MicrostockGroup

Hi all,

My first thread!

Well, after my initial ten images was approved by VEER, I have submitted about 40 more. These 40 have been accepted with a rate of about 90% by my other channels. Now, yesterday, I got a "bulk rejection" on all these images. The reason was they were "over-sharpened". That is weird, because they are all UNSHARPENED.

I have sent them a polite email and still awaiting their reply. I just wanted to see if there was anyone here with similar experiences with VEER and are willing to share some recommendations.

Thanks,
Johan

Good question! Here's what I do. To compensate for the AA filter on the EOS 1Ds Mk III, I apply a small amount of capture sharpening in Adobe Camera Raw. Note, however, that this sharpening is virtually undetectable as it does NOT leave any artifacts. After that, the image is loaded into PS as a 16-bit file and retouched. NO additional sharpening is done.

I apologize for not mentioning this.

Thanks,
Johan

Did you check settings in your camera? Maybe you have sharpening turned on there.

Thanks all for your feedback!

Alias: You are right that all sharpening, regardless of aim and name, is still sharpening. However, I think you are missing my point. Capture sharpening is very different from, say, creative/local sharpening, or output sharpening (which is causing most over-sharpening).

When I say it is undetectable, I mean that it is virtually impossible to view the file and determine whether it is sharpened (if you do not compare directly to the unsharpened file). A small amount of capture sharpening leaves no artifacts, it only compensates for the AA filter. That's what I mean.

Whitechild: Good point, but I shoot RAW (so camera sharpening settings are irrelevant).

Thanks again, all! Now I await the reply from VEER, as in VEERy strange, or perhaps very VEERd :-)

Johan

It's not very different. It's just typically very slight. It's the same sharpening algorithms.

I do not believe that any sharpening should ever be necessary for stock work. The smaller (typically ready to use) versions of stock images are automatically downsized by the sites. This downsizing will more than compensate for any AA filter effect. Full sized versions of images are more useful without any sharpening.

On that basis any sharpening is over-sharpening.

Not really... Professional sharpening techniques differ somewhat, but most include the same basic steps:
1. Capture sharpening. Settings depend on AA-filter, sensor resolution, and image content (i.e. detail),
2. Creative/local sharpening. Settings arbitrary/artistic/personal. Here's where we e.g. sharpen the models eyes, and
3. Output sharpening. Settings depend on output media only.

For good information on professional sharpening (among other things), checkout http://www.thelightsright.com .

Regards,
Johan

Ready to go images are already downsized at the sites. This downsizing compensates for any slight AA effect. Full size images are more useful to designers unsharpened.

The site you referenced is not especially relevant in the context of stock photography. No sharpening is needed for stock work where standards are typically much tighter.

Hmmm There seems to be some basic misunderstandings here... :-)

First, as a newbe in MS I am still learning its specifics. I come here to learn from guys more experienced in MS than myself.

Second, to apply no sharping for your MS exclusive work makes sense due to the downscaling as argued by Mr Alias.

I do not wish to argue anyone to do anything. However, it seems that the basic understanding of professional sharpening techniques among many posters is severely lacking. Some seem to believe that output sharpening = capture sharpening = sharpening = BAD.

I come from a more general school of photography. And in all commercial productions (outside MS) I've been involved in, capture sharpening for ALL digital media (scans, digital cameras...) is a natural part of all professional workflows. I can educate people in sharpening skills, techniques, algorithms and applications. And I have... BUT sharpening applied to the specific arera of MS is still new to me.

So, I thank all for giving me a chance to learn!

Best,
Johan

I just moved this board to the Veer area.