Author Topic: Stocksy rejection: Portfolio critique please (Read 23245 times)

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #25 on:** September 04, 2013, 05:36 »

Quote from: gostwyck on September 04, 2013, 04:57

Quote from: wordplanet on September 03, 2013, 18:40
I have no clue what stocksy really wants but just had to chime in here and say your stuff is gorgeous. The animals are particularly fine and would seem IMHO to fit their style in terms of being well-crafted for stock without feeling so stocky. Difficult to explain but the animals have the kind of feel I get from looking at the site.

Lots of your other stuff has that same feel - I'd say make a gallery with the stuff you think they'd like - you have a sense of what they're looking for I'm sure - trust your instincts - and send them that link in October. Good luck. Their loss if they say no again - really fine work.

Well said, I couldn't agree more.

I'm confused too. I'd have thought Pete's work was spot-on for Stocksy. I struggle to accept Sean's theory of Stocksy's 'look' being so ultra-defined. It seems to me that if you happen to be an ex-Istock exclusive 'good old boy' you can get plenty of weak rubbish accepted that in no way conveys the precious 'look'.

I'm staggered that Stocksy appear to be so far up their own arse that they turn down outstanding portfolios like Pete's. It's not as if Pete is demanding his entire portfolio be accepted ... Stocksy won't even accept him as an artist. Ridiculous.

I'm not saying that it isn't a nice collection of imagery that wouldn't be saleable elsewhere. I'm just saying my opinion that the portrait section is heavily filtered and very stylized, and that may be something that jumped out at them when looking and it certainly isn't 'spot on'. Also, as mentioned, it does appear that the available collection of work is small.

Not to worry - I won't be offering comment in the future on what portfolio might work or not. You'll just have to opine from the available material, and then complain a lot.

ShadySue · « **Reply #26 on:** September 04, 2013, 06:14 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on September 04, 2013, 05:36

Also, as mentioned, it does appear that the available collection of work is small.

The communication from Stocksy indicated they wanted to see about 50 images. No qualification that these must be available for Stocksy, and no question about how many more an artist might have available for submission.

They need to be much more clear in what they want in a submission, apparently.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 04, 2013, 06:48 »

Quote from: gostwyck on September 04, 2013, 04:57

I'm staggered that Stocksy appear to be so far up their own arse that they turn down outstanding portfolios like Pete's. It's not as if Pete is demanding his entire portfolio be accepted ... Stocksy won't even accept him as an artist. Ridiculous.

well said, as usual!

IMO Stocksy staff were too lazy to find pictures suiting their tastes, the small collection thought ain't good enough once Pete has 178 pictures at his website, curious that not even 1 was good enough and please don't make me go over Stocky collection and find tons of pics full of noise etcccc

Maui · « **Reply #28 on:** September 04, 2013, 08:24 »

Well, their decision baffles me.

stockastic · « **Reply #29 on:** September 04, 2013, 11:07 »

I think I just lost whatever interest I had in Stocksy.

"Trying to figure out just what the heck some photo agency thinks they want" has been added to the "I'm too old for this !@#$" list.

Snufkin · « **Reply #30 on:** September 04, 2013, 12:49 »

Quote from: gostwyck on September 04, 2013, 04:57

It seems to me that if you happen to be an ex-Istock exclusive 'good old boy' you can get plenty of weak rubbish accepted that in no way conveys the precious 'look'.

Well, that's nonsense. I have never been an IS exclusive, I'm sure the guys from Stocksy saw my name on the monitor for the first time when I applied. If a nowhere man like myself can get accepted it means Stocksy is not a closed club, a clique or anything like this.

I know the Stocksy team only from the webinars and forums. What I can say is that to me they seem to be the most friendly, straightforward and respectful people in this business.

There are different types of agencies, some have non-edited collections (Alamy), others have "inspectors" who mainly check if the images don't have technical flaws. Stocksy, on the other hand has curators, who have a certain vision of the collection. You might be a great photographer, but if your images don't fit into that vision it probably won't work.

When you apply you should more or less understand what kind of images the curators would like to see. If you don't understand it, you probably would get too many rejections later on.

If you're interested Pete, here is the story how I got accepted:

Step 0: I didn't apply immediately. I waited patiently for the site to go online. I thought: "This might be a great opportunity and I don't want to screw up".

Step 1: I browsed the collection very thoroughly and found some people whose style was somewhat similar to mine. That was good. I thought: "If they got accepted, I also might have a chance".

Step 2: I cleaned up my site, remastered some older photos, deleted others.

Step 3: It took me several weeks to create a portfolio at 500px. These were the images that I wanted the curators to see on one page and the type of work that I would like to submit there.

Step 4: It took me hours to write a cover letter in which I presented myself and my work. After it was ready, I didn't send it on the same day. I came back to it on the next day to see if there was something that I would like to change. After all, I didn't want to screw up.

Pete, I think you're a great artist and I really like your images with trees in the fog. I think it will be helpful if you change the attitude a bit. Instead of thinking "I'm a great tog, and my work has been published there and there, how dare they not accept me", I would suggest going to the Stocksy site and analyzing what kind of images get accepted. If needed, spend many hours browsing and analyzing. There is no conspiracy, really.
If you want to have your images in a curated collection it is your job to understand (more or less) what the curators want to see. Simple as that.

Here is one tip from me: I've noticed that some of your images have shadows clipped to blacks. Some people might find it cool, but I would not apply with this kind of images to Stocksy.

I would say you definetely have the skills but you need to do more research and analysis on your own.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #31 on:** September 04, 2013, 12:56 »

Quote from: Snufkin on September 04, 2013, 12:49

Pete, I think you're a great artist and I really like your images with trees in the fog. I think it will be helpful if you change the attitude a bit. Instead of thinking "I'm a great tog, and my work has been published there and there, how dare they not accept me", I would suggest going to the Stocksy site and analyzing what kind of images get accepted. If needed, spend many hours browsing and analyzing. There is no conspiracy, really.

where have you seen Pete acting like a superstar? your post is interesting and helpful but watch what you say, at least read his posts, he is actually quite humble

Snufkin · « **Reply #32 on:** September 04, 2013, 13:06 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on September 04, 2013, 12:56

where have you seen Pete acting like a superstar? your post is interesting and helpful but watch what you say, at least read his posts, he is actually quite humble

Well, on second thought you might be right Luis, I might have read the post too quickly, I've just seen the mention of "I've been a contributor to Getty for many years". Probably my impression was wrong, sorry.
Objectively, Pete's published images are really impressive but this doesn't mean that his work must fit into every curated collection. This is what I meant to say.

petesherrard · « **Reply #33 on:** September 04, 2013, 15:15 »

Thanks again for everyone's comments.

Sean, please don't be offended by a minority of people who seem to get quite frustrated by you knowing stuff. I'm sure the vast majority of people on this site and many others are very grateful to any sharing of your knowledge that you very generously offer. There is often nothing more annoying than someone who is really successful at something. So I would take the obtuse comments as a compliment and please continue comment. Its up to us to take it or leave it. I happen to think than any thing anyone has to say to me is helpful at this stage, even if later on I form a different opinion.

Snufkin, Thanks very much for the detailed suggestions. I will follow your advice. I didn't write them a letter. Just one sentence saying please look at my website. I will rebuild my folio removing the stuff that wont work for stock. I have many more images that are not on that site that I think will be much more what they are looking for. (As I said before, I didnt think they were actually looking for images to licence, just proof that I can take an ok pic. I will shoot new stuff for them if I get in, so I actually dont have anything yet that they can use, if you see what I mean)

My comment about being a Getty photographer wasn't meant at all to imply that I think they should have accepted me. I was just making the point that things seem to be very different in the microstock world and I dont want to work for another agency like Getty, Ive done very well with Getty, but I wouldn't put any of those pictures on my wall. I want to work for an agency that gets people excited about photography again. I dont want to shoot pictures of businessmen shaking hands for the rest of my life.

stockastic · « **Reply #34 on:** September 04, 2013, 15:20 »

Quote from: Snufkin on September 04, 2013, 12:49

If you're interested Pete, here is the story how I got accepted:

Step 0: I didn't apply immediately. I waited patiently for the site to go online. I thought: "This might be a great opportunity and I don't want to screw up".

Step 1: I browsed the collection very thoroughly and found some people whose style was somewhat similar to mine. That was good. I thought: "If they got accepted, I also might have a chance".

Step 2: I cleaned up my site, remastered some older photos, deleted others.

Step 3: It took me several weeks to create a portfolio at 500px. These were the images that I wanted the curators to see on one page and the type of work that I would like to submit there.

Step 4: It took me hours to write a cover letter in which I presented myself and my work. After it was ready, I didn't send it on the same day. I came back to it on the next day to see if there was something that I would like to change. After all, I didn't want to screw up.

Wow.

Any tips for the swimsuit competition?

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #35 on:** September 04, 2013, 15:30 »

Quote from: stockastic on September 04, 2013, 15:20

Any tips for the swimsuit competition?

Bring hairspray.

gostwyck · « **Reply #36 on:** September 04, 2013, 15:35 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on September 04, 2013, 15:30

Quote from: stockastic on September 04, 2013, 15:20
Any tips for the swimsuit competition?

Bring hairspray.

... and make sure you're tidy 'down there'.

stockastic · « **Reply #37 on:** September 04, 2013, 16:30 »

Is there a governing organization for world records in hoop-jumping?

Magdalena · « **Reply #38 on:** September 26, 2013, 03:00 »

I would like to ask for feedback from Stocksy contributors too. I'm selling my images on microstock sites but few months ago Stocksy caught my attention, I love their style and images and I would like to become a contributor. I sent them my portfolio already but they aren't interested in my stock images currently so I would like to show them different images next time. I prepared new portfolio, these images are more what I like personally, they aren't from microstock site. I would love to ask photographers which sent their portfolio to Stocksy in last weeks and were accepted if my images are suitable for them or not. If not, what shall I change? I will be very thankful for your recommendation and feedback.

My new portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/

cobalt · « **Reply #39 on:** September 26, 2013, 06:01 »

I wish you good luck with your application but I don´t feel competent to advise on portfolios.

I know many people miss the old exclusive days on istock, me included, but you have probably been following the istock forums where many exclusives report they have seen their income drop although they keep uploading.

So are you really sure you would have made more money if you had stayed exclusive? Maybe your income would have halved inspite of your best efforts.

And now you have the advantage that your portfolios are up and running on all the major sites, while those who go independent now have an even harder time to get their files noticed.

Magdalena · « **Reply #40 on:** September 26, 2013, 07:02 »

You are right, I miss the old exclusive days on iStock very much too and I know a lot of things changed there now but I read that Stocksy requires exclusivity only for images, not for photographers, so I suppose I can sell different images on other microstock sites. Stocksy reminds me what I loved on iStock and I prefer their images more than usual microstock style. I noticed they prefer mood and aesthetic over technical perfection and it attracts me.

cobalt · « **Reply #41 on:** September 26, 2013, 07:07 »

stocksy is the most inspirational site I know. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Really great people and community vibe. All the things we remember from the "old istock."

Magdalena · « **Reply #42 on:** September 26, 2013, 07:33 »

Exactly, you described my own impression and it is why I would love to be part of this site too. I hope I will be able to put together the right portfolio.

Sandralise · « **Reply #43 on:** September 26, 2013, 08:32 »

Love your work and I think they made a mistake rejecting you. The one reason I see could be the grain in your images but other than that really fine work!
BTW, love your book cover work!

Magdalena · « **Reply #44 on:** September 26, 2013, 08:52 »

Thank you for your feedback and kind words. Unfortunately they didn't see this portfolio, I sent them mostly my stock images and now I think it was a mistake. These images have probably better chance and I'm preparing them for next time.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #45 on:** September 26, 2013, 09:49 »

Quote from: Magdalena on September 26, 2013, 03:00

I would like to ask for feedback from Stocksy contributors too. I'm selling my images on microstock sites but few months ago Stocksy caught my attention, I love their style and images and I would like to become a contributor. I sent them my portfolio already but they aren't interested in my stock images currently so I would like to show them different images next time. I prepared new portfolio, these images are more what I like personally, they aren't from microstock site. I would love to ask photographers which sent their portfolio to Stocksy in last weeks and were accepted if my images are suitable for them or not. If not, what shall I change? I will be very thankful for your recommendation and feedback.

My new portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/

Looking good

(imo)

cobalt · « **Reply #46 on:** September 26, 2013, 10:29 »

It would be great to see you on the inside Magdalena

Anyway I hope we can finally meet up sometime after all these years.

MichaelJayFoto · « **Reply #47 on:** September 26, 2013, 11:11 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on September 26, 2013, 09:49

Quote from: Magdalena on September 26, 2013, 03:00
I would like to ask for feedback from Stocksy contributors too. I'm selling my images on microstock sites but few months ago Stocksy caught my attention, I love their style and images and I would like to become a contributor. I sent them my portfolio already but they aren't interested in my stock images currently so I would like to show them different images next time. I prepared new portfolio, these images are more what I like personally, they aren't from microstock site. I would love to ask photographers which sent their portfolio to Stocksy in last weeks and were accepted if my images are suitable for them or not. If not, what shall I change? I will be very thankful for your recommendation and feedback.

My new portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/

Looking good (imo)

I think Sean is right (imo)

Sandralise · « **Reply #48 on:** September 26, 2013, 11:11 »

Quote from: Magdalena on September 26, 2013, 03:00

I would like to ask for feedback from Stocksy contributors too. I'm selling my images on microstock sites but few months ago Stocksy caught my attention, I love their style and images and I would like to become a contributor. I sent them my portfolio already but they aren't interested in my stock images currently so I would like to show them different images next time. I prepared new portfolio, these images are more what I like personally, they aren't from microstock site. I would love to ask photographers which sent their portfolio to Stocksy in last weeks and were accepted if my images are suitable for them or not. If not, what shall I change? I will be very thankful for your recommendation and feedback.

My new portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/

Magdalena, your work is beautiful and wish you the best of luck where ever you place your work!
Great port

Magdalena · « **Reply #49 on:** September 26, 2013, 11:22 »

Sandralise - it seems that your first feedback was for Pete Sherrard, not for me

He has book covers in his portfolio.

Cobalt: yes, it would be great to meet finally

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Author Topic: Stocksy rejection: Portfolio critique please (Read 23245 times)

Sean Locke Photography

ShadySue

luissantos84

Maui

stockastic

Snufkin

luissantos84

Snufkin

petesherrard

stockastic

Sean Locke Photography

gostwyck

stockastic

Magdalena

cobalt

Magdalena

cobalt

Magdalena

Sandralise

Magdalena

Sean Locke Photography

cobalt

MichaelJayFoto

Sandralise

Magdalena

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