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Author Topic: Critique need for Shutterstock Application  (Read 22645 times)

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« on: January 16, 2008, 18:14 »
0
All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the start of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT:
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modify.php?imageid=3954339

#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modify.php?imageid=3954344

#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modify.php?imageid=3925685

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10


Also if you see other photos in my portfolios that you feel are a "shoe in" for my next application, please let me know :)

Your feedback is greatly appreciated !

Mark


« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2008, 18:36 »
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All three pictures are very nice if dreamstime approved them they should do fine for shutterstock unless they would need a property release for the buildings and sail boat. :)

« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2008, 18:37 »
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First thing is to check for noise at 200% magnification. Noise for SS is not what noise is for other agencies. Every digital camera, except the 20-30k$ digital backs, has noticeable noise in the shadows, no matter how good exposed the photo is (I run into very little exceptions with very clear subjects on a still life table).

So the best strategy is to clean out all the noise you see with an appropriate plugin and/or other methods (I sometimes used a small gaussian blur on a different layer masking in just the most troublesome shadow parts that really didn't have any worthwhile detail to be saved).

In the first two images you posted I already can foresee noise problems due to the exposition latitude, I'd personally go for brighter images for another reason too. It is that SS seems to me more oriented to "commercial" shots that stand brightly out with vivid colours. For example the buildings in the foreground of your first image are too much greyish imho. The overall exposition is fine but I could bet that SS reviewers would say it's not because of it.

Take my words with the obvious grain of salt as I can just talk from my (limited) experienced, most professional microstock contributors can probably give you more solid advices.
« Last Edit: January 16, 2008, 19:26 by ale1969 »

« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2008, 18:41 »
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Ale,

FYI: All of my images are run through "Neat Image" for noise reduction as the last thing done to the file before uploading.

Mark

« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2008, 18:44 »
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Can't see 'em.  Is "modify.php" your edit page?

« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2008, 18:46 »
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Ale,

FYI: All of my images are run through "Neat Image" for noise reduction as the last thing done to the file before uploading.

Mark

My first submission images were processed through neat image too and already approved from DT and some of them by IS: 6 out 10 rejected.

It's not the plugin what makes the difference, it has many different usages and graduations. Your eyes are, if you can see noise so will do the SS reviewer, and you can't get rid of noise in dark images without them becoming too much processed.

The best trick to use is to upsample at SS with the lower size possible, alas 4 mp. It makes wonders to the noise and the sharpness no plugin can.

« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2008, 18:50 »
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Updated List and links:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the start of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT:
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/urban-living-v1-image3954339        (Noise here?)

#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344
(Noise here?)

#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10


Also if you see other photos in my portfolios that you feel are a "shoe in" for my next application, please let me know

Your feedback is greatly appreciated !

Mark

« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2008, 18:51 »
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Ale,

What do you mean by "upsample" to 4mp ... ?

Mark

« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2008, 18:52 »
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Ale,

What do you mean by "upsample" to 4mp ... ?

Mark

Sorry I meant to write "upload" downsampled at 4MP  :-[

« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2008, 18:54 »
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Ale,

Do this for every image submitted to SS? And after NeatImage or w/o using it?

Mark

« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2008, 18:58 »
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Ale,

Do this for every image submitted to SS? And after NeatImage or w/o using it?

Mark

I'd do for the first ten for sure, and I downsample as the last thing before converting the image into a jpg.

Once approved you can choose the upload strategy you prefer, I downsample everything for SS because their price policy and my images seem to sell nonetheless.

« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2008, 19:20 »
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yeah, downsampling to get rid of noise would be a good idea.

If you are not sure about if you have too much noise, you can try and send one of the files to me and I can it out

that one with the red sky, or deep blue sky are perfect examples where noise turns up.  if you don't want to sent the whole image, just send a crop of the top of the images.

« Reply #12 on: January 16, 2008, 20:07 »
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I would avoid skies for application review , one of the best examples where small amount of noise is easily noticable , especially on the dark parts of the sky ,and at SS they don't like noise.

If you do sent them photos with sky , and you said that you use noise reduction as a last step , be sure to use layer mask on the clouds , cause the amount of noise reduction that its
necessary to remove the noise from the dark blues of your sky , will most probably wash out your clouds texture , and you will risk to get refusal for artifacts etc.


I would try to send them 2 -3 simple textures ( stone , metal etc), they are easily to take , its hard to find noise on textures , and from experience I can tell that the don't refuse them. Few of my friends tried with that and it went well every time.


Good luck




     

« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2008, 20:49 »
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How do I accomplish this "downsampling"?  I have photoshop elements 6.0.

Mark

« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2008, 21:11 »
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Updated Suggest Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the start of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT:
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/urban-living-v1-image3954339      

#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

#4 "Travelers Blur"
http://www.dreamstime.com/travelers-blur-v1-image3726092

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10


Also if you see other photos in my portfolios that you feel are a "shoe in" for my next application, please let me know

Your feedback is greatly appreciated !

Mark

DanP68

« Reply #15 on: January 17, 2008, 00:18 »
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Ale,

FYI: All of my images are run through "Neat Image" for noise reduction as the last thing done to the file before uploading.

Mark


Wrong.

Don't do this Mark.  Your final products will look fake and plastic, and SS will reject your submissions with the "overuse of NR" response.  It is bad practice regardless.

Here is what you do -

1.  Eliminate as much noise as possible through proper exposure.  With your P&S this is going to be tough.

2.  Use PhotoShop or whatever you prefer, and magnify to at least 200%.  Find areas with noise.

3.  Either through the use of layers, or by careful use of selection tools, use Noise Reduction on those pesky areas which have noise, and ONLY THOSE AREAS.  If too much of the image has noise, throw out the image and create a new one. 

4.  Pick your poison for NR.  You can use NeatImage or Ninja, even the CS2 NR is good enough if used properly.  You can utilize NR, median, blur...whatever works to get rid of that noise while still maintaining image quality.

5.  Combine your layers, or de-select the NR areas, and Save at 100% quality. 


« Reply #16 on: January 17, 2008, 03:23 »
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How do I accomplish this "downsampling"?  I have photoshop elements 6.0.

Mark

not sure exactly what the menu structure is but something like

edit > image size > .... then change the image size to something smaller.

« Reply #17 on: January 17, 2008, 12:38 »
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Thanks to both Leaf and Dan.

Leaf, I'll definitely plan to use the downsizing for Shutterstock images as their pay only warrants 4mp images anyway ...

I see where I can input the image size ... Does anyone know if 800 x 600 will work? Or does it need to be higher. That's a typical size for web use I believe ...

Dan

I'll start giving that process (selective noise reduction) an immediate shot with my images. I will say though that I have all but eliminated rejections due to "noise" by using Neat Image. I'll have to investiage how to use NR selectively and see if its possible in Photoshop Elements 6.0 or Neat Image

Thanks for all the help over the last couple of months. I've had my first sales at DT, BigStock, FT and 123rf.

Mark

« Reply #18 on: January 17, 2008, 12:48 »
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they have to be at least 2.5 megapixels.

« Reply #19 on: January 17, 2008, 12:51 »
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they have to be at least 2.5 megapixels.

It's 4MP for new submitters if I remember correctly.

« Reply #20 on: January 17, 2008, 12:58 »
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I think there was some sort of "grandfather" clause for 2.5. I think 4mp is the minimum ...

Mark

« Reply #21 on: January 17, 2008, 14:12 »
0
Updated (4th & 5th Images) Suggest Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the start of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT:
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/urban-living-v1-image3954339       

#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

#4 "Travelers Blur"
http://www.dreamstime.com/travelers-blur-v1-image3726092

#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10


Also if you see other photos in my portfolios that you feel are a "shoe in" for my next application, please let me know

Your feedback is greatly appreciated !

Mark

« Reply #22 on: January 17, 2008, 15:19 »
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mwp1969,
Not sure that asking others to do your work is the right thing here. You may need to decide what works and what not by yourself.

Here is a tip from me: pick the ones that look best at thumbnail/small size.
Crop at a different ratio if needed (3:4 etc). Of course all the other ingredients have to be there as well.

It may also help if with your submission you send a link to your portfolio on other sites where you have some success. Make sure sure you don't make a big deal out of it thou.

Knowing what SS wants, you may need more subject matter of the kind they want: cr*ppy studio shots (I have plenty of them).

« Reply #23 on: January 17, 2008, 15:36 »
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Uber,

I agree that I am quite capable of slecting my photos myself. This is what I have done. I've selected some of the best, that haven't been rejected. I am merely posting here to help descriminate between photos that are already approved on my other sites that have the stricter criteria. The examples above have been previously approved on DT which seems to be the toughest for my photos out of DT, BigStock, FT, 123rf, Featurepics, and Albumo


This is the MSG "Critique" forum so its certainly a great place to ask for critique of photos that may or may not already be posted across multiple sites :)

Thanks for your suggestions :)

Any other comments on the images chosen on the most recent posting of my list?

Mark

« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2008, 16:02 »
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Uber,

I agree that I am quite capable of slecting my photos myself. This is what I have done. I've selected some of the best, that haven't been rejected. I am merely posting here to help descriminate between photos that are already approved on my other sites that have the stricter criteria. The examples above have been previously approved on DT which seems to be the toughest for my photos out of DT, BigStock, FT, 123rf, Featurepics, and Albumo


This is the MSG "Critique" forum so its certainly a great place to ask for critique of photos that may or may not already be posted across multiple sites :)

Thanks for your suggestions :)

Any other comments on the images chosen on the most recent posting of my list?

Mark

See what you mean. Sorry: seeing your top 10 I thought you expect others to fill in the gaps. I, for one, would not trust strangers for that (myself included).

« Reply #25 on: January 17, 2008, 16:08 »
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Mark

After a look at ur pics on DT I will pick up number 3 and 5 discard the others mainly because of the composition. Hope it helps
L

« Reply #26 on: January 17, 2008, 16:13 »
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ldambies,

Okay that's a start. You think my #3 and #5 that have been previously approved at DT are better than the others due to composition ...

Any input from anyone else ?

Mark

« Reply #27 on: January 20, 2008, 13:04 »
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Updated (6th & 7th Potential Image) for Shutterstock Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the start of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT:
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/urban-living-v1-image3954339       

Approved at DT:
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at DT:
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at DT:
#4 "Travelers Blur"
http://www.dreamstime.com/travelers-blur-v1-image3726092

Approved at DT:
#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

Approved at DT:
#6 "Pier at Puget Sound in Seattle"
http://www.dreamstime.com/pier-at-puget-sound-in-seattle-image3925684

Appoved at DT:
#7 "Greenbacks"
http://www.dreamstime.com/greenbacks-v1-image3905434

#8

#9

#10


Your Critique of this list for my next Shutterstock Application is greatly appreciated !

Mark 

« Reply #28 on: January 26, 2008, 11:21 »
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I had to apply to SS I think 4 times.  My problem the first two times were the noise issues previously discussed, but I think that others have also mentioned the idea of colors and composition.  The images in your DT portfolio are not exactly great compositions for stock or you are submitting to a category that is saturated, making your competition very tough.  Your image: Urban Living V1, for example, has what appears to be part of a parking garage at the bottom.  I would have either included more of it or found a different angle to completely crop it out.  With all your skyline images, to SS you are going to seem like just another guy submitting pictures of buildings that may or may not need a property release.  For me, its not about the quality of your images that I think will keep you out, I think it is the subjects.  Even the key in scarred hand image if you do a search for the words   key + hand the results turn up 3,330 images on DT.  That is alot of competition.

There are two things that are going to get you noticed:  1: A really great camera (quality images are made by good photographers, but the camera data makes a difference in MS.  If you had two pictures of a key in a hand and one was taken with a Canon 1Ds Mark III and the other was taken with a Kodak Easyshare P&S, which one do you think the designer is going to download?)  2: Images that nobody else (or very few people) are uploading.  (The top five already have hundreds of thousands of images to choose from for their advertising numbers.  What they are looking for now are DIFFERENT images.) 

That is my two cents.   I hope I am not being too harsh, but any one of the veterans here will tell you that we have been where you are, just starting out.  If you want to increase your chances, find a reason for Shutterstock to say yes, rather than trying to dodge the reason they could possibly say no.

« Reply #29 on: January 26, 2008, 13:08 »
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Photojay,

Excellent advice ! I have been doing exactly just that. When I first started I was still shooting flowers and landscapes only. I had since expanded to TFP model photo shoots, shooting object, improving my isolation and photoshop skills, my composition skills and general photography skills, and am currently learning more about lighting. I also have a plan in place for the permanent upgrading of my equipment ...

I have now hit 300 approvals across all of my sites: DT, BigStock, FP, 123rf, CS, Albumo (based on 113 unique images approved and more being approved each week) I have come a long way in a very short period of time (3 1/2 months). My sales are starting to ramp up:  Nov.  1 Sale, Dec. 2 Sales, Jan. 10 Sales

I am still trying to get into SS, IS (I eligible to submit again today), Alamy, and my application is pending at StockXpert.

Thank you for your advice :)

Mark

« Reply #30 on: January 26, 2008, 16:13 »
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...and am currently learning more about lighting.

I highly recommend the book "Light: Science and Magic".  It is by far the best $30 I have ever spent.  It talks about all the normal "studio lighting" issues (fill light, main, reflectors, etc.) but it talks about much MUCH more.  Understanding light AND how it interacts with different subjects is so important and this book is packed with just about everything you need to know to start experimenting in a more controlled environment and understand what you are seeing and why you are seeing it. 

« Reply #31 on: January 27, 2008, 01:34 »
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Photojay,

Thanks for the referral about the book on lighting !

From one vet to another ... I served US Navy in the late 80's prior to "The Wall" coming down, the Invasion of Panama and served during the 1st Gulf War.

Thanks for Serving !

Mark


« Reply #32 on: January 27, 2008, 07:14 »
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Photojay,

Thanks for the referral about the book on lighting !

From one vet to another ... I served US Navy in the late 80's prior to "The Wall" coming down, the Invasion of Panama and served during the 1st Gulf War.

Thanks for Serving !

Mark




HEY! It's what we do, right?  I just got home from Iraq in November 07.  What a place.  I am getting my pictures put online from my tour slowly but surely at My Iraq Album 

« Reply #33 on: January 27, 2008, 12:46 »
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Updated: Removed #4 "Travelers Blur" due to suggetion
Updated: Added #8 "Modern Urban Buildings"

Note: I may have to remove #7 "Greenbacks" as it may have been submitted in application before ...

Shutterstock Application Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the latest version of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT (1 sale):
#1 "Urban Living"
http://www.dreamstime.com/urban-living-v1-image3954339       

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at DT:
#4


Approved at DT:
#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

Approved at DT:
#6 "Pier at Puget Sound in Seattle"
http://www.dreamstime.com/pier-at-puget-sound-in-seattle-image3925684

Appoved at DT:
#7 "Greenbacks"
http://www.dreamstime.com/greenbacks-v1-image3905434

Approved at DT:
#8 "Modern Urban Buildings"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#9

#10


Your Critique of the photos on this list for my next Shutterstock Application is greatly appreciated !

Mark   

« Reply #34 on: February 01, 2008, 18:09 »
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Updated: Removed #1 "Urban Living" due to rejection
Updated: Removed #6 "Pier at Puget Sound" due to rejection
Updated: Removed #7 "Greenbacks" due to rejection

My suggestee Shutterstock Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the latest version of my proposed submission list:

Approved at DT ???
#1   

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at DT:
#4


Approved at DT:
#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

Approved at DT:
#6

Appoved at DT:
#7

Approved at DT:
#8 "Modern Urban Buildings"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#9

#10


Your Critique of the photos on this list for my next Shutterstock Application is greatly appreciated ! All of my suggested photos will be reduced in size to 4megapixel prior to submission. I do wonder if this had been done on some of the rejected submissions in the beginning if it would have made a difference ...

I really need to get into SHUTTERSTOCK !

SHUTTERSTOCK OR BUST !


Mark   

« Reply #35 on: February 01, 2008, 19:14 »
0
The "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat" should pass. The others may not. The "Modern Urban Buildings" picture might pass, but don't hold your breath. Mainly, I think the dark shadows will cause a problem in most of your pictures. It's also hard to critique these pictures since they are so small. And I never reduced my picture size to four megapixels, so I don't know how helpful that will be for you.

« Reply #36 on: February 02, 2008, 01:34 »
0
Thanks for the advice Whiz. From what I've heard on various forums, reducing to 4mp images on Shutterstock helps the approval process quite a bit ... This will be my first time doing it and I hope it works since I'll be on my 4th application. Here are the following changes:

Updated: Added  #1 "Strength Security Freedom"
Updated: Added  #6 "Valentine Heart with Copy Space"
(I've heard having an illustration or two never hurts)

My suggestee Shutterstock Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the latest version of my proposed submission list:

Approved at FT & DT
#1 "Strength Security Freedom"
http://www.dreamstime.com/strength-security-freedom-...-image3580111 

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at FT & DT (2 sales):
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at ???:
#4


Approved at FT & DT:
#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

Approved at FT:
#6 "Valentine Heart Outline with Copy Space"
http://us.fotolia.com/id/5967912

Appoved at DT:
#7

Approved at FT & DT:
#8 "Modern Urban Buildings"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#9

#10


Your Critique of the photos on this list for my next Shutterstock Application is greatly appreciated ! All of my suggested photos will be reduced in size to 4megapixel prior to submission. I do wonder if this had been done on some of the rejected submissions in the beginning if it would have made a difference ...

I really need to get into SHUTTERSTOCK !

SHUTTERSTOCK OR BUST !


Mark   

« Reply #37 on: February 03, 2008, 17:27 »
0
Here are the following changes to my proposed 4th application to Shutterstock.

Updated: Added  #4 "X Marks the Spot V2"
Updated: Added  #7 "White Eggs v1"

My suggestee Shutterstock Application List and links to samples:

All,

I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the latest version of my proposed submission list:

Approved at FT & DT
#1 "Strength Security Freedom"
http://www.dreamstime.com/strength-security-freedom-...-image3580111 

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at FT & DT (2 sales):
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at :
#4 "X Marks the Spot ! V2"
http://www.dreamstime.com/x-marks-the-spot--v2-image4134813

Approved at FT & DT:
#5 "Isolated Hand with Scars with Key v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/isolated-hand-with-scars-with-key-v1-image3709441

Approved at FT:
#6 "Valentine Heart Outline with Copy Space"
http://us.fotolia.com/id/5967912

Appoved at DT:
#7 "White Eggs v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/white-eggs-v1-image4127054

Approved at FT & DT:
#8 "Modern Urban Buildings"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#9

#10


Your Critique of the photos on this list for my next Shutterstock Application is greatly appreciated ! All of my suggested photos will be reduced in size to 4megapixel prior to submission. I do wonder if this had been done on some of the rejected submissions in the beginning if it would have made a difference ...

I really need to get into SHUTTERSTOCK !

SHUTTERSTOCK OR BUST !


Mark

« Reply #38 on: February 04, 2008, 02:19 »
0
Mark,

I've just passed the SS test. I'm not even sure I'm really happy. I still don't like their marketing model. And so I'm not really sure I did a good thing to get in there. Anyway, I'm newbie in this. We do different things, yet you may want to view my SS portfolio that should be mostly (probably only) from those 8 pictures out of 10 that passed (Not sure what you will see, I've couple more shots in the queue. Anyway, if there are more than 8, sort them by oldest first and the first 8 are those that passed). I'm not saying you should shoot like this or that these are perfect shots, I'm far from that. It may be useful for you anyway.

I specifically made the selection to be safe. Here are the 2 of 10 that failed, both because of bad exposure:
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=9209872
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=8016492

Looking at your stuff, it is really hard to say if most of them will pass. As you can tell from me being new to SS, I don't have that much experience with their reviewers, but here are my comments.

The most important thing is - if you have shot they don't like because of the topic, they will look very closely to find what is wrong with it. If you have something they are really interested in, they will be much less interested in what is wrong with the photo.

1. Provided it safe bet from the property release point of things, it should be quite safe. I've not examined it at 100%, be sure there is NO noise in the sky.

2. This is very risky. They have tons of very colorful sky shots (some of them too colorful in my opinion). They will very closely look to find the weak spot and even then it may end up with "commercial value" rejection.

3. Should be safe, again provided that there is NO noise in the sky.

4. Unless I'm missing something special about the theme, this will be rejected with "commercial value" rejection.

5. Very risky, they have tons of this from all angles. They will look very closely.

6. No comment, I'm not familiar with this area, it seem to be illustration rather than photo.

7. I'm not sure here, it may be risky as well, yet they like food and are less picky on it.

8. I think this will get the exposure rejection. They have tons of this and they will consider the deep shadow to be a problem.

Best of luck to you...

« Reply #39 on: February 04, 2008, 16:44 »
0
Mark,

I've just passed the SS test. I'm not even sure I'm really happy. I still don't like their marketing model. And so I'm not really sure I did a good thing to get in there. Anyway, I'm newbie in this. We do different things, yet you may want to view my SS portfolio that should be mostly (probably only) from those 8 pictures out of 10 that passed (Not sure what you will see, I've couple more shots in the queue. Anyway, if there are more than 8, sort them by oldest first and the first 8 are those that passed). I'm not saying you should shoot like this or that these are perfect shots, I'm far from that. It may be useful for you anyway.

I specifically made the selection to be safe. Here are the 2 of 10 that failed, both because of bad exposure:
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=9209872
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=8016492

Looking at your stuff, it is really hard to say if most of them will pass. As you can tell from me being new to SS, I don't have that much experience with their reviewers, but here are my comments.

The most important thing is - if you have shot they don't like because of the topic, they will look very closely to find what is wrong with it. If you have something they are really interested in, they will be much less interested in what is wrong with the photo.

1. Provided it safe bet from the property release point of things, it should be quite safe. I've not examined it at 100%, be sure there is NO noise in the sky.

2. This is very risky. They have tons of very colorful sky shots (some of them too colorful in my opinion). They will very closely look to find the weak spot and even then it may end up with "commercial value" rejection.

3. Should be safe, again provided that there is NO noise in the sky.

4. Unless I'm missing something special about the theme, this will be rejected with "commercial value" rejection.

5. Very risky, they have tons of this from all angles. They will look very closely.

6. No comment, I'm not familiar with this area, it seem to be illustration rather than photo.

7. I'm not sure here, it may be risky as well, yet they like food and are less picky on it.

8. I think this will get the exposure rejection. They have tons of this and they will consider the deep shadow to be a problem.

Best of luck to you...




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the following changes to my proposed images for my 4th application to Shutterstock. Your critique is greatly appreciated :)

Updated: Removed  #5 (based on comments quoted above)
Considering the comments above on the others ...


I'm looking for critique help here with my proposed images (that have been approved elsewhere) that I plan to submit in my next Shutterstock application.

I will post their links here and delete or add appropriately due to feedback received here on this forum. I greatly appreciate anyone's comments regarding whether or not an image I plan to submit or not will meet shutterstock's criteria and standards for my next application.

Here is the latest version of my proposed submission list:

Approved at FT & DT
#1 "Strength Security Freedom"
http://www.dreamstime.com/strength-security-freedom-...-image3580111 

Approved at DT (2 sales):
#2 "Solar Energy is the Future of Electric Power"
http://www.dreamstime.com/solar-energy-is-the-future-of-electric-power-image3954344

Approved at FT & DT (2 sales):
#3 "Seattle Skyline with Sailboat"
http://www.dreamstime.com/seattle-skyline-with-sailboat-image3925685

Approved at :
#4 "X Marks the Spot ! V2"
http://www.dreamstime.com/x-marks-the-spot--v2-image4134813

Approved at ??? :
#5

Approved at FT:
#6 "Valentine Heart Outline with Copy Space"
http://us.fotolia.com/id/5967912

Appoved at DT:
#7 "White Eggs v1"
http://www.dreamstime.com/white-eggs-v1-image4127054

Approved at FT & DT:
#8 "Modern Urban Buildings"
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#9

#10

All of my suggested photos will be reduced in size to 4megapixel prior to submission.

SHUTTERSTOCK OR BUST !


Mark

P.S. I will debate the whole subscription model after I've had a chance to taste some of the volume I hear about at SS.

« Reply #40 on: February 12, 2008, 19:06 »
0
Well the day is finally here. I think I get to resubmit to shutterstock either this evening or tomorrow. Any last minute tips or suggestions :)

Mark

« Reply #41 on: February 13, 2008, 01:45 »
0
So what's the result. I assume, based on your other thread asking for samples of what was accepted, that you were rejected. Which got rejected and with what reason?

I know, it quite depressing, but don't get discouraged by them.

« Reply #42 on: February 13, 2008, 02:45 »
0
So what's the result. I assume, based on your other thread asking for samples of what was accepted, that you were rejected. Which got rejected and with what reason?

I know, it quite depressing, but don't get discouraged by them.


Here is my submission application list of 10 images that was uploaded to Shutterstock this evening:

#1 Modern Urban Buildings
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105

#2 Macor Ice Crystals v2
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=118110&offset=41&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#3 Seattle Skyline with Sailboat (improved version over what exists on DT is located here as I haven't updated DT image yet)
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=119018&offset=2&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#4 Storm on the Horizon v2
http://www.dreamstime.com/storm-on-the-horizon--image4237355

#5 Scenic View of Seattle Skyline from Alki
http://www.dreamstime.com/scenic-view-of-seattle-skyline-from-alki-image4104634

#6 Valentine Heart Outline with Copy Space
http://us.fotolia.com/id/5967912

#7 White Eggs
http://www.dreamstime.com/white-eggs-v1-image4127054

#8 Tanker Cargo Ship
http://www.dreamstime.com/tanker-cargo-ship-v1-image4081442

#9 Train Tracks Across a Pond
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=114546&offset=1&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#10 Puget Sound Pier
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=114668&offset=15&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

They are currently under review ... :)

Mark

ragsac

  • I radiate Love and Happiness!
« Reply #43 on: February 13, 2008, 08:54 »
0
Good luck! Look all nice photo to me...you should pass!

Marzki

« Reply #44 on: February 13, 2008, 12:32 »
0
Thanks Ragsac ! I hope so this time :)

Mark

« Reply #45 on: February 14, 2008, 22:34 »
0
This was the closest I've come so far ... it appears there were only 4 rejections. Not good enough to get accepted as I believe I could only have 3 rejected.

The rejection comments are listed below in the event it will help someone else in the future by seeing them ...

#1 Modern Urban Buildings
http://www.dreamstime.com/modern-urban-buildings-v1-image4073105
Rejected: "Poor Lighting--Poor or uneven lighting, or shadows. White balance may be incorrect."

#2 Macor Ice Crystals v2
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=118110&offset=41&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#3 Seattle Skyline with Sailboat (improved version over what exists on DT is located here as I haven't updated DT image yet)
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=119018&offset=2&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#4 Storm on the Horizon v2
http://www.dreamstime.com/storm-on-the-horizon--image4237355
Rejected: "Poor Lighting--Poor or uneven lighting, or shadows. White balance may be incorrect."

#5 Scenic View of Seattle Skyline from Alki
http://www.dreamstime.com/scenic-view-of-seattle-skyline-from-alki-image4104634

#6 Valentine Heart Outline with Copy Space
http://us.fotolia.com/id/5967912

#7 White Eggs
http://www.dreamstime.com/white-eggs-v1-image4127054
Rejected: Noise--Noise, film grain, over-sharpening, or artifacts at full size.

#8 Tanker Cargo Ship
http://www.dreamstime.com/tanker-cargo-ship-v1-image4081442
Rejected: "Poor Lighting--Poor or uneven lighting, or shadows. White balance may be incorrect."

#9 Train Tracks Across a Pond
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=114546&offset=1&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

#10 Puget Sound Pier
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=114668&offset=15&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065


I feel I've learned alot and even though I didn't get in this time, I feel I was very close so that makes me feel like I will be ready next time ...

Thank you to everyone who has given me critique and made suggestions for my application to Shutterstock ...

Mark

« Reply #46 on: February 15, 2008, 08:30 »
0
Sorry to hear you didn't get in... next time! don't give up, everything is a learning experience and in the end you'll just come out with a strong portfolio, and it appears you are doing quite well elsewhere....

i would also be cautious not to assume that 6 passed the review, once they rejected the 4th they might not have looked any further.

I wonder if it would be a safe strategy just to shoot 10 isolated shots and apply with them? can you shoot isolated? or can you cut out with a pen tool? with isolated objects there's less room for them to be critical... i don't know, just a thought. i haven't applied to stockxpert until recently and then of course the first attempt was rejected... lol... and then on my second try i submitted all five isolated...

« Reply #47 on: February 15, 2008, 08:36 »
0
Take it like the proof you improved your "stock" eye and work on their suggestions because the reviewers were right on spot on those rejections.

Talking about single images:

#1 Modern Urban Buildings: the buildings on the right are in shadow so it's not a very usable stock image. You need an even light or a dramatic one, but the latter need to be really dramatic and noiseless, not just some clouds passing on the sun.

#4 Storm on the Horizon v2: this is a nice shot but you should use a DSLR with lowest ISO possible and then work with levels/curves to get the most out of it. The tree on the right is engulfed in shadow, you need to have some detail in it instead (using a DSLR, tripod and some shot at different exposures to get details from the shadows, even without resorting to HDR,  is my advice).

#7 White Eggs: some eggs are overexposed and their texture is burned out.

#8 Tanker Cargo Ship: basically the same problem as shot #4




« Reply #48 on: February 15, 2008, 11:09 »
0
Mark, can you get your hands on a couple models?  I get a strong impression that they will let through a (noise-free) photo with a person with a reasonably good lighting set up before they will allow scenic or nature.  My first ap wasn't that interesting, but my second ap had I think 7 varying people photos, 1 horse, 2 wildlife and they were all approved.  And now that I am better with editing, the colour in a couple of those people shots isn't very good at all.

I think you are working with an on-camera flash as well. If you want to take a crack at a model, this might be helpful to you.  Maybe this is nothing new, so I don't want to insult you with the basics either.  But if you would like to try a little experiment with natural lighting and a model (or objects too) - here you go.

Place your model near a north window, or a window with soft diffused light - not direct (harsh) sunlight.  Use as large a lens opening that your shutterspeed will allow (smaller number 2.8 or 5.6, etc.) so that you can blur the background if there's "household" clutter that you can't easily eliminate.

How does the portrait look?  Can it be improved? 

Have an assistant hold up a piece of white board, or a bed sheet on the opposite side to fill in the shadow a little.  A white sheet should reflect about 92% of the light.

How does it look now?  Can it be improved still?

Turn on your pop up flash.   You don't want to use this flash because your model will then have flat boring lighting.  Cover the flash with a thin tissue.  This may be just enough to add a catchlight in her eyes that will bring them alive.

Practice with objects first - a doll would be great - then beg your best friend/wife/boyfriend/mailman to model.  Vary your looks:  reading business docs, eating an apple, bicep curl.

You can practice this setup with props as well.... a stack of books with an apple on top (education!), a bottle of pills and a glass of water (health!), a bowl of fruit (food! health!).

Getting a model is harder than it sounds.  If it boils down to it, you can promise a nice supper with drinks in return for your released application photos.  Then promise to remove the photos the same day you are approved.

I just think you will have better luck getting in with at least 5 model photos.  I bet they will take some of your previous application photos later down the pipe if you feel confident about them.

« Reply #49 on: February 15, 2008, 13:04 »
0
Pixart,

Thank you for your suggestions and I will give your suggestions a try :)

I have had two TFP (Time for pictures) model photo shoots (my first) which netted me around 150 images. I captured them when I first started getting serious about my stock uploads a few months ago.


Here is one that is online and being critiqued:
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=124314&offset=10&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

Here is one that I had isolated:
http://www.mostphotos.com/view.php?imgid=124238&offset=16&thumbnailsize=large&displayinformation=extended&reflections=on&imagetype=all&orderby=idx&periodlimit=-1&category=all&usage=all&shape=all&querytype=gallery&memberid=3065

These were among my first attempts of shooting people and isolations for stock ...

Mark

graficallyminded

« Reply #50 on: February 15, 2008, 13:12 »
0
Keep trying man, I bet I wouldn't get back into Shutterstock if I had to reapply now.  I think they are trying to tighten up ship so to speak.  I have two friends that are pro photographers that just got denied.  Just keep on trying.  To get onto iStockphoto I had to apply like 5 or 6 times...it was crazy.

« Reply #51 on: February 15, 2008, 15:25 »
0

« Reply #52 on: February 15, 2008, 18:20 »
0
First shot imho has 2 problems that really comes down to 1: you had to use a zoom to put in evidence the wireless ear piece and to blur out the ininspiring background using an adeguate aperture.

The second shot has a lot better composition but direct flash kills the model's eyes and if MP large preview is faithful to original it is way out blurred out by noise reduction, so much that it seems out of focus.

« Reply #53 on: February 15, 2008, 18:28 »
0
First shot imho has 2 problems that really comes down to 1: you had to use a zoom to put in evidence the wireless ear piece and to blur out the ininspiring background using an adeguate aperture.

The second shot has a lot better composition but direct flash kills the model's eyes and if MP large preview is faithful to original it is way out blurred out by noise reduction, so much that it seems out of focus.

Thanks ale1969 for the comments. They were not part of the application I was just trying to show them to Pixart as he asked if I had ever tried doing shots with models. That is the only place they are posted and I am trying to learn from them. However, they were shot several months ago and my skills have increased dramatically since then ...

Mark

« Reply #54 on: February 15, 2008, 23:09 »
0
I will try to convince  you again , try with  3-4 interesting textures , you cant go wrong  there , noise is almost invisible , and on SS they don't reject photos for "we have too much of those " reasons.

 Again , avoid skies , especially avoid processing images with sky , don't take unnecessary risk.

Good luck
 

« Reply #55 on: February 16, 2008, 01:44 »
0
you can make cheap DIY Studio Lighting.
here is the Link:
http://www.diyphotography.net/the-strip-light-that-wont-strip-you


« Reply #56 on: February 18, 2008, 01:14 »
0

« Reply #57 on: February 27, 2008, 16:59 »
0
I will try to convince  you again , try with  3-4 interesting textures , you cant go wrong  there , noise is almost invisible , and on SS they don't reject photos for "we have too much of those " reasons.

 Again , avoid skies , especially avoid processing images with sky , don't take unnecessary risk.

Good luck
 



I just got in a few hours ago.

I used 4 white isolations, 1 true and 3 with light shadows, one of the ones with light shadows was rejected.

I had 1 cityscape, approved
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/2261674159/in/set-72157602933123778/
Much different processing, honestly the processing on this Flickr image looks like crap, overfiltered and oversaturated.  This was part of my IS application as well, a rejection on the first try prompted the reprocessing.

1 texture, approved

1 shot of some really interesting gas meters (honestly) on a brick wall approved
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/2238384500/in/set-72157603843108654/
Also part of my IS application

1 shot of ice being dropped into a glass of water, strobed in the dark on a dark surface approved
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/2262379956/in/set-72157602938076813/

1 architectural shot denied (for shadows, though one of the main interesting points of the shots was the shadows)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/2270316132/in/set-72157602934009472/

1 shot of a landing airplane, denied for noise (has to be on the plane, the sky is actually a flat color (IE painted), once I blurred for noise I got banding, the sky was uniform enough though so I just painted the whole thing).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/2275824639/
Part of my IS application

The IS application shots I listed were all approved.

Not all my shots are on my Flickr account (sorry, I don't post isolations or textures, Flickr is for my actual artistic photo pursuits, not my stock pursuits, though there is a little overlap, almost all Flickr shots are a slightly different processing than my stock shots).

If anybody has the time to look at my "abstract architecture" set.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldo4/sets/72157603438672995/
I'd love to know if you think that some of them are stock worthy, or it is a stock worthy style, it is my favorite type of photography and IMO what I am best at.
« Last Edit: February 27, 2008, 17:09 by Waldo4 »

« Reply #58 on: February 27, 2008, 17:45 »
0
Quote from: Waldo4

If anybody has the time to look at my "abstract architecture" set.


They are excellent, I would put them on Alamy or Photoshelter rather than the micros.


 

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