesson: Be nice and help someone as you may very well be rewarded in cash and returned kindness.

To all,  again thanks!

-Larry

« Reply #37 on: February 13, 2009, 14:11 »
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Thanks to all for the help and valuable information on DT. I'm getting close to signing up with them and I have one more question.

All people require a model release even if their back is to the camera. That I understand .... but how about if they are a long ways from the camera?  (Like this sample I found on DT.)

There must be some point where a release is not required on long distance shots.   Yes?

http://www.dreamstime.com/golf-image2870379

To the Photographer, I posted a link to your port here without permission. Hope it is OK. ( ..and I like your shot!)

-Larry


If people are recognizable at 100% magnification yes you need a model release

« Reply #38 on: February 13, 2009, 14:18 »
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DT in my experience seems a little more willing to take "experimental type" shots than other sites (Shutterstock, iStock, etc). My approval rating there just keeps getting better, luckily my style seems to jive with what they are looking for most of the time.


 

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