Author Topic: Is anyone have sucess selling image on bigstock. (Read 48913 times)

jorgeinthewater · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2007, 21:42 »

my # of views on my 17 images on DT have blown away the # of views on the 36 images at BigStock even though the BigStock images had a good month on DT. This tells me that the traffic at DT is much higher than BigStock ...

Mark forget the views some of my images only get viewed a few times before they get bought. Also I have an image at dt that has been looked at
over 700 times with only 4 downloads

BigStock requires more data input to upload to its site than several other sites. I use this to my advantage by often uploading new material there first, so that I have the most complete copy of data there (title, description, keywords etc.) Their keyword dialog box retains the commas which are needed at other sites after cut-n-pastes. They also keep track of all rejections. DT's list is only 7days long. This is a benefit to BigStock when I want to find data for an image that's been rejected, that I think will work on a different site.

Are you not placing your file info on the images before you upload? It sounds like you are not correct me if I'm wrong.

Jorge

mwp1969 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 16, 2007, 02:40 »

Jorge,

hmmmmmmmmm .... no I've been using the web form upload, then input title, description, and keywords on their website.

I recently am experimenting with FTP with "filezilla" for the first time. However, my digital noise reduction software does not currently retain IPTC metadata until I upgrade it.

Please share with me:
#1 What work do you do offline?
#2 Does it depend on the site or can you "cookie-cutter" the process across sites (ex. using FTP)
#3 What tool do you use?

Anyone else who wants to answer those questions as well ... please feel free as I need all of the help I can get

I do understand that the view traffic is not necessarily a viable gauge, but lacking anything else ... its all I have to look at until I start to get some sales.

For example, I know that with someones spamming keywords that are not relevant, they can increase their view traffic, however, if its not what the designer was looking for its a waste of time and they might even get reported.

Mark

jorgeinthewater · « **Reply #27 on:** December 16, 2007, 17:47 »

Hi Mark not much time to reply now but I will tell you this I do all my work as far as image details off line.

1. Photoshop: file info- input title description keywords- save image
also I don't use noise reduction what I do is reduce image size to
lessen the possible noise rejections
2 afterwards I upload to SS for spelling check, its easier than getting dictionary!
3 Upload to the Rest of the sites I am on
4 I do small batches say 5 max becuase of SS
5 Because all info is coming with images very little needs to be done on
the actual site.
6 I don't use filezilla because of the small amount of images that I submitt at a time.

Hope someone with more experience writes more so I can also learn but this is what I have picked up in the year and a half.

Jorge

takestock · « **Reply #28 on:** December 18, 2007, 09:25 »

Just short of my first payout.
Slow but steady is how I would describe.

sharply_done · « **Reply #29 on:** December 18, 2007, 13:01 »

Quote from: mwp1969 on December 16, 2007, 02:40

...
hmmmmmmmmm .... no I've been using the web form upload, then input title, description, and keywords on their website.
...

You are making a very big mistake by assigning title, description, and keywords after uploading. About the worst thing you can do is upload an image, fill in the title, description, and keyword fields, then copy and paste the info from there when you upload the image to another site. Although it may seem easy and efficient to you now, you will find that you have created a monster when your portfolio is larger and you want to upload to a new site.

Being new to this game, you may want to consider modifying your workflow to filling in these fields, waiting a day before revisiting them, and finally uploading. The information you supply is your only selling tool, and it's critical that you develop good habits and sensibility if you want to maximize your sales.

vonkara · « **Reply #30 on:** December 18, 2007, 13:17 »

Quote from: sharply_done on December 18, 2007, 13:01

Quote from: mwp1969 on December 16, 2007, 02:40
...
hmmmmmmmmm .... no I've been using the web form upload, then input title, description, and keywords on their website.
...
You are making a very big mistake by assigning title, description, and keywords after uploading. About the worst thing you can do is upload an image, fill in the title, description, and keyword fields, then copy and paste the info from there when you upload the image to another site. Although it may seem easy and efficient to you now, you will find that you have created a monster when your portfolio is larger and you want to upload to a new site.

Being new to this game, you may want to consider modifying your workflow to filling in these fields, waiting a day before revisiting them, and finally uploading. The information you supply is your only selling tool, and it's critical that you develop good habits and sensibility if you want to maximize your sales.

Maybe it's easy to find how, but I don't have much time to try it myself. So I find most of my answer in different forums. Do there is a way to put the info after saving it, whitout saving again the whole file itself? Who can introduce more artifacts.

sharply_done · « **Reply #31 on:** December 18, 2007, 14:20 »

There are many programs available to do this - which one you use is a matter of personal preference more than anything else. There have been a number of threads about this; like you I'm too lazy to look them up. (grin)

Some people use IrfanView, I use MS Photo Info.

Phil · « **Reply #32 on:** December 18, 2007, 17:02 »

Quote from: jsnover on December 12, 2007, 18:15

Quote from: sharply_done on December 12, 2007, 16:56
I make $30+ per month on BigStock with 1400+ images there. It's a third tier site, and I would be very surprised to hear that anyone earns a significant amount using it.
In general, BigStock is slow-ish for me, but last Christmas and again this November, they are selling like crazy. Last month they topped $300 per month and were my top earning site!

They've never been #1 in the earnings tally, but good Christmas sales and the price increase worked wonders. I have about 1500 images there.

This month they're running #2 (not far behind SS) but I don't expect that to last beyond the holiday season. We'll see how the coming year goes - how the price increase works out over time.

oh, I've been really pleased with sales the last 8 weeks or so, I hoped the big increase in earnings was hear to stay

mwp1969 · « **Reply #33 on:** December 19, 2007, 21:21 »

Quote from: sharply_done on December 18, 2007, 13:01

Quote from: mwp1969 on December 16, 2007, 02:40
...
hmmmmmmmmm .... no I've been using the web form upload, then input title, description, and keywords on their website.
...
You are making a very big mistake by assigning title, description, and keywords after uploading. About the worst thing you can do is upload an image, fill in the title, description, and keyword fields, then copy and paste the info from there when you upload the image to another site. Although it may seem easy and efficient to you now, you will find that you have created a monster when your portfolio is larger and you want to upload to a new site.

Being new to this game, you may want to consider modifying your workflow to filling in these fields, waiting a day before revisiting them, and finally uploading. The information you supply is your only selling tool, and it's critical that you develop good habits and sensibility if you want to maximize your sales.

Sharply,

I can very much see you point, and I am BIG on developing the proper methodology and processes from the start. However, now that you've pointed this out ...

What is the process?

I thought I had developed a good process (defined for critique as follows)

#1 Upload new images to BigStock after its been "Post-processed" and run through Neat Image (I have to upgrade so that I can retain "metadata"). I post to BigStock first since they require the most: title, description, categories, releases, and keywords. By doing this to BigStock first then I am able to cut-n-paste into the forms on the other sites.

I would agree completely that if data could be put into the images only once and then upload to the various sites, that would be preferred ... however, my current camera requires all of my post-processing efforts to get my images approved.

Perhaps I can try putting in metadata after it has been run through Neat Image ... then re-save and then upload.

Now if one of these programs that your referring to allows for the input of keywords, what about categories that seem to be different on all sites?

Thanks for you help ....

Mark

What about the software that comes with the Canon cameras or Vista itself?

sharpshot · « **Reply #34 on:** December 19, 2007, 22:37 »

Perhaps I can try putting in metadata after it has been run through Neat Image ... then re-save and then upload.

That is the way to do it. I use PixVue but I don't think it is available any more, so Irfan View might be a better option. There doesn't seem to be any re-saving jpeg degradation problems, it is just the text that is saved.

I uploaded my first 100 photos the way you have done it and I had to go back to enter the data in to the files later, as it would have been a time consuming pain to cut and paste 100 times to 5 other sites.

mwp1969 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 19, 2007, 22:49 »

I also awaiting my upgrade information from Neat Image (which is amazing by the way and I have no affiliation with them). After the updgrade I will not lose meta data after I save with them ... but I will give what you guys are saying a try.

So if I enter the keywords through one of these programs ... then I don't have to enterthem in the upload forms on the sites? Is using FTP the only way to make this method work?

So after the upload goes to the site with metadata attached, what work remains using this method ... any?

Mark

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #36 on:** December 19, 2007, 23:44 »

Mark, like Sharply I use Microsoft's Photo Info to load the IPTC data (title, description, keywords).

This is the last step in the workflow process for me. The data is stored in the image so when you upload it, the site automatically grabs the data and fills it in the appropriate fields. Then all you usually need to do is confirm the data showed up okay, pick categories and you're done.

Every site has a different process though.

Paul

mwp1969 · « **Reply #37 on:** December 20, 2007, 00:48 »

Thank you both. This is very helpful information.

Thanks guys I'll give it a shot and let you know how the streamlining efforts work out!

Mark

sharply_done · « **Reply #38 on:** December 20, 2007, 03:51 »

You can also enter the metadata using Photoshop (Ctrl+Alt+I), which is useful as well. The only thing you should normally have to do after uploading is select categories and model releases.

A technique I sometimes use for helping with keyword generation is to edit a random image on IS. I copy and paste keywords from the image I'm currently working on, then use their CV to explore posible keywords. Give it a try once you get accepted there!

DanP68 · « **Reply #39 on:** December 20, 2007, 05:38 »

One thing I will add Mark is to try to use Neatimage when needed only, and not as part of your workflow. You lose information every time you run Noise reduction software, even good software like Ninja and Neat.

Better to make sure your exposures are proper, so that noise is eliminated or reduced to the bare minimum. I find in high contrast images, I'm going to find a little noise in the dark areas even with my EOS 30D at 100 ISO. So I just highlight those affected areas, and run noise reduction in those spots only.

If noise reduction is run on an entire image, the image tends to get a "plastic" look to it.

My work flow tends to go something like this:

1. Import Raw images into Photoshop CS2
2. Levels and or Curves/Saturation routines to get the look I am after
3. Consider sharpening in spots which need it. Most times nothing is done.
4. Clean up - this could be noise reduction time if needed. For isolation work this part of the work flow tends to be the longest. Eliminate any copyrighted material.
5. Keyword
6. One last once-over at 100% to find anything I missed
7. Save PSD, Convert to 8-bit, Save to JPG at Max quality
8. Upload

mwp1969 · « **Reply #40 on:** December 22, 2007, 02:06 »

Thanks again for all of the help guys.

I have recently made several improvements to my efforts:

# Upgraded my version of Neat Image (now I can save my metadata if noise reduction is necessary)
# Downloaded Microsoft's photo info for windows explorer.

# Editing all metadata ONLY ONCE prior to FTP or form upload later adding only verifying and adding categories or model releases. I am now doing once what I was doing multiple times before. Thanks Sharply and everyone else who put it bluntly or otherwise ! I am here to learn

# and perhaps most importantly gave myself a minimal upgrade in equipment until I go full blown DSLR in May. I am now testing Canon's new Powershot SX100 with IS. So far its been amazing for its price

Mark

mwp1969 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 17, 2008, 17:55 »

I recently had my first sale on BigStock.

Here's the link for those who are interested:
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/photo/view/2332739

Ironically, I had what I considered better cropped versions of this photo, but it was this original version that was approved and sold.

Mark

madelaide · « **Reply #42 on:** January 17, 2008, 19:47 »

Congrats on the sale!

Sometimes success comes from the least expect image in a series! It makes me wonder if I know how to pick the good ones!

Regards,
Adelaide

jorgeinthewater · « **Reply #43 on:** January 18, 2008, 22:19 »

Quote from: mwp1969 on January 17, 2008, 17:55

I recently had my first sale on BigStock.

Here's the link for those who are interested:
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/photo/view/2332739

Ironically, I had what I considered better cropped versions of this photo, but it was this original version that was approved and sold.

Mark

Yeah I have a bunch of houses that are just plain yet sell well. Hey Mark are
you based in Miami or just came down to visit us?

mwp1969 · « **Reply #44 on:** January 18, 2008, 23:41 »

Quote from: jorgeinthewater on January 18, 2008, 22:19

Quote from: mwp1969 on January 17, 2008, 17:55
I recently had my first sale on BigStock.

Here's the link for those who are interested:
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/photo/view/2332739

Ironically, I had what I considered better cropped versions of this photo, but it was this original version that was approved and sold.

Mark

Yeah I have a bunch of houses that are just plain yet sell well. Hey Mark are
you based in Miami or just came down to visit us?

Jorge

Nawwww ... I was just down there for the first time for a conference. I left a blizzard in Denver to arrive to that beautiful weather in Coconut Grove at the time. I'm in Washington now due to a transfer with work.

jorgeinthewater · « **Reply #45 on:** January 18, 2008, 23:47 »

Quote from: mwp1969 on January 18, 2008, 23:41

Quote from: jorgeinthewater on January 18, 2008, 22:19
Quote from: mwp1969 on January 17, 2008, 17:55
I recently had my first sale on BigStock.

Here's the link for those who are interested:
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/photo/view/2332739

Ironically, I had what I considered better cropped versions of this photo, but it was this original version that was approved and sold.

Mark

Yeah I have a bunch of houses that are just plain yet sell well. Hey Mark are
you based in Miami or just came down to visit us?

Jorge

Nawwww ... I was just down there for the first time for a conference. I left a blizzard in Denver to arrive to that beautiful weather in Coconut Grove at the time. I'm in Washington now due to a transfer with work.

Ok, just thought we could get together and go shooting

and yes bigstock accepts and sells things most other sites don't.

fotografer · « **Reply #46 on:** January 19, 2008, 06:14 »

I've uploaded about 200 images to them in the last month and have made 50$ with them. So will get some more images uploaded, unlike Crestock which has made me 50c in the same time scale with nearly as many images.

Smithore · « **Reply #47 on:** January 19, 2008, 07:42 »

I don't know why my sales are so low at Bigstock, you said 200 pictures and 50$, for me it's 600 pictures and only 40$ since july.

Do you manage your portfolio or other functions I missed on the site to promote your images?
Because I don't manage any gallery at this time, just uploading and that's all!

sharply_done · « **Reply #48 on:** January 19, 2008, 07:46 »

Quote from: Smithore on January 19, 2008, 07:42

Do you manage your portfolio or other functions I missed on the site to promote your images?

Trust me, if you saw his/her portfolio, you would know why she/he sells so well.

Smithore · « **Reply #49 on:** January 19, 2008, 07:53 »

I trust you Sharply, but I don't find it even by searching with photograph names.

But this don't explain why I don't sell on bigstock and I'm selling well at other sites, even on 123rf.

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Author Topic: Is anyone have sucess selling image on bigstock. (Read 48913 times)

jorgeinthewater

mwp1969

jorgeinthewater

takestock

sharply_done

vonkara

sharply_done

Phil

mwp1969

sharpshot

mwp1969

PaulieWalnuts

mwp1969

sharply_done

DanP68

mwp1969

mwp1969

madelaide

jorgeinthewater

mwp1969

jorgeinthewater

fotografer

Smithore

sharply_done

Smithore

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