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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photo Critique => Topic started by: the808state on August 08, 2010, 23:59

Title: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 08, 2010, 23:59
In 10 days I will be submitting my 5th attempt at Istock  ::) ... I have tried different combination of landscapes, isolation, etc.  Since I am still a newbie, I hope to get some of your experienced opinions.  I have been reading the forums and Istock forums and I am still not even sure what they are looking for ...  ???  The rejections are always:  "Two or more of these images are very similar in subject matter, perspective or style.... etc

Here are links to 5 pix that I still need to narrow down to 3.. 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Fan%20Palm%20Sky.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Fan%20Palm%20Sky.jpg)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20front.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20front.jpg)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Street%20Sign.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Street%20Sign.jpg)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/grass.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/grass.jpg)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/playground%20-%20rings.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/playground%20-%20rings.jpg)

or should I just forget all of these and pick different ones..

thanks in advance for looking..





aloha,

Brian
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: djpadavona on August 09, 2010, 00:57
The Gecko shot is a good idea.  I like how he is looking toward the camera, which is going to useful for designers.  But...

1)  Focus is too soft when I zoom in.  Look at the eyes.  You want good focus on the eyes.

2)  Image is noisy.  Look at the nose, and then the back legs / tail of the gecko.  Lots of noise.  This won't fly.

My advice is to re-shoot this one.  Nail the focus on the eyes using a good macro lens.  Be careful with your depth of field.  If you have enough lighting, go for F/8 if you can while allowing enough shutter speed to account for slight movements.

I'll let others chime in on the rest of the images.  Good luck and keep at it.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 02:11
thanks for quick response and for the advice. 

Unfortunately i released Mr Gecko after taking the pictures.. maybe I can i catch him again :) 
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 03:33
couldn't find the gecko ... tried to make some adjustments in photoshop.

here is a revised version of the pic.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20-%20rev.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20-%20rev.jpg)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: mtkang on August 09, 2010, 03:52
i guess i was lucky to get accepted in istock, because i wasn't even uploaded the full size image for the qualification, due to it is scanned image and the size is less than 6MP, but i was accepted. It seems now it review the technical quality of the images instead of just photographic quality?

however, i found that maybe you shouldn't include your studio shoot, i found the park and the palm tree images aren't interesting, most time you need to have great light outdoors to make your images look great.

i checked out your shutterstock, i like this 2..

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-57653023/stock-photo-close-up-of-tropical-heliconia-flower-leaf-in-hawaii.html (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-57653023/stock-photo-close-up-of-tropical-heliconia-flower-leaf-in-hawaii.html)

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-57591259/stock-photo-a-tan-boy-and-girl-toddler-holding-hands-isolated-on-a-white-background-in-hawaii.html (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-57591259/stock-photo-a-tan-boy-and-girl-toddler-holding-hands-isolated-on-a-white-background-in-hawaii.html)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: Perry on August 09, 2010, 04:33
[url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Fan%20Palm%20Sky.jpg[/url] ([url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Fan%20Palm%20Sky.jpg[/url])
[url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20front.jpg[/url] ([url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/gecko%20front.jpg[/url])
[url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Street%20Sign.jpg[/url] ([url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Street%20Sign.jpg[/url])
[url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/grass.jpg[/url] ([url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/grass.jpg[/url])
[url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/playground%20-%20rings.jpg[/url] ([url]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/playground%20-%20rings.jpg[/url])


Palm
-propably "not stock oriented" according to most sites. I like the snapshot quality of this, also Photocase might like this.
-Looks too processed in closeup (noise reduction? filtering?)

Gecko
-Soft and noisy
-Reflections have bad color. Partly die to over exposure
-Distracting water beads on the head
-Too much white space / animal too small in the frame

Sign
-This is okay (the holes in the bottom part distract me a bit), but not good enough for application (there are tons of sign pictures already, they would propably rather see something more creative)

Grass
-I don't like the brown part in the bottom of the image. You should rather crop it when shooting.
-the unsharp grass melts in the background. You have already shot this at f/20, but you could always move your focus back just a bit.
-The grass in the top is borderline over exposed and changes color.
-As in the case of the sign, there are tons of grass pictures already, they would propably rather see something more creative

Playground - Rings:
-The think in the picture doesn't look familiar to me, I really can't understand what is in the image. If the wiever can't regonize the thing in the picture it won't sell a lot.
-Overexposed white sky in the background
-Flat and dull light
-Cluttered background with trees, cars etc etc.
-I'm not sure if the focus is in correct place here
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: djpadavona on August 09, 2010, 04:50
Just as an aside, I'm surprised you got into Shutterstock but are having such a hard time at iStock.  Shutterstock has been known, almost notoriously, as the most difficult site to get into.  Been that way for at least 3-4 years.

Shutterstock is also very harsh on images with focus problems or noise issues.  Since you have built a portfolio there, you must have some technically strong images worthy of your IS application.

What images did you use to get into SS?  Let's see those and determine if they are a better bet for your iStock application.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: Dreamframer on August 09, 2010, 04:53
I know what are the rings. I used to play handing on them when I was a kid. But second ring looks strange. It looks to me like you tried to lighten the sky to get rid of something distracting. I may be wrong of course. Take a look at the second ring. It's edge is very blurred against the beam in the background, but in the same time it's pretty sharp against the sky.
If you can, recover that sky from the original file.
Gecko is unfortunately noisy and too soft, and the grass is blown out on the grass tips.
The sign is good, and I can't say I don't like the palm tree. Yes, you used the flash, but overall the image looks like a nice background for some add. I don't think it's not stock oriented.

You got nice ideas. Just have in mind these technical details when you edit your images, and very soon you should be fine.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: fisfra on August 09, 2010, 05:33
@djpadavona: Regarding SS application, I have a different experience. I applied to shutterstock some month ago with 10 images and was accepted right away even though I feel today that iStock might not accept one of these images.

Maybe I was lucky or the SS guy had a good day...
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: click_click on August 09, 2010, 11:53
I'm sorry but I don't think any of these images will get you into iStock.

To me they all appear quite noisy and show artifacts.

Except of the Gecko they all appear too snapshottish.

iStock wants to see your creative side. 3 completely different shots.

No street signs, palm trees or grass. They've all been done too many times and iStock will only let you in if you can top the existing ones.

You need to convince them that you can deliver what they don't have yet or make it better.


Good luck!
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 13:39
Thanks everyone for your advice and ideas !

mtkang :  thanks for suggestions, and taking the time to look at my portfolio, but the photos you suggested were already denied.

I am attaching links to all my rejections.  .. don't laugh too hard at the first batch :)

Shutterstock was a lot easier for me.  I got rejected the first time, but the second time I had 9 out of 10 accepted.  But Istock has been a challenge, obviously.

Here are my rejects:

Rejects 1
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%201.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%201.jpg) 

reason: ... overall composition of your photography or subject matter is at the minimum level of standard for iStockphoto  (which I understand)

Rejects 2 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%202.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%202.jpg)
Rejects 3 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%203.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%203.jpg)
Rejects 4 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%204.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/rejects%204.jpg)


the rest of the rejections were:  ..Two or more of these images are very similar in subject matter, perspective or style..

Thanks again everyone..

aloha,
brian
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 14:33


djpadavona:

The first 9 listed below were approved at Shutterstock, starting with banana and ending with cigarette.

http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_username=808isgreat&sort_method=oldest&rows_per_page=10&thumb_size=small&safesearch=1&safesearch_toggle=on (http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_username=808isgreat&sort_method=oldest&rows_per_page=10&thumb_size=small&safesearch=1&safesearch_toggle=on)


thanks.




   
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: cathyslife on August 09, 2010, 14:55
I think your hand erasing the power lines is a very clever concept.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 15:06
cclapper:
thanks !  I was trying to give Istock some different perspectives ... I have a lot of ideas but sometimes they don't seem to transfer to the photo.. but in this case i think it worked out.  Too bad it was rejected :)  Oh well. 
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: cathyslife on August 09, 2010, 15:40
cclapper:
thanks !  I was trying to give Istock some different perspectives ... I have a lot of ideas but sometimes they don't seem to transfer to the photo.. but in this case i think it worked out.  Too bad it was rejected :)  Oh well. 

I know what you mean about transferring ideas to photos, I have had the problem, too. Was it rejected for technical reasons or they didn't think it was stockworthy?
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 15:49
the entire batch was rejected with the "Two or more of these images are very similar in subject matter, perspective or style.... etc

they didn't give specifics on the individual photos.

I got the idea when i was watching the news about the city wanting burying all the power lines for beautification purposes. 

Other sites seem to like it and accept it.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 09, 2010, 18:55
iStock likes to see a variety on your initial batch. You need to do a landscape....a people shot...and an isolation. Maybe not exactly like that but I think you get the idea. They don't want to see all isolation's so you have to show variety. Personally I see a lot of good shots in your port, but again the biggest majority are isolation's and that is what they are referring to. Once you get accepted then you can upload all the isolation's you want.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 09, 2010, 19:43
after acceptance, what next.
I uploaded five images and nearly had heart failure working my way thru the upload process.

I noticed a bunch of tools in one forum... are any of them for making upload any easier?  Any recommendation on which ones to download/use?
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: Phil on August 09, 2010, 20:14
1st pic - overstock will say overfiltered they don't like the fake / enhanced skies
playground, you can see where you have cut out the sky around 2nd ring because of the part where it goes over the bar. also has fringing along tree edges
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: luissantos84 on August 09, 2010, 20:28
street sign and grass, maybe also the gecko! the others are nice but I guess won't be approved.. :) good luck!
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 20:56
After reading all the suggestions, I'm thinking maybe I will work on a different set of pix.  I'm gonna go with the people, landscape, isolation idea. 

Going to a wedding in Waikiki this weekend, so maybe i can get something..

thanks everyone..  i will definitely post a new set and get opinions again before trying to submit.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 09, 2010, 21:00

warrenprice - the only uploading i have done to istock is to submit my rejected photos.  But I think they have software they recommend here:  http://www.istockphoto.com/ws_client_intro.php (http://www.istockphoto.com/ws_client_intro.php)

Or you can download Filezilla ftp software, it's free.  http://filezilla-project.org/ (http://filezilla-project.org/)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: djpadavona on August 09, 2010, 21:47

I noticed a bunch of tools in one forum... are any of them for making upload any easier?  Any recommendation on which ones to download/use?


Are you referring to tools for uploading your submissions to iStockphoto?  First off congratulations if you are accepted in iS.  Excellent, excellent company.

If you are uploading to iStockphoto, you MUST download and use DeepMeta.  It will make uploading so much easier.  I'm exclusive, and I use it all the time.  It's a brilliant program.  It will manage your image library for you, track your statistics, and make uploading a ton easier.  You have to use it, or you will pull your hair out eventually.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2010, 00:45
Thank you so much, djpadavona.  That (DeepMeta) certainly makes life easier. 
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: ap on August 10, 2010, 00:53
yeah, congrats, warren for making it to is. i assure you uploading was much easier before even though it was still a pita. i haven't tried deep meta, but may consider it now that i'm getting ready to tear my hair out.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2010, 08:24
Thanks for the welcomes.  @ap:  it simply slows the pace and guides you thru the keyword and category process.  Much less nerve-wracking.  AND; you can go to bed and leave a batch to upload.

Is the upload limit of 18 for total uploads or total accepted?

PS:  I don't mean to high jack the thread.  Didn't really think I should start another one about iStock application; there were three already open.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: packerguy on August 10, 2010, 08:33
Warren,

Base Level contributors can upload 18 images during a 1 week period.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 10, 2010, 10:00
Warren,

Base Level contributors can upload 18 images during a 1 week period.

Thanks, I'm having some confusion, trying to wrap my mind around when I can upload another file?  Is it like, Upload 18, wait seven days, upload 18 more?  Or, is it like you uploaded 5 yesterday and 13 today.  Will I ...

never mind; this is giving me a headache. :o
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 10:11
After reading all the suggestions, I'm thinking maybe I will work on a different set of pix.  I'm gonna go with the people, landscape, isolation idea. 

Going to a wedding in Waikiki this weekend, so maybe i can get something..

thanks everyone..  i will definitely post a new set and get opinions again before trying to submit.

If your going to photograph at a wedding make sure you get a model release of any person/person's you photograph. I realize you don't have to have one for initial application, but if you want to sell that shot on any site you have to have a model release. FD-Regular has a sample model release under his avatar if you need one. I'd print it out and take it with you just in case you can get someone.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 10:18
Warren,

Base Level contributors can upload 18 images during a 1 week period.

Thanks, I'm having some confusion, trying to wrap my mind around when I can upload another file?  Is it like, Upload 18, wait seven days, upload 18 more?  Or, is it like you uploaded 5 yesterday and 13 today.  Will I ...

never mind; this is giving me a headache. :o
Deepmeta is the way to go with iStock. It allows you to create more and just let them sit there until the next available slot comes open. It speeds up the process. As for the 18 uploads, you have to wait 7 days to upload a new ones. If you only upload 10 on day 1, it will show you still have 8 upload slots.....then when you upload 8 more on day two...you will have 0 upload slots. When day 8 rolls around you will have 10 slots available...then on day 9 you'll have an additional 8=18. The photo slot for the 1 photo is what is help for 7 days. You can always see in deepmeta how many uploads are available for you on the uploads page. Hope I helped to explain it... ;)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 10, 2010, 13:37

donding

good call ! I will do that.  Do you have a suggestion on what to say when you ask them to sign it?

I don't want to be like ... Hey, sign this so I can sell you picture and it may be used for a herpes ad ..  got anything more tactful?
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 15:50

donding

good call ! I will do that.  Do you have a suggestion on what to say when you ask them to sign it?

I don't want to be like ... Hey, sign this so I can sell you picture and it may be used for a herpes ad ..  got anything more tactful?

Thats why I like to photograph people I know and know what I am doing. Even some of them refuse to sign a model release because their afraid their faces will be splattered all over the internet.. Are these people comfortable with you to allow you to photograph them with a model release? I've often wondered what question to ask myself.....maybe some will answer this for us on here... ;)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 15:53
Oh and if you have a family....they are the best models...they don't complain.... ;D
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 10, 2010, 16:13
Yea, i know most of them.... and I've been thinking of practicing and learning to shoot people anyway so I guess this would be a good time.  Probably hit up the family to let me use them as models.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 16:24
Yea, i know most of them.... and I've been thinking of practicing and learning to shoot people anyway so I guess this would be a good time.  Probably hit up the family to let me use them as models.

That sounds like a good way to go and if you got ALOT of friends and ALOT of family the more the better. Get some good candid natural looking shots. ;) Play around with different settings and looks. If nothing else you'll have some nice shots to give to all your friends for them helping you. Oh and remember with iStock you have to uppload a new release with every event. It's not like the other sites where the release is uploaded to their websites and then you have access to them on the site in order to attach to the photo. With iStock you gotta upload a release for each picture, rather you already have a bunch on there or not..
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 16:26
Oh and don't forget about trademarks....ect. They need to be wearing something that is not showing logo or art designs anywhere on their body....even tattoos in some instances.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 10, 2010, 17:28
Okay .. thanks !
So much to remember ... I think I like just taking pictures of geckos .. :)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 17:39
Okay .. thanks !
So much to remember ... I think I like just taking pictures of geckos .. :)

That's good but gecko's don't always sell....people do and cows....lol,  A bunch of cattle eating grass in a filed is one of my top seller at iStock. I didn't  even think its that a great a photo, but I guess all the "grain feed versus grass feed" beef people like it. It was uploaded early on and more than likely if it was uploaded now they would reject it, but honestly some times what you think will be a hot seller doesn't sell one time whereas those you thought weren't so good sell like mad for whatever reason.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 10, 2010, 18:14
Maybe there will be some cows at the wedding :)
I know what you mean.  At shutterstock I was surprised at some of my downloads.  Like the blank sign , I saw that there were just pages of them, but I submitted it anyway and it keeps getting downloaded.  I think the keywording helps too.  Like you if you search for "blank sign" by popularity I'm on the first page and if you search for "actual sign" I'm first.  which i thought was cool considering I've only been on there for 2 1/2 weeks.  And funny cuz I didn't really like the picture and almost didn't submit it.  Now, if I could just get into Istock! 

PS.  I really like your picture of the silhouette of the boy fishing. When you submitted that type of photo to Istock did you have to give them a MR since you can't see the boy's face? 
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 18:43
Maybe there will be some cows at the wedding :)
I know what you mean.  At shutterstock I was surprised at some of my downloads.  Like the blank sign , I saw that there were just pages of them, but I submitted it anyway and it keeps getting downloaded.  I think the keywording helps too.  Like you if you search for "blank sign" by popularity I'm on the first page and if you search for "actual sign" I'm first.  which i thought was cool considering I've only been on there for 2 1/2 weeks.  And funny cuz I didn't really like the picture and almost didn't submit it.  Now, if I could just get into Istock!  

PS.  I really like your picture of the silhouette of the boy fishing. When you submitted that type of photo to Istock did you have to give them a MR since you can't see the boy's face?  


Yes I had to upload a model release. He is my grandson, but as much as I love that picture I believe I've only sold it once or twice. It's really to artsy for microstock. Most of the big boys require a model release on any ones body part. SO keep that in mind also. They are all getting stricter and stricter.
 
I'll also tell you something about Shutterstock.....your photos will sale good when you first upload them and then it slows down as time passes. That's why it's called the honeymoon period. Shutterstock is an agency you need to continue to feed or it will starve. They promote their new images. Some of those take off and continue to sell over and over again, but it can also drop off into the crowd of new ones just as fast. Hopefully that won't happen to you, but if it does you will know why.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 10, 2010, 21:13
thanks for all the good advice .. I really appreciate it. I am learning so much from your experience.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 10, 2010, 22:21
Your more than welcome...that's what we're here for.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 16, 2010, 01:05
well... i have 4 photos that i wanted opinions on for my next application, I get to reapply on the 19th.  

I was hoping to narrow it down to 2 of the 4 I posted, and then i was gonna work on an isolation shot.

1st set of 2 photos (stairs & goggles)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Istock%20set%201.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/Istock%20set%201.jpg)

2nd set of 2 photos (waiting room & waterfall)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/istock%20set%202.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3467383/Istock/istock%20set%202.jpg)

Bummer, I wasn't able to get any photos of people at the wedding I went to, my two little boys kept me too busy running after them, and it was really dark where the wedding was held.

So, anyways, appreciate any input .. and thanks in advance.

Aloha
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 16, 2010, 20:32
I have read here that Istock doesn't look at your previous submissions.. do you think I should use one of the isolations I already submitted, or a completely different one?  still not sure on which of the 4 posted above I should submit.. getting stressed...
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 16, 2010, 21:19
I don't believe the first two would make it through. The one with the stairs has very harsh shadows which would probably never make it through. The composition isn't the best either. I'd forget about it. The second one with googles isn't bad but you have to remember your horizon line. That shot should have been done horizontally not vertical. If you look at it you see the line right in the center which is where you never want it. Way to much lost space. I'd throw that one out too.

As for the other two. The one with the couch wouldn't be so bad, they might accept it. The waterfall one will probably get kicked for harsh lighting again. I feel it should have been taken horizontally also. The leaves in the top front of the shot really detract from the shot. It would have worked better if more of the rocks at the bottom of the falls were visible and the focus was on the falls. The best time of day to shoot waterfalls is a couple of hours after sun up or a couple of hours before sunset and with a tripod. That way you don't have the problem with the blown out highlights on the water. Looking at it blown up I can't find where the focus is on the falls, which is where it should be.

I'm no reviewer, but the only one that "might" make it through would be the couch and that depends on rather you get a reviewer that doesn't consider it a composition problem. The other three have lighting and composition problems. I doubt they would get through. Good luck and keep trying. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 17, 2010, 01:11
Thanks !  Very helpful in my learning process.  I did take a horizontal one of the goggles that I have too. 
I'm debating on waiting a while to submit.  I'm not sure, but I think I read somewhere that if I get rejected this time, the next time I will be able to submit will be something like 180 days. 
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: donding on August 17, 2010, 10:11
I don't know about the 180 days thing. If you are doing outdoor photography make sure you don't shot when the sun is at it's brightest. The highlights are really blown out and the shadow to pronounced. Always remember the rule of thirds and watch that horizon line. You don't ever want it smack dab in the center of the picture.

Good luck.. ;)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: Eireann on August 17, 2010, 11:12
Oh my God!
180 days!
Don't do it 808State, don't do it yet :)
I'm afraid; it's too risky.
Let's start afresh and try a brand new set of 3 images.
Remember what Donding said about carefully choosing your subjects?
This is a very, very important factor, especially when it comes to passing your test.
1. One subject isolated over white.
2. The goggles? Architecture? A night shot? Nature goes too, but it has to be excellent.
3. People.
People yes, but not just a random snapshot. People busy doing something. Not necessarily something terribly exciting like a brain surgeon cutting someone's head wide open. Walking the dog in the park or reading a book on a bench somewhere should be good enough.

Watch your light and your composition. Don't rush, take your time before pressing that shutter button. Make it a beautiful image, worth your time.
What about your 'Aloe Vera dripping on a woman's finger' shot?
It's beautiful, it has a message and it's certainly stock.
Have you tried submitting that one?
I like it :) They might like it too :)

Show us your new selection and good luck :)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 17, 2010, 11:59
Eireann ...

Yes, I'm definitely going to hold off... I thank you for your advice.  And no, I never did submit the aloe vera one.  Maybe I will use that for my isolation.

Oh, and I found the official wait times for reapplying, I guess if I get rejected this time it will be 90 days.. then 180.. then 1 year !  I'm gonna post below for anyone wanting the info:


attempt 1:  3
attempt 2:  7
attempt 3:  14
attempt 4:  30      ---- ( I am here)
attempt 5:  90         3 months
attempt 6:  180       6 months
attempt 7:  365       1 very long year
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: CJM Grafx on August 17, 2010, 12:18
Warren,

Base Level contributors can upload 18 images during a 1 week period.

Is this IStock you are referring to and if so, have they recently changed something? It was always 15 uploads per week for base level/non-exclusives. I don't recall reading a change, though it wouldn't have effected me now any way.

Eireann ...

Yes, I'm definitely going to hold off... I thank you for your advice.  And no, I never did submit the aloe vera one.  Maybe I will use that for my isolation.

Oh, and I found the official wait times for reapplying, I guess if I get rejected this time it will be 90 days.. then 180.. then 1 year !  I'm gonna post below for anyone wanting the info:

attempt 1:  3
attempt 2:  7
attempt 3:  14
attempt 4:  30      ---- ( I am here)
attempt 5:  90         3 months
attempt 6:  180       6 months
attempt 7:  365       1 very long year

Good luck the 808state. Just keep in mind, it could have been worse in the beginning. It could be like Shutterstock where every time you are not accepted it is a 30 day wait to try again.

The best advice I can give is what I used, read the critique forum as much as possible and bounce ideas and your images off the folks in that forum. There are some very helpful people in there.
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: abimages on August 17, 2010, 12:24
Eireann ...

Yes, I'm definitely going to hold off... I thank you for your advice.  And no, I never did submit the aloe vera one.  Maybe I will use that for my isolation.

Oh, and I found the official wait times for reapplying, I guess if I get rejected this time it will be 90 days.. then 180.. then 1 year !  I'm gonna post below for anyone wanting the info:


attempt 1:  3
attempt 2:  7
attempt 3:  14
attempt 4:  30      ---- ( I am here)
attempt 5:  90         3 months
attempt 6:  180       6 months
attempt 7:  365       1 very long year

Wow! I guess some people like a challenge. If and when you are accepted I can't imagine the struggle ahead for you to build a meaningful portfolio ;)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: the808state on August 17, 2010, 12:31
will do Joe..

and I definitely agree about the helpfulness of the people in this forum.  They Rock!
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: packerguy on August 17, 2010, 12:55
Upload limits have changed recently at Istock.

Here is the info:

New upload limits for non-exclusive contributors:

Base: 18
Bronze: 20
Silver: 24
Gold : 30
Diamond: 38
Black Diamond: 40

New upload limits for exclusive contributors:

Bronze: 60
Silver: 90
Gold: 120
Diamond: 150
Black Diamond: 200

Here is the thread:

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=238102 (http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=238102)
Title: Re: IStock application
Post by: Susum on October 27, 2011, 22:32


djpadavona:

The first 9 listed below were approved at Shutterstock, starting with banana and ending with cigarette.

[url]http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_username=808isgreat&sort_method=oldest&rows_per_page=10&thumb_size=small&[/url] ([url]http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_username=808isgreat&sort_method=oldest&rows_per_page=10&thumb_size=small&safesearch=1&safesearch_toggle=on[/url])sonycameracharger ([url]http://www.tmart.com/Camera-Chargers/Brand--Sony/[/url])=1&safesearch_toggle=on ([url]http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_username=808isgreat&sort_method=oldest&rows_per_page=10&thumb_size=small&safesearch=1&safesearch_toggle=on[/url])


thanks.




   


Yeah, i saw many interesting information of the url. ;D