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Author Topic: Stocksy submission critique please  (Read 29427 times)

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AYA

« Reply #25 on: November 26, 2013, 18:30 »
+3
I didn't mean to start a heated debate but I see a lot of good point going around. I think when submitting next time, I'll edit tighter and sent them exclusively images that are artsy and not staged and it seams fair enough. Sometimes the standards are much higher to get accepted as a contributor that to get images into an established portfolio and Stocksy wouldn't be an exception amongst agencies in doing that.

I, for exemple, really like what Lumina does (http://www.stocksy.com/lumina) and they do have a mix of artsy image with more traditionnal stock that is styled and processed in a more modern way. I think once accepted as a contributor it might be possible to submit those images but my next submission will be 100% hipster art  ;)


« Reply #26 on: November 26, 2013, 18:44 »
+2
You have very nice lighting and models but they may be looking for more edgy work which I do not see. And the baby photos and grey background photos may have done you in. What i see is quality stock but generic. show them how you THINK differently with unique images and more edge. go off leash.

good luck

Spray and Pray

« Reply #27 on: November 26, 2013, 19:16 »
+1
Don't worry newby514 about heated debates- almost every thread ends up going down in flames  :-\



fritz

  • I love Tom and Jerry music

« Reply #28 on: November 26, 2013, 19:49 »
+1
Don't worry newby514 about heated debates- almost every thread ends up going down in flames  :-\

Unfortunately!

« Reply #29 on: November 27, 2013, 00:04 »
0
Anyone will consider offset from shutterstock?

SNP

  • Canadian Photographer
« Reply #30 on: November 27, 2013, 00:56 »
0
I like your images. I might have done some of the styling and composition differently, but that's just because I have my own stylistic preferences. I like the baby on grey, they are genuine. I don't like the blonde girl, weird ponytail and styrofoam ball/sheet. those ones aren't good enough in my opinion.

but overall your images are sellable and generally speaking I would have said they are a good fit for Stocksy.

even as a Stocksy photographer, image editing continues to be a challenge for many of us. Stocksy has a very prescribed aesthetic. sorry if that isn't overly helpful.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2013, 02:00 by SNP »

« Reply #31 on: November 27, 2013, 01:19 »
0
nice port Newby. I sent my port to stocksy recently but have not heard back from them yet. Could you please tell me after how many days of sending portfolio, did you receive their reply ?

« Reply #32 on: November 27, 2013, 06:48 »
0
I didn't mean to start a heated debate but I see a lot of good point going around. I think when submitting next time, I'll edit tighter and sent them exclusively images that are artsy and not staged and it seams fair enough. Sometimes the standards are much higher to get accepted as a contributor that to get images into an established portfolio and Stocksy wouldn't be an exception amongst agencies in doing that.

Yes, I guess that might be the case. I really like most of your images and they show you know your trade. I would mainly skip those images where people are looking into the camera. It looks far more "authentic" if the people in the image are focused on what they do rather than smile at the observer. Not saying those images might not end up on the site for sale once you are accepted but for the application stick to those showing the people do what they do.

You should definitely try to apply again.

And yes, as Stacey also mentioned, even when accepted it is sometimes hard to identify the right images for Stocksy. It is strictly curated and sometimes you get images sent back. Also the number of images accepted from a series is typically smaller than what you might be used to from microstock. With the small overall size of the agency, buyers are likely to find an image easier, so it's not necessary to have twenty variations of the same topic hoping that at least one of them will stick on page 1 of the search results.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2013, 06:51 by MichaelJayFoto »

« Reply #33 on: November 27, 2013, 07:21 »
0
First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.

Agreed.  It's the same for when applying to iStock or Shutterstock.  if you apply with a pack of landscape images or apples isolated in white you probably aren't going to get in - at least not on Shutterstock.  That doesn't mean they don't have those types of shots on their site and doesn't mean those types of shots aren't going to sell.. it just means they aren't wanting photographers who focus on those types of shots or photographers who would hold up those shots as the best of what they've created.... unless of course those apples on white or landscapes are simply jaw dropping.

Ron

« Reply #34 on: November 27, 2013, 07:29 »
+9
I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.

I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.

« Reply #35 on: November 27, 2013, 08:22 »
+3
I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.

I was nobody's friend and no big name for sure - the curators must have seen my name for the first time when I applied.

Ron

« Reply #36 on: November 27, 2013, 08:31 »
0
I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.

I was nobody's friend and no big name for sure - the curators must have seen my name for the first time when I applied.
I didnt say it was solely about that. Of course good work gets accepted, regardless of who shot it.

« Reply #37 on: November 28, 2013, 05:35 »
0
Well, you seem lucky since you got an answer from them at least. For me they don't even send a reply for months. I would have been happy to join them but never mind, it's not that important.

AYA

« Reply #38 on: November 28, 2013, 11:29 »
0
Thanks Oxman, SNP and MichaelJay, these were exaclty the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'll keep that in mind for my next shoots.
How is your experience so far at Stocksy? are you getting good support, acceptance rate and sales? Also from what I understand, the images on Stocksy are exclusive (the artists are not but the images are), but are you allowed to submit the images that are declined by them to other agencies? just out of curiosity.  thanks!!

Gemmy12, After I applied, I first got an email saying that it might take a while because they are getting a lot of applicants so I had no idea if it would take weeks or months but I got a reply in 16 days.


« Reply #39 on: November 28, 2013, 11:57 »
+1
Stocksy is series exclusive, not image exclusive.  So rejects can go elsewhere as long as they are not part of an accepted series.

« Reply #40 on: November 28, 2013, 13:45 »
+2
I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.

I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.

Ron, water that down some more. there are some big names from (i)stock accepted to stocksy and then there are a ton of people on stocksy who have not done a whole lot of stock work thus far. It's a nice mixture of folks.

Julie - certainly try again. overall, your images are great and would suit stocksy well, but maybe you can try to bring in some "moodier" images into the mix (if that does not require you to bend over backwards, please, by all means, remain authentic to your own shooting style). (Disclaimer: this advice comes from a small stock shooter, small Stocksy contributor).

Ron

« Reply #41 on: November 28, 2013, 13:49 »
0
I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.

I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.

Ron, water that down some more. there are some big names from (i)stock accepted to stocksy and then there are a ton of people on stocksy who have not done a whole lot of stock work thus far. It's a nice mixture of folks.

I said at the start up. Its not a ton of people on Stocksy either, its a select few. And I have seen two great portfolios being rejected now so there is no chance in hell I am going to try again. I am still waiting for my rejection email from 6 months ago.

« Reply #42 on: November 29, 2013, 05:22 »
0
Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?

« Reply #43 on: November 29, 2013, 05:59 »
-1
Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?

Not in my experience :/

« Reply #44 on: November 29, 2013, 07:36 »
0
Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?

No, because it depends on what your best works consist of :)

« Reply #45 on: November 29, 2013, 07:44 »
0
Is it possible it was not the images ??  I think Julie's images show plenty of talent when compared with the Stocksy site.  Is it possible the port being on Flickr was the problem ?? 

Julie,   do not let this get to you,  you are a very talented photographer !!

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #46 on: November 29, 2013, 07:53 »
0
Is it possible it was not the images ??  I think Julie's images show plenty of talent when compared with the Stocksy site.  Is it possible the port being on Flickr was the problem ?? 
I don't think so; you had to 'provide a link to your images', and there was no mention of Flickr being forbidden for people applying.
If it was so, they should have said.

AYA

« Reply #47 on: November 29, 2013, 08:02 »
0
Hi Old Cow,  no, I'm not getting discouraged, I find the suggestions very constructive!
I agree and Flikr also wasn't my first choice to put my portfolio but 500px only takes 10 upload a week. I don't think it's a huge factor but since I have a few months ahead of me, I might just showcase my work there instead.

Thanks!

« Reply #48 on: November 29, 2013, 08:12 »
0
Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?

Not in my experience :/


You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?

« Reply #49 on: November 29, 2013, 08:17 »
0
Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?

No, because it depends on what your best works consist of :)

Let's take as an example your best works :).
Only from financial perspective (if you don't mind and don't tell numbers) would you rather have your Stocksy images there or on Istock ?


 

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