MicrostockGroup

Recent post by Admin on their forums when asked what kind of images they are looking for. This was in reply to a complaint about the often sent rejection reason, "we are saturated with that subject matter." I agree with the list but this is hard to impress on new people trying to enter the "biz". From admin -

"I'll give you list of saturated subject matter instead, since this is a finite list compared to the infinite list of things you could photograph (smiley was theirs, not mine - cuppacoffee)

This is somewhat subjective, but relevant list of themes that we are very picky about in our reviews (random order):

- FLOWERS, BLOSSOMS, FOLIAGE, PLANT CLOSEUPS, INSECTS - more so if the textual info is weak or generic, even more so if the image is clearly a snapshot, without detectable thought and decision process behind it. Technical shortcomings follow.

- NATURE: SKIES & CLOUDS & SUNSETS, MOUNTAINS, FIELDS & MEADOWS, WATER BODIES, WATERFALLS - more so if the textual info is weak or generic, even more so if the image is clearly a snapshot, without detectable thought and decision process behind it. Technical shortcomings follow.

- ARCHITECTURE: RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS, UNINSPIRING STREET VIEWS, GARDENS, FENCES, STATUES - more so if the textual info is weak or generic, even more so if the image is clearly a snapshot, without detectable thought and decision process behind it. Technical shortcomings follow.

- PETS, KIDS, BABIES, TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS - especially poorly lit, hit & run type of shots, noisy shots due to poor sensor performance and inadequate lighting due to the shot "felt interesting". Regarding travel photos, this is an entire theme for a blog, but keep in mind that without actually being THERE with you, it is very hard to get any perspective and sense of depth or scale of things. Also ANY image will look bad if it is taken midday and uploaded directly from camera.

This list might be updated, since these are the first things that spring to mind right now. There is no definite rule that we will not approve an additional flower or kitten, it is all about concept, execution and general appeal - the same things that matter when buyers browse your portfolios or search results."

^^^That's what I've always thought.  Let the buyers decide if they want an image.  I wouldn't mind this list but DT go much further than this.  I stopped uploading after they rejected something that I couldn't find doing a simple search.  Getting the "we already have too many..." excuse for that made me lose all motivation to supply them new images.

They will also choose either a portrait or landscape photo and reject the other one.  That really makes no sense at all, let the buyers decided what they want.  I wouldn't mind if they did the automatic deletion of non-selling images after 1 year and were a bit more sensible with reviews.

My sales with DT have really gone down, I'm sure buyers are looking for my new images elsewhere.  It's a shame because other than this issue, I like DT and would be making them much more money.

OH ! Thats a bad news for newbie like me who shoot these all only. I am a new contributor to microstock sites... I have been posting to DT,123RF & FT. For me its difficult to get model release so i preffer landscape,rural scenes (except people) as i am in villege and near to forrest so i get good shots of insects,birds (i love shooting insects).. but DT rejected almost all of the photographs... just accepted 3 out of 20 pix...lol and those were really good i think coz  123RF accepted 10 (6 are pending) out of same set of 20 photographs.

anways its really helpful post suggesting what not to/avoid as much as possible.


but in SS i can see most searched topics includes-
RECENT SEARCHES [clear]
butterfly (46592)
butterfly (46541)
label (45341)
label (243285)
spa (228036)
spa (229076)
dragonfly (7260)
mountain (429907)
mountain (429650)
frame (241954)


so i guess they still give importance to landscapes and insect/bugs.


Can anyone give me the list of subjects what (according to you/someone) SS still welcomes or subjects which are frequently rejected by them...?
Actually I am going to submit 10 pix for approval in SS, so i am need of help guys...!


Thanking you in advance !

Well this topic was about DT, but I guess it goes for all microstock agencies. Sunsets, waterfalls, travel and landscapes are still accepted, but they have to be stunning and postcard-like, the thing that you would put up as a poster on the wall.

I do submit butterfly and nature pics, but like pixart said, scientific names go a long way. I look up everything I can before submitting any plant, etc to make sure I have all info in my photos

The problem is any photo that is worthy of being hung like art, really should have more value than the .30 you'll get for it. The irresistible force is fast approaching the immoveable object. I.E. agencies want higher and higher quality while offering less and less for it. What happens when they collide?

Will anyone get excited to submit when only their best work has a chance of getting accepted to be sold for pennies? I'm not sure DT and the rest have really thought it through.

except DT is one of the few [only?] agencies culling inactive images from their files, so in theory they should be looking for new material

common mantra: it's not the image collection that's important; it's the ability to search & find what you need

Nuclear physics material seems to do pretty well.  Especially nuclear fission shots.   

thank you friends