Author Topic: Newbie here with lots of questions (Read 26346 times)

abracadabradesigns · « **on:** June 25, 2011, 11:40 »

Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR... what do you all think about the various Canon Digital Rebel models? Are they a pretty good?

2. If I shoot in Raw, is Adobe Light Room adequate for most processing (batch adjusting levels, white balance and other stuff) or do I need more elaborate software such as Photoshop for this?

BTW, Adobe Photoshop is very, very expensive... would Adobe Photoshop Elements do an adequate job when it comes to occasionally removing brand names, logos, telephone poles, etc and getting rid of any purple fringing?

Also is there any other photo editing software packages that would also do these things? Is Corel Paintshop Pro any good? Are there any other programs you would recommend?

3. Can you edit photos when they are .tifs or just when they are in raw format?

4. What sort of monitor calibration hardware/software should I use? How often do you need to calibrate a monitor? Also can the hardware that hangs over the screen scratch or damage the monitor in any way?

Thanks,

Duane

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2011, 12:01 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

madelaide · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2011, 12:06 »

Of course the better the camera, the easier will life be for you, but I would say the lens is more important. Canons are great cameras, just pick good lenses. But, above all, do you know how to use manual camera settings? This is also an investment you need to consider.

I am ashamed to say that I still don't use raw, and I can not answer about Lightroom. I agree PS is too expensive and that PSP will completely satisfy your needs for a fraction of PS' price. I still use version X2, but latest PSP version is even more powerful (not necessarily a better software).

I use TIFF all the time, except in some rare elaborate edition that I use PSP's format to retain all edition layers.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2011, 12:11 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR... what do you all think about the various Canon Digital Rebel models? Are they a pretty good?

2. If I shoot in Raw, is Adobe Light Room adequate for most processing (batch adjusting levels, white balance and other stuff) or do I need more elaborate software such as Photoshop for this?

BTW, Adobe Photoshop is very, very expensive... would Adobe Photoshop Elements do an adequate job when it comes to occasionally removing brand names, logos, telephone poles, etc and getting rid of any purple fringing?

Also is there any other photo editing software packages that would also do these things? Is Corel Paintshop Pro any good? Are there any other programs you would recommend?

3. Can you edit photos when they are .tifs or just when they are in raw format?

4. What sort of monitor calibration hardware/software should I use? How often do you need to calibrate a monitor? Also can the hardware that hangs over the screen scratch or damage the monitor in any way?

Thanks,

Duane

1. Just about any DSLR from any manufacturer would be a good start. New or used. I've had a few different brands and currently shoot Canon.

2. You will need more than Lightroom. Elements could work but full Photoshop would definitely offer more tools to speed up processing.

3. Either/both.

4. I use Spyder but any will work. I doubt it would damage your monitor unless you handled it pretty roughly.

Duane - you're asking some pretty 101 level questions here. It sounds like you need to learn how to use a DSLR, Lightroom, and Photoshop which all will require a lot of time to just get familiar with. Then, there's everything else. A few years ago when I got into this I already was pretty advanced with all of those things and I found stock photography itself to be a huge learning curve. I'm not trying to be discouraging but it looks like you have a massive amount of learning to do to just be able to understand the basics. Then you need to get accepted into a stock site. Then you need to get an image accepted. Then you need to create images that will sell. All of this can be done but I think you have a pretty long list of obstacles you're going to run into. Best of luck.

etienjones · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2011, 12:44 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on June 25, 2011, 12:11

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR... what do you all think about the various Canon Digital Rebel models? Are they a pretty good?

2. If I shoot in Raw, is Adobe Light Room adequate for most processing (batch adjusting levels, white balance and other stuff) or do I need more elaborate software such as Photoshop for this?

BTW, Adobe Photoshop is very, very expensive... would Adobe Photoshop Elements do an adequate job when it comes to occasionally removing brand names, logos, telephone poles, etc and getting rid of any purple fringing?

Also is there any other photo editing software packages that would also do these things? Is Corel Paintshop Pro any good? Are there any other programs you would recommend?

3. Can you edit photos when they are .tifs or just when they are in raw format?

4. What sort of monitor calibration hardware/software should I use? How often do you need to calibrate a monitor? Also can the hardware that hangs over the screen scratch or damage the monitor in any way?

Thanks,

Duane

1. Just about any DSLR from any manufacturer would be a good start. New or used. I've had a few different brands and currently shoot Canon.

2. You will need more than Lightroom. Elements could work but full Photoshop would definitely offer more tools to speed up processing.

3. Either/both.

4. I use Spyder but any will work. I doubt it would damage your monitor unless you handled it pretty roughly.

Duane - you're asking some pretty 101 level questions here. It sounds like you need to learn how to use a DSLR, Lightroom, and Photoshop which all will require a lot of time to just get familiar with. Then, there's everything else. A few years ago when I got into this I already was pretty advanced with all of those things and I found stock photography itself to be a huge learning curve. I'm not trying to be discouraging but it looks like you have a massive amount of learning to do to just be able to understand the basics. Then you need to get accepted into a stock site. Then you need to get an image accepted. Then you need to create images that will sell. All of this can be done but I think you have a pretty long list of obstacles you're going to run into. Best of luck.

The above is the best advice. Get a DSLR and have fun with photography. With time you will know when you are ready to apply that knowledge to the commercial world.

stormchaser · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2011, 13:12 »

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2011, 13:40 »

Quote from: madelaide on June 25, 2011, 12:06

Of course the better the camera, the easier will life be for you, but I would say the lens is more important. Canons are great cameras, just pick good lenses. But, above all, do you know how to use manual camera settings? This is also an investment you need to consider.

I am ashamed to say that I still don't use raw, and I can not answer about Lightroom. I agree PS is too expensive and that PSP will completely satisfy your needs for a fraction of PS' price. I still use version X2, but latest PSP version is even more powerful (not necessarily a better software).

I use TIFF all the time, except in some rare elaborate edition that I use PSP's format to retain all edition layers.

Hi Madelaide,

Thanks for your very helpful reply. I have been looking into PSP as it seems to have batch processing.

Photoshop Elements has this feature also, but it only batch processes automatic fixes, not allowing one to make custom changes to levels, white balance etc.

So just to understand your workflow better…. you shoot in .jpg convert to .tiff and work with the tiff files files in PSP before converting them back into .jpg?

Also, what sort of noise software are you using, and what step is that in your processing workflow?

(I would assume it would be your last step?)

Thanks for your help.

Duane

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2011, 14:02 »

Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 13:12

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

Always nice to see trolls on a forum!

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2011, 14:12 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 14:02

Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 13:12
Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

Always nice to see trolls on a forum!

Well, coming new to a forum asking for advice and already calling people trolls isn't too bright. Calling Sean, one of the most successful stock shooters in the world, a troll is even less bright.

I don't think you're going to be getting too much more advice around here.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2011, 14:35 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on June 25, 2011, 14:12

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 14:02
Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 13:12
Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

Always nice to see trolls on a forum!

Well, coming new to a forum asking for advice and already calling people trolls isn't too bright. Calling Sean, one of the most successful stock shooters in the world, a troll is even less bright.

I don't think you're going to be getting too much more advice around here.

Hey Dude,

I am just looking for some answers to my questions... not receiving replies/questions that are OFF TOPIC and as a result are useless.

Keep in mind all of you (no matter how "professional" you think you are), were beginners at photography at some point in your life.

It wasn't like you were born with a camera in your hand.

So if you can't provide any useful information, then quit trolling!!

Thanks for your cooperation,

Duane

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2011, 14:47 »

Lol ... I suggest using Gala apples when you start shooting fruit on white. They're much rounder then red delicious.

Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers. You don't have a camera, so you're not one of these 'I just want money for a new lens for my hobby' people. So, presumably you see this a some easy way to make money. It sounds like you have no experience with any kind of photo workflow. So, I'm curious as to why you think you want to do this.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2011, 15:13 »

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 14:47

Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers.

I SERIOUSLY doubt that!!

None of your postings to this thread have been useful so far.

Makes me glad there's an Ignore button. Looks like I will be using it.

Duane

P.S. For a successful photographer, you sure like to conduct yourself in an unprofessional manner. Makes me wonder if you are who you claim to be. Online Identities are easy to fake.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2011, 15:23 »

Oh, I'm not going to ignore you. I'm going to watch for your posts. You are one funny guy.

stormchaser · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2011, 15:36 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 15:13

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 14:47
Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers.

I SERIOUSLY doubt that!!

None of your postings to this thread have been useful so far.

Makes me glad there's an Ignore button. Looks like I will be using it.

Duane

P.S. For a successful photographer, you sure like to conduct yourself in an unprofessional manner. Makes me wonder if you are who you claim to be. Online Identities are easy to fake.

It's a valid question, and probably the most important one to answer.

You have come here with the same old same old noob questions which could have been easily answered using a search function here or on the web at large. So, the only interesting question that remains is the "why?". What are your goals, and what is your motivation here? That one of your original concerns is the ability to remove telephone poles tells me that your views of photography are bit skewed. There are no instant solutions, and no standard answers to your questions. Are you looking to be a photographer or a retoucher?

The Rebel is good. The Nikons are good. Either will satisfy amateur needs. All you need is a good lens and the ability to dump the files. Expose properly, compose properly, learn to work with light - you will get good pictures.

nruboc · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2011, 15:58 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on June 25, 2011, 14:12

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 14:02
Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 13:12
Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

Always nice to see trolls on a forum!

Well, coming new to a forum asking for advice and already calling people trolls isn't too bright. Calling Sean, one of the most successful stock shooters in the world, a troll is even less bright.

I don't think you're going to be getting too much more advice around here.

Not to mention, his blog is top Google result for 'istockphoto pricing filter'...LOL..that still cracks me up

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2011, 16:02 »

Quote

It's a valid question, and probably the most important one to answer.

You have come here with the same old same old noob questions which could have been easily answered using a search function here or on the web at large. So, the only interesting question that remains is the "why?". What are your goals, and what is your motivation here? That one of your original concerns is the ability to remove telephone poles tells me that your views of photography are bit skewed. There are no instant solutions, and no standard answers to your questions. Are you looking to be a photographer or a retoucher?

The Rebel is good. The Nikons are good. Either will satisfy amateur needs. All you need is a good lens and the ability to dump the files. Expose properly, compose properly, learn to work with light - you will get good pictures.

I disagree. The initial question and the subsequent posts from this person were not valid, nor were they helpful.

As for my questions about removing telephone poles... I don't expect to be removing them very often from a photo as proper composition, exposure, etc can save a lot of editing time... but I definitely want my software to have the capability to remove unwanted items, should the need arise.

Duane

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #16 on:** June 25, 2011, 16:41 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 14:35

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on June 25, 2011, 14:12
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 14:02
Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 13:12
Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 12:01
Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?

Ah, the old "answer a question with a question", and its a good one. Let's see if you get an answer ;-)

Always nice to see trolls on a forum!

Well, coming new to a forum asking for advice and already calling people trolls isn't too bright. Calling Sean, one of the most successful stock shooters in the world, a troll is even less bright.

I don't think you're going to be getting too much more advice around here.

Hey Dude,

I am just looking for some answers to my questions... not receiving replies/questions that are OFF TOPIC and as a result are useless.

Keep in mind all of you (no matter how "professional" you think you are), were beginners at photography at some point in your life.

It wasn't like you were born with a camera in your hand.

So if you can't provide any useful information, then quit trolling!!

Thanks for your cooperation,

Duane

Uh, hey there captain, you asked some general questions and I gave you some general answers that absolutely did answer your questions.

The equipment really doesn't matter when you're first starting out. You can take spectacular pictures with a 5 year old DSLR or crappy pictures with a $7,000 D3X. All depends on you.

I guess I'll "quit trolling" now and let you get back to making more friends here.

stormchaser · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2011, 16:59 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 16:02

Quote

It's a valid question, and probably the most important one to answer.

You have come here with the same old same old noob questions which could have been easily answered using a search function here or on the web at large. So, the only interesting question that remains is the "why?". What are your goals, and what is your motivation here? That one of your original concerns is the ability to remove telephone poles tells me that your views of photography are bit skewed. There are no instant solutions, and no standard answers to your questions. Are you looking to be a photographer or a retoucher?

The Rebel is good. The Nikons are good. Either will satisfy amateur needs. All you need is a good lens and the ability to dump the files. Expose properly, compose properly, learn to work with light - you will get good pictures.

I disagree. The initial question and the subsequent posts from this person were not valid, nor were they helpful.

As for my questions about removing telephone poles... I don't expect to be removing them very often from a photo as proper composition, exposure, etc can save a lot of editing time... but I definitely want my software to have the capability to remove unwanted items, should the need arise.

Duane

I have to respectfully disagree. It certainly holds more validity than the statement

Quote

I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

From someone who has been involved with all aspects of stock for many years including agency, buying, shooter, and illustrator, the Why is the most important question. Is it money? Is it art? Is it seeing your name on a credit line?

And why Canon? Why not Pentax K-5?

cobalt · « **Reply #18 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:11 »

"Why do you think "stock photography" is something you want to do?"

It really is the best question. All else follows from it. If you want to just share your hobby/travel pics, you will need a different camera than if you are planning to do professional glamour or lifestyle shots.

More important than the camera would be your lighting skills and lighting equipment. Do you want to shoot people, or food, or still life? Studio shots or on location?

Who will be your models? How much will you pay them? How expensive is the make up artist? And where do you find a good one?

What type of buyers are you targeting? Do you know their budget, their layout and composition requirements?

etc...etc...

I use a Sony Alpha 900, a Leica M9 or a Canon G12 or Sony Nex5. I know a phoographer with over 12 000 downloads on istock who does it all with Sigma SD 1.All these cameras can produce great sellable stock pictures. I use strobes, speedlights or daylight. I can process with Photoshop Elements 2.0 (still have it on the laptop) or Photoshop CS5.

Do you have a background in graphic design? Have you worked in advertising before?

So the question Sean gave you, was the best one.

ShadySue · « **Reply #19 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:21 »

Sean definitely gave you the best answer.
Imagine if I went onto a pro tennis forum and, arriving completely out of thin air, I posted, "I want to be a pro tennis player, which raquet and shoes should I get?"

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #20 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:21 »

Quote

I have to respectfully disagree. It certainly holds more validity than the statement
Quote
I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

And why Canon? Why not Pentax K-5?

I disagree again. You are reading way too much into my post.

Just stick with answering the questions and quit wondering about why they arised, OK??

Also in answer to your other question... "why Canon?"

Because that is the brand of SLR camera I have used for many years when I was shooting with film.

Duane

madelaide · « **Reply #21 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:26 »

Duane,

I think you are having the wrong understanding regarding some answers you got here, maybe because indeed they may sound a bit harsh (some people like to act grumpy, even when they have a generous heart

).

The questions about your previous experience with photography are valid. Getting into microstock today is much harder than years ago. With so many contributors, sites are very selective, very picky, rejecting images for the slightest flaws. I know many people who were disappointed with the results they got just because what they produce isn't much "stock". Some because ther photo skills are not as good as they believed, others because they like to shoot waterfalls and birds, which are not very popular in the microstock business (they may however sell well as prints, I know many people who sell prints in fairs).

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 13:40

So just to understand your workflow better…. you shoot in .jpg convert to .tiff and work with the tiff files files in PSP before converting them back into .jpg?

Also, what sort of noise software are you using, and what step is that in your processing workflow?

Yes, I convert JPEG to TIFF, then work on it until I am satisfied. I take notes on the steps used, so I can repeat them to other images. Then I save the final image as JPEG for uploading. I don't use noise reduction software, on rare occasions I apply PSP's tools in selected areas only.

In fact most of my microstock stuff was shot with a compact camera. The DSLR images I upload basically as macrostock, mainly RM.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #22 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:26 »

"Just stick with answering the questions and quit wondering about why they arised, OK??"

I was right, you are funny.

I don't know about anyone else, but my consulting fee is $250/hour.

stormchaser · « **Reply #23 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:28 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 17:21

Quote

I have to respectfully disagree. It certainly holds more validity than the statement
Quote
I am thinking of getting a DSLR.

And why Canon? Why not Pentax K-5?

I disagree again. You are reading way too much into my post.

Just stick with answering the questions and quit wondering about why they arised, OK??

Also in answer to your other question... "why Canon?"

Because that is the brand of SLR camera I have used for many years when I was shooting with film.

Duane

Being a camera fanboy gets you nowhere.

So let's pose another question? What does your vision offer besides multiple versions of the isolated tomato? Because as mentioned above, what you decide to shoot dictates what type of camera you need, not camera brand.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:39 »

Quote

Being a camera fanboy gets you nowhere.

So let's pose another question? What does your vision offer besides multiple versions of the isolated tomato? Because as mentioned above, what you decide to shoot dictates what type of camera you need, not camera brand.

Again, I disagree with that. In the days of film, a 35 mm camera could be used for multiple applications. Same holds true for DSLRs.

It's the lenses that one uses that limit the image type.

For example, a 28-105 mm F 4.5 lens is not going to be useful for sports, nature, or action photography except under bright light conditions. However this lens would be fine for general landscapes.

So let me ask you again, is a Canon Digital Rebel a decent SLR or not, because that is what I am looking at or an equivalently priced Nikon model.

Duane

cobalt · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:51 »

In the days of film the commercial stock photographer was using medium or large format cameras....besides film has been the Dodo for at least 6 years commercially. A century on the internet.

A Canon Digital Rebel will easily do the trick. Even a simple Canon G12 will work for stock. But will it work for your stock??

Sean is right, this will be fun.

My workflow: From Raw to Tiff, process in Photoshop CS5, inspect at 200%, save only as jpg at highest quality. No upsizing. No sharpening of any kind. Also turn of all sharpening in the camera.

Please show us your portfolio when you get online.

LSD72 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:55 »

The absolute Micro Guru (my opinion) to ask about beginning in Micros rarely comes here. He hangs in the Istock site forums under the name Lobo.

He is easier to access than Yuri Acurs (who does pop in here from time to time).

As far as cameras, I shoot Nikon and I am eyeballing the D7000 here lately. Can't tell you about Canons.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #27 on:** June 25, 2011, 17:56 »

Quote from: madelaide on June 25, 2011, 17:26

Duane,

I think you are having the wrong understanding regarding some answers you got here, maybe because indeed they may sound a bit harsh (some people like to act grumpy, even when they have a generous heart ).

The questions about your previous experience with photography are valid. Getting into microstock today is much harder than years ago. With so many contributors, sites are very selective, very picky, rejecting images for the slightest flaws. I know many people who were disappointed with the results they got just because what they produce isn't much "stock". Some because ther photo skills are not as good as they believed, others because they like to shoot waterfalls and birds, which are not very popular in the microstock business (they may however sell well as prints, I know many people who sell prints in fairs).

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 13:40
So just to understand your workflow better…. you shoot in .jpg convert to .tiff and work with the tiff files files in PSP before converting them back into .jpg?

Also, what sort of noise software are you using, and what step is that in your processing workflow?

Yes, I convert JPEG to TIFF, then work on it until I am satisfied. I take notes on the steps used, so I can repeat them to other images. Then I save the final image as JPEG for uploading. I don't use noise reduction software, on rare occasions I apply PSP's tools in selected areas only.

In fact most of my microstock stuff was shot with a compact camera. The DSLR images I upload basically as macrostock, mainly RM.

Hi Madelaide,

You’re replies have been the most helpful I have received so far. Thanks for being a true professional.

Composition is not the problem for me, it’s the technical limitations of currently shooting with a compact digital camera and encountering noise and purple fringing problems.

That’s why I am looking to switch up to a camera with a bigger sensor than a compact model.

With better lenses, and a better camera, it many not eliminate these problems entirely but it will certainly help.

BTW, I am seriously looking at Paint Shop Pro and I know that the X2 and X3 editions have a quick repair tool for purple fringing. Does that work well for the most part or are there times when it misses the mark?

Thanks again for your help.

Duane

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #28 on:** June 25, 2011, 18:10 »

Quote

In the days of film the commercial stock photographer was using medium or large format cameras....besides film has been the Dodo for at least 6 years commercially. A century on the internet.

A Canon Digital Rebel will easily do the trick. Even a simple Canon G12 will work for stock. But will it work for your stock??

Sean is right, this will be fun.

My workflow: From Raw to Tiff, process in Photoshop CS5, inspect at 200%, save only as jpg at highest quality. No upsizing. No sharpening of any kind. Also turn of all sharpening in the camera.

Please show us your portfolio when you get online.

You are only partially correct. Medium and Large format were used for stock photography, but so was 35mm. How do I know? Because I used to browse the submission requirements of various RM stock agencies.

Duane

aeonf · « **Reply #29 on:** June 25, 2011, 18:11 »

for CA we use DXO optics.
It seems to do a better job then CS5.

cobalt · « **Reply #30 on:** June 25, 2011, 18:27 »

"You are only partially correct. Medium and Large format were used for stock photography, but so was 35mm. How do I know? Because I used to browse the submission requirements of various RM stock agencies.
"

Hi Duane,

if you have experience with stock, why are you asking all these simple questions??? Your film portfolio must have already been ported to digital a long time ago. Either by yourself or by your agencies. Why don´t you just give us a link to your website, so we can see what you do? It is a lot easier to give advice if we now the subjects your shooting.

istock also accepts film scans, by the way. On uploading you can choose between film and digital media. They have special reviewers for film.

madelaide · « **Reply #31 on:** June 25, 2011, 18:52 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 17:56

BTW, I am seriously looking at Paint Shop Pro and I know that the X2 and X3 editions have a quick repair tool for purple fringing. Does that work well for the most part or are there times when it misses the mark?

Hmm, does X2 have it? I never tried it. I rarely get it in my DSLR, but I get a lot from the compact too. I think people have mentioned here that Canon software does a good job cutting purple fringe.

Mantis · « **Reply #32 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:01 »

I wonder, I just wonder how Duane will take a rejection. That could be fun to watch.

"F_ck you inspector, you don't know what the f_k your' talking about. Did you get your experience from shooting a 110 instamatic or what? I have a Polaroid you can borrow. It's my dad's from 1950. Maybe you can learn something from that like I have. You are useless. Get me another inspector you fool!!"

Mantis · « **Reply #33 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:07 »

Quote from: ShadySue on June 25, 2011, 17:21

Sean definitely gave you the best answer.
Imagine if I went onto a pro tennis forum and, arriving completely out of thin air, I posted, "I want to be a pro tennis player, which raquet and shoes should I get?"

Wilson and Nike, respectively of course:)

stormchaser · « **Reply #34 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:44 »

Nikon vs Canon, Ford vs Chevy.

I can tell you that the Canons are in the shop more than the Nikons. I have more Nikon because I can't afford the downtime. A few of the cameras suffer a lot of abuse.

All Nikon models allow the capability to mount the old legacy manual focus lenses, basically any AI lens made after 1978 I think. Although I think metering will only work with higher end models like D200 and up. Doesn't matter as I only shoot manual anyway and use all of my circa 1980 lenses on them.

With Canon, there can limitations if you want to explore lenses and build a system eventually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF-S_lens_mount

There is no "better" these days. Each brand has its own features, limitations, quirks. I hated that the old Canon 40d constantly gave me a lens mount error. I hate that the Nikon D90 takes an SD card. That means I have to carry 2 card types when I take that camera.

To make a truly informed decision, you really need to define your goals and then go after the lens and feature set you want. And again, feature sets are usually a lot of crap anyway and I never use things like scene mode, exposure compensation etc. And if you have no lenses to start with, the brand does not matter for the lower tier models - they're all capable. The brand factors in heavily when and if you expand into a pro system. In that case, Nikon wins for me. We really only bought Canon for video, but we use Nikon glass. The entry models at the sub $1000 price point is sort of like buying a point & shoot. They'll all do pretty much about the same thing, some with more pizazz.

As the megapixel race is pretty much stable for the moment, all the manufacturers are doing with the new entry models anyway is cramming in new features like "Selective Color" and "Color Sketch" which no one needs (D5100), but it is a way to keep the product line fresh and entice the masses. One nice thing is that the the D5100 does use the same sensor as the highly rated D7000.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #35 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:46 »

Quote from: Mantis on June 25, 2011, 20:01

I wonder, I just wonder how Duane will take a rejection. That could be fun to watch.

"F_ck you inspector, you don't know what the f_k your' talking about. Did you get your experience from shooting a 110 instamatic or what? I have a Polaroid you can borrow. It's my dad's from 1950. Maybe you can learn something from that like I have. You are useless. Get me another inspector you fool!!"

Oh wow, another troll... with another useless post. Time to hit the ignore button again.

Duane

stormchaser · « **Reply #36 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:47 »

Quote from: Mantis on June 25, 2011, 20:07

Quote from: ShadySue on June 25, 2011, 17:21
Sean definitely gave you the best answer.
Imagine if I went onto a pro tennis forum and, arriving completely out of thin air, I posted, "I want to be a pro tennis player, which raquet and shoes should I get?"

Wilson and Nike, respectively of course:)

I have a new drill motor. Can I take care of that back molar for you???

disorderly · « **Reply #37 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:52 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 20:46

Oh wow, another troll... with another useless post. Time to hit the ignore button again.

Duane

You, sir, are a fool, and a very special kind of fool at that. Do you behave this way in the real world, walking into a new environment, making demands and then announcing that those who suffer your foolishness and attempt to help know nothing of value? Has it occurred to you yet that you have already overstayed your welcome, that you are unlikely to be treated with respect unless you develop some manners? Clearly you have little experience in online conversation, knowing so little that you misuse the word "troll" every time you utter it.

Ignore me; I am about to ignore you.

Mantis · « **Reply #38 on:** June 25, 2011, 20:53 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 20:46

Quote from: Mantis on June 25, 2011, 20:01
I wonder, I just wonder how Duane will take a rejection. That could be fun to watch.

"F_ck you inspector, you don't know what the f_k your' talking about. Did you get your experience from shooting a 110 instamatic or what? I have a Polaroid you can borrow. It's my dad's from 1950. Maybe you can learn something from that like I have. You are useless. Get me another inspector you fool!!"

Oh wow, another troll... with another useless post. Time to hit the ignore button again.

Duane

You're presenting yourself as someone who doesn't want any advice other than your own. Take the high road. Listen, ask, learn, have thick skin. You've from post #2 exposed yourself as what you are. You gotta have some tough skin here. In any critique or request forum you have to be capable of articulating the right question and accepting the group feedback. Saying thank you and showing some appreciation can get you some respect ....that helps with longevity, too.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #39 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:12 »

Quote from: stormchaser on June 25, 2011, 20:44

Nikon vs Canon, Ford vs Chevy.

I can tell you that the Canons are in the shop more than the Nikons. I have more Nikon because I can't afford the downtime. A few of the cameras suffer a lot of abuse.

All Nikon models allow the capability to mount the old legacy manual focus lenses, basically any AI lens made after 1978 I think. Although I think metering will only work with higher end models like D200 and up. Doesn't matter as I only shoot manual anyway and use all of my circa 1980 lenses on them.

With Canon, there can limitations if you want to explore lenses and build a system eventually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF-S_lens_mount

There is no "better" these days. Each brand has its own features, limitations, quirks. I hated that the old Canon 40d constantly gave me a lens mount error. I hate that the Nikon D90 takes an SD card. That means I have to carry 2 card types when I take that camera.

To make a truly informed decision, you really need to define your goals and then go after the lens and feature set you want. And again, feature sets are usually a lot of crap anyway and I never use things like scene mode, exposure compensation etc. And if you have no lenses to start with, the brand does not matter for the lower tier models - they're all capable. The brand factors in heavily when and if you expand into a pro system. In that case, Nikon wins for me. We really only bought Canon for video, but we use Nikon glass. The entry models at the sub $1000 price point is sort of like buying a point & shoot. They'll all do pretty much about the same thing, some with more pizazz.

As the megapixel race is pretty much stable for the moment, all the manufacturers are doing with the new entry models anyway is cramming in new features like "Selective Color" and "Color Sketch" which no one needs (D5100), but it is a way to keep the product line fresh and entice the masses. One nice thing is that the the D5100 does use the same sensor as the highly rated D7000.

Hi Stormchaser

I haven’t gotten too many helpful responses from people on this forum but the few I have gotten have been great.

So many, many thanks for your helpful reply. I greatly appreciate it.

Basically I am looking for a good all around DSLR because I shoot a lot of different types of subject matter.

I honestly haven’t found a subject that I don’t like shooting, so I want a camera with enough flexibility to do just about everything I want to do or want to try doing. And yeah I wouldn’t mind shooting some HD video too.

Anyway… I agree with you about Nikon… the fact that they don’t change their lens mounts is selling point. You can use older lenses, unless you need AF for action shots.

And I also agree with you, I don’t plan on using scene mode… just aperture priority and shutter priority mainly.

Exposure compensation can be useful on some things but probably when not shooting in raw.

What are the focal lengths of the lenses you are using now?

Duane

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #40 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:20 »

Quote from: madelaide on June 25, 2011, 18:52

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 17:56
BTW, I am seriously looking at Paint Shop Pro and I know that the X2 and X3 editions have a quick repair tool for purple fringing. Does that work well for the most part or are there times when it misses the mark?

Hmm, does X2 have it? I never tried it. I rarely get it in my DSLR, but I get a lot from the compact too. I think people have mentioned here that Canon software does a good job cutting purple fringe.

Hi Madelaide,

Apparently it does, but I wonder how well it works.

http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/34465.aspx?image=13857

Duane

leaf · « **Reply #41 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:25 »

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 14:47

Lol ... I suggest using Gala apples when you start shooting fruit on white. They're much rounder then red delicious.

Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers. You don't have a camera, so you're not one of these 'I just want money for a new lens for my hobby' people. So, presumably you see this a some easy way to make money. It sounds like you have no experience with any kind of photo workflow. So, I'm curious as to why you think you want to do this.

Sean is certainly 'crusty' around the edges, but if you put on some thick skin, most of what he says is spot on and well worth your time listening to... and if not, it is at the least least worth considering.

Sure, Sean or others could be 'faking' it or pretending to be someone they're not, but lots of the people on this forum know each other personally or have met each other in person, Sean being one of them. If I were you, I'd take the advice from the guy who is edging in on 1,000,000 sales... even if it does come packed in a cactus

leaf · « **Reply #42 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:30 »

and now to answer your quesitons

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions. Can anyone help?

1. I am thinking of getting a DSLR... what do you all think about the various Canon Digital Rebel models? Are they a pretty good?

If you are just starting out, get the cheapest model and see how you like it. Spend the rest of your money on a good lens.

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

2. If I shoot in Raw, is Adobe Light Room adequate for most processing (batch adjusting levels, white balance and other stuff) or do I need more elaborate software such as Photoshop for this?

I use photoshop. If you are going to take stock seriously you may as well bite the bullet and buy Photoshop once and for all. If you simply can't afford it (I certainly wouldn't take out a loan to do microstock), Photoshop Elements will keep you going until you CAN afford it.

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

3. Can you edit photos when they are .tifs or just when they are in raw format?

You can't 'edit' a RAW image you can just 'process' the raw file. You then spit the processed raw file out as a TIF and work on it from there. Save it as a JPG as the very last step

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

4. What sort of monitor calibration hardware/software should I use? How often do you need to calibrate a monitor? Also can the hardware that hangs over the screen scratch or damage the monitor in any way?

Your monitor calibration software / hardware will tell you how often to use it (perhaps once a month??) All the expensive calibration units are made to hang over the screen ... so yes, they are made to not scratch the screen. Again, get what you can afford. Most things from colorvision should be good. The spyder2pro or spyder3pro or whatever else...

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #43 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:46 »

Quote from: leaf on June 25, 2011, 21:25

Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 14:47
Lol ... I suggest using Gala apples when you start shooting fruit on white. They're much rounder then red delicious.

Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers. You don't have a camera, so you're not one of these 'I just want money for a new lens for my hobby' people. So, presumably you see this a some easy way to make money. It sounds like you have no experience with any kind of photo workflow. So, I'm curious as to why you think you want to do this.

Sean is certainly 'crusty' around the edges, but if you put on some thick skin, most of what he says is spot on and well worth your time listening to... and if not, it is at the least least worth considering.

Sure, Sean or others could be 'faking' it or pretending to be someone they're not, but lots of the people on this forum know each other personally or have met each other in person, Sean being one of them. If I were you, I'd take the advice from the guy who is edging in on 1,000,000 sales... even if it does come packed in a cactus

Packed with a cactus? Yeah, I’ll agree with that!

ROFLMAO.

It appears some of them have a cactus stuck up their fat butts.

Thankfully though, there have been some useful responses from some folks here which have been of great help.

The others I have put on ignore. I am not even going to waste my time with them.

I am here to learn and a million $0.10 cent sales on I-stock is not an excuse for rudeness.

Duane

leaf · « **Reply #44 on:** June 25, 2011, 21:50 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 21:46

Quote from: leaf on June 25, 2011, 21:25
Quote from: sjlocke on June 25, 2011, 14:47
Lol ... I suggest using Gala apples when you start shooting fruit on white. They're much rounder then red delicious.

Btw, if you answered my question, you might actually have gotten better answers. You don't have a camera, so you're not one of these 'I just want money for a new lens for my hobby' people. So, presumably you see this a some easy way to make money. It sounds like you have no experience with any kind of photo workflow. So, I'm curious as to why you think you want to do this.

Sean is certainly 'crusty' around the edges, but if you put on some thick skin, most of what he says is spot on and well worth your time listening to... and if not, it is at the least least worth considering.

Sure, Sean or others could be 'faking' it or pretending to be someone they're not, but lots of the people on this forum know each other personally or have met each other in person, Sean being one of them. If I were you, I'd take the advice from the guy who is edging in on 1,000,000 sales... even if it does come packed in a cactus

Packed with a cactus? Yeah, I’ll agree with that!

ROFLMAO.

It appears some of them have a cactus stuck up their fat butts.

Thankfully though, there have been some useful responses from some folks here which have been of great help.

The others I have put on ignore. I am not even going to waste my time with them.

I am here to learn and a million $0.10 cent sales on I-stock is not an excuse for rudeness.

Duane

I appears however that you have put some of the quite helpful people on ignore. I would classify Sean as blunt rather than rude.... but either way... suit yourself.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #45 on:** June 25, 2011, 22:23 »

Hi Leaf,

Thanks for your helpful response. Your answers are the types of the useful answers I have been looking for since posting today.

Anyway… the raw/tif file thing is one thing that confuses me, as like Madelaide, I have been shooting in .jpg.

I realize that raws and tifs are lossless files unlike .jpgs.. but are raw and tifs both 16 bit files?

And when you mean “processed", do you mean the process of converting the raw file into a .tif or do you mean first applying the white balance, etc before converting it to .tif… and then doing more editing of the .tif (such as using the clone tool, using various brush tools, etc) ?

The only thing I don’t like about Photoshop Elements is that you can’t batch process photos.

I take a lot of photos under the same lighting conditions, just the composition of the shot changes.

If I shoot 50 shots of the same thing, I would like be able to use the same settings (level adjustments, contrast, etc) and apply it to all of them.

Photoshop Elements does allow batch processing, but only with their automatic presets… which kind of stinks.

That’s why I was looking into using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop Elements together (AL for batch processing and PSE for editing) or just using Paintshop Pro which can do both.

Duane

leaf · « **Reply #46 on:** June 25, 2011, 22:49 »

Adobe camera raw (maybe it comes with elements.. maybe it is free... i'm not sure .. it installs with Photoshop, so you could probably get and use it without a problem if you install a trial version of photoshop) can 'batch' process files. You can select 100 raw files and have all the settings apply to all the images that are selected.

Just shoot a few raw files and play around and you will understand better.

Tif's can be 16bit or 8bit - but tiff's can also be compressed with quality loss, it depends on your settings.

By processed I mean, when I open them in camera raw and make changes to the white balance, contrast, black levels etc. You can also remove dust, do gradient adjustments in Camera Raw, you can do quite a few things really. But anything you do to a RAW file doesn't change the raw file. The original RAW file is always there, that is why I called it processing rather than editing. You can't ever 'edit' (or change) a RAW file... at least as far as this conversation is concerned.

markrhiggins · « **Reply #47 on:** June 25, 2011, 23:16 »

i never had Nike tennis shoes and I now realise it is ther reason my tennis is crap. Maybe I also should have had help and lessons to improve my technique?

Stock photography is quite difficult these days. Starting off with having to learn technique software, hardware, workflow and commercial considerations amongst others is extremely difficult . You need to go slow and master it in pieces. Buy a canon 50mm 1.8 and a mid range rebel and see if you are good enough to get accepted. You will get software with camera and elements is good. Get accepted before you worry about uploading big batches of similiar lighted shots.

I got into stock because it was something to do and had some payback. I was only intending to sell macro. I like seeing my images used. It is hard to make big money unless you are much more creative and hardworking than me. It can be very frustrating and can limit your creativity for flickr type shots and more fun shots. It is technically very demanding.

Why not post some shots up? What have you achieved to date? Do you flickr?

lagereek · « **Reply #48 on:** June 25, 2011, 23:53 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 18:10

Quote
In the days of film the commercial stock photographer was using medium or large format cameras....besides film has been the Dodo for at least 6 years commercially. A century on the internet.

A Canon Digital Rebel will easily do the trick. Even a simple Canon G12 will work for stock. But will it work for your stock??

Sean is right, this will be fun.

My workflow: From Raw to Tiff, process in Photoshop CS5, inspect at 200%, save only as jpg at highest quality. No upsizing. No sharpening of any kind. Also turn of all sharpening in the camera.

Please show us your portfolio when you get online.

You are only partially correct. Medium and Large format were used for stock photography, but so was 35mm. How do I know? Because I used to browse the submission requirements of various RM stock agencies.

Duane

No Cobolt is in fact very right! apart from the Image-Bank, where 35 mil was in fact the only criteria, MF was the industry standard film and was a must for almost all agencies. Dont forget that in the days of film, the majority of buyers were creative-buyers and the end product was almost always a print.
Today the majrity of buyers are just webb people, demands almost nothing.

It was horrible job trying to drumscan a small format tranny for a lousy 50 meg but so much easier with MF and LF format.

The inspection of pictures was also of lightyears differance, it was done by professional editors, etc, today, I mean lets face it but any serious inspection of files, is a joke really, as long as an image pass technical inspection its accepted. Reason for this is ofcourse that the overwhelming majority of buyers dont need quality nor composition.

SNP · « **Reply #49 on:** June 26, 2011, 00:14 »

just stumbled into this thread.....wow, Sean, apparently you need to send this guy a whole case of bacon jam....then maybe he'll take you off ignore. I think abracadabra must have read "how to alienate people and learn nothing in ten posts flat"...fantastic. to the OP, uh, yeah, good luck with your new career

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #50 on:** June 26, 2011, 00:40 »

Ultimately, if the OP was able to answer or willing to reveal the answer to sjlocke's question, there wouldn't have been the knee jerk reaction from him and this thread would not have become as antagonistic as it has become. Abracadabra, has rattled a lot of people's cages here, by insinuating that people are unprofessional or trolls. Oh look, I haven't answered ur original question at all, I have strayed off the topic, it happens when people are in discussion. Get over it!! If you want absolute control over what is said or asked in a public forum, create ur own forum, so can delete what others are saying.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #51 on:** June 26, 2011, 01:07 »

Quote from: SNP on June 26, 2011, 00:14

just stumbled into this thread.....wow, Sean, apparently you need to send this guy a whole case of bacon jam....then maybe he'll take you off ignore. I think abracadabra must have read "how to alienate people and learn nothing in ten posts flat"...fantastic. to the OP, uh, yeah, good luck with your new career

Maybe one day he'll learn how to use google.

Quote from: abradude

If I shoot 50 shots of the same thing, I would like be able to use the same settings (level adjustments, contrast, etc) and apply it to all of them.

The inspectors are going to love him.

grp_photo · « **Reply #52 on:** June 26, 2011, 01:25 »

I would go for a Pentax or an Olympus you get much more camera for the same price of a Rebel. I would consider some lighting Profoto should be the first choice but maybe too expensive.

ShadySue · « **Reply #53 on:** June 26, 2011, 03:06 »

Quote from: Mantis on June 25, 2011, 20:07

Quote from: ShadySue on June 25, 2011, 17:21
Sean definitely gave you the best answer.
Imagine if I went onto a pro tennis forum and, arriving completely out of thin air, I posted, "I want to be a pro tennis player, which raquet and shoes should I get?"

Wilson and Nike, respectively of course:)

Serena, start quaking!

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #54 on:** June 26, 2011, 05:24 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 21:46

Packed with a cactus? Yeah, I’ll agree with that!

ROFLMAO.

It appears some of them have a cactus stuck up their fat butts.

Strewth, what an a***hol& you are!

So, if you posted on a tennis site to ask what racquet and shoes you should get to be a professional, and Rafael Nadal popped up and said "Hey, dude, what is it about tennis that makes you want to play?", you'd say Nadal had a cactus up his fat butt and didn't answer your questions?

Coz thatz wot u'v done to one of the world's top-10 stock photographers.

What a pillock you look!

Ah, well, thanks for the laugh.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #55 on:** June 26, 2011, 05:37 »

Quote

No Cobolt is in fact very right! apart from the Image-Bank, where 35 mil was in fact the only criteria, MF was the industry standard film and was a must for almost all agencies. Dont forget that in the days of film, the majority of buyers were creative-buyers and the end product was almost always a print.
Today the majrity of buyers are just webb people, demands almost nothing.

It was horrible job trying to drumscan a small format tranny for a lousy 50 meg but so much easier with MF and LF format.

The inspection of pictures was also of lightyears differance, it was done by professional editors, etc, today, I mean lets face it but any serious inspection of files, is a joke really, as long as an image pass technical inspection its accepted. Reason for this is ofcourse that the overwhelming majority of buyers dont need quality nor composition.

Not true... 35 mm was also accepted with most agencies as was MF and LF.

Duane

Microbius · « **Reply #56 on:** June 26, 2011, 05:54 »

I can't believe that anyone has bothered to reply on this thread after the first couple of posts. How rude, demanding and ungrateful does a new poster have to be before he gets ignored?
This guy thinks he can come in here, milk the community for information and tell anyone who even takes a conversational tone that doesn't serve his purpose to basically f*ck off.
Have a bit of self respect, stop trying to help people that treat you like dirt.

markrhiggins · « **Reply #57 on:** June 26, 2011, 05:57 »

best you could do abrac" is start again. Get a new user name , be polite, read more before putting your foot in your mouth and consider carefully how much you have to learn. You unfortunately are at the stage where you still do not know what you don't know. You are only be rude to get what you think you need to know.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #58 on:** June 26, 2011, 06:17 »

Hey guys, calm yourselves down. Don't poop your pants over nothing, lol.

Your hissy fits are giving me some huge laughs.

I am just here to get some answers to my questions, and then I am outta here.

Duane

Microbius · « **Reply #59 on:** June 26, 2011, 06:50 »

That's exactly the attitude I'm talking about. Remember these are real people you are asking to take time out to help you.
You can't just come in, squeeze people for info. then get out. We are not here to serve you, a point you don't seem to be able to grasp at all.
I think that's called being a sociopath no?

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #60 on:** June 26, 2011, 06:51 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 26, 2011, 06:17

I am just here to get some answers to my questions, and then I am outta here.

What a prince.

etienjones · « **Reply #61 on:** June 26, 2011, 07:04 »

For Arrogance . . . . . +1 . . . . . a real winner!

leaf · « **Reply #62 on:** June 26, 2011, 09:50 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 26, 2011, 06:17

I am just here to get some answers to my questions, and then I am outta here.

If that is your attitude, the door may close before you want it to. The point of this forum is to help eachother, not come in, grab what you can and run out.

Mantis · « **Reply #63 on:** June 26, 2011, 10:01 »

Quote from: markrhiggins on June 26, 2011, 05:57

best you could do abrac" is start again. Get a new user name , be polite, read more before putting your foot in your mouth and consider carefully how much you have to learn. You unfortunately are at the stage where you still do not know what you don't know. You are only be rude to get what you think you need to know.

^^This is probably the most sensible advice at this point.

anonymous · « **Reply #64 on:** June 26, 2011, 11:01 »

Quote from: sjlocke on June 26, 2011, 06:51

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 26, 2011, 06:17
I am just here to get some answers to my questions, and then I am outta here.

What a prince.

princeSS

luissantos84 · « **Reply #65 on:** June 26, 2011, 13:54 »

why did I pick this weekend to work on some pictures.. lost serious stuff in here :/

LSD72 · « **Reply #66 on:** June 26, 2011, 14:41 »

Sean, have you found your new inspiration for a blog post yet?

nruboc · « **Reply #67 on:** June 26, 2011, 22:28 »

Quote from: LSD72 on June 26, 2011, 14:41

Sean, have you found your new inspiration for a blog post yet?

I think he's trying for the #1 spot on Google for 'Underwater Basket Weaving'

luceluceluce · « **Reply #68 on:** June 27, 2011, 01:30 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 22:23

The only thing I don’t like about Photoshop Elements is that you can’t batch process photos.

I take a lot of photos under the same lighting conditions, just the composition of the shot changes.

If I shoot 50 shots of the same thing, I would like be able to use the same settings (level adjustments, contrast, etc) and apply it to all of them.

Photoshop Elements does allow batch processing, but only with their automatic presets… which kind of stinks.

That’s why I was looking into using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop Elements together (AL for batch processing and PSE for editing) or just using Paintshop Pro which can do both.

Duane

My opinion, stop focussing on the batch processing. You're probably gonna find it difficult having even one of the images accepted, so lavish loving care on a few rather than a blanket process. And leaf is right, go for photoshop or elements. Photoshop is a universe all of its own - you'll never reach the end of it (I suspect it of being spherical - possibly with it's own moon).

If you've never had a dSLR, never used photoshop, and never submitted stock get ready for a huge shock... it has technical requirements all of its own which are absurd, ludicrous and hinderingly frustrating.

Huge shock. Massive. Ginormous. Seriously.

Skip the rebel go straight for the 5d mark2 - starve if you have to, use your neighbour's bathwater - we don't have to smell you so it's not a problem. It's a very fashionable time to be in debt and there'll be a lot of people to share your experiences with if it all goes pear-shaped. Life is risk! Cowboy up goddamit!

LSD72 · « **Reply #69 on:** June 27, 2011, 10:05 »

Quote from: nruboc on June 26, 2011, 22:28

Quote from: LSD72 on June 26, 2011, 14:41
Sean, have you found your new inspiration for a blog post yet?

I think he's trying for the #1 spot on Google for 'Underwater Basket Weaving'

Ya know...that would be a very unique niche but everyone has heard about it though. Might be something there to monetize a blog.

abracadabradesigns · « **Reply #70 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:46 »

Quote from: Microbius on June 26, 2011, 06:50

That's exactly the attitude I'm talking about. Remember these are real people you are asking to take time out to help you.
You can't just come in, squeeze people for info. then get out. We are not here to serve you, a point you don't seem to be able to grasp at all.
I think that's called being a sociopath no?

Squeeze???

I didn't squeeze anyone, I just asked some questions... Sheesh!

It wasn't like I stuck a cattle prod up your butt to make y'all squeal the information I needed.

Y'all squealed willingly and y'all loved every minute of it, lol.

Duane

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #71 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:53 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 28, 2011, 08:46

Quote from: Microbius on June 26, 2011, 06:50
That's exactly the attitude I'm talking about. Remember these are real people you are asking to take time out to help you.
You can't just come in, squeeze people for info. then get out. We are not here to serve you, a point you don't seem to be able to grasp at all.
I think that's called being a sociopath no?

Squeeze???

I didn't squeeze anyone, I just asked some questions... Sheesh!

It wasn't like I stuck a cattle prod up your butt to make y'all squeal the information I needed.

Y'all squealed willingly and y'all loved every minute of it, lol.

Duane

Yes, certainly a captivating thread, but not for the right reasons though. I'm beginning to think that u have other motives here, as everything you say is provocative.

steheap · « **Reply #72 on:** June 28, 2011, 09:04 »

Duane

I've got the perfect answer - a "how to get started in Microstock" eBook, available on Amazon and via my website. http://www.backyardsilver.com/stock_photography_ebook/ It will tell you everything you want to know for only $4.99. I do have a chapter on both cameras and workflow (Raw workflow using Lightroom).

Steve

Kngkyle · « **Reply #73 on:** June 28, 2011, 12:23 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40

Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions.

lisafx · « **Reply #74 on:** June 28, 2011, 17:15 »

Quote from: Kngkyle on June 28, 2011, 12:23

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 25, 2011, 11:40
Hi All,

I am just getting started into stock photography and I got a lot of questions.

ROFLMAO!! There's that hilarious cat again!

Kngkyle · « **Reply #75 on:** June 28, 2011, 18:58 »

I knew you'd like it Lisa.

epantha · « **Reply #76 on:** June 28, 2011, 19:07 »

Open browser -> Go to Google -> in search field type in "How to get started in Microstock Photography" -> Hit return

Spend hours researching cameras, lenses, software, agencies, techniques, workflows, forums, etc. like the rest of us did when we first started out.

This is not a field for folks with no patience.

Suljo · « **Reply #77 on:** June 28, 2011, 20:55 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 26, 2011, 06:17

Hey guys, calm yourselves down. Don't poop your pants over nothing, lol.

Your hissy fits are giving me some huge laughs.

I am just here to get some answers to my questions, and then I am outta here.

Duane

Can you please click on my ignore button before I just say you anything.
It will not be healthy for you blind ears...

steheap · « **Reply #78 on:** June 28, 2011, 21:43 »

Quote

Open browser -> Go to Google -> in search field type in "How to get started in Microstock Photography" -> Hit return

Spend hours researching cameras, lenses, software, agencies, techniques, workflows, forums, etc. like the rest of us did when we first started out.

Hang on - can I suggest a different search term? How about "Getting started in stock ebook". That should do the trick!

Steve

luceluceluce · « **Reply #79 on:** June 28, 2011, 21:45 »

Quote from: abracadabradesigns on June 28, 2011, 08:46

It wasn't like I stuck a cattle prod up your butt to make y'all squeal the information I needed.

Y'all squealed willingly and y'all loved every minute of it, lol.

Duane

Squealing and cattleprods and evil laughing. That's microstock. You've already mastered everything you need to know about the industry.

So proud of you! You've come a long way in this thread, and from uncertain beginnings you've become the man you are today.

Love a happy ending : )

etienjones · « **Reply #80 on:** June 29, 2011, 03:17 »

Quote from: epantha on June 28, 2011, 19:07

Open browser -> Go to Google -> in search field type in "How to get started in Microstock Photography" -> Hit return

Spend hours researching cameras, lenses, software, agencies, techniques, workflows, forums, etc. like the rest of us did when we first started out.

This is not a field for folks with no patience.

Let's make it easy, just click on this link:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+to+get+started+in+Microstock+Photography

been waiting years to use this

fotografer · « **Reply #81 on:** June 29, 2011, 05:32 »

Quote from: luceluceluce on June 28, 2011, 21:45

Squealing and cattleprods and evil laughing. That's microstock. You've already mastered everything you need to know about the industry.

So proud of you! You've come a long way in this thread, and from uncertain beginnings you've become the man you are today.

Love a happy ending : )

I love your posts and your wicked sense of humour. Always brings a smile to my face.

ShadySue · « **Reply #82 on:** June 29, 2011, 06:32 »

Quote from: etienjones on June 29, 2011, 03:17

Let's make it easy, just click on this link:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+to+get+started+in+Microstock+Photography

So much of the info there is out of date (e.g. a year or two old). Things change incredibly quickly, and what might have been good and true information then isn't any more.

leaf · « **Reply #83 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:51 »

thread closed.

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