MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: Suspect on October 23, 2021, 15:11
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What are people working on at the moment?
I don't take photos for microstock anymore, although I do intend loading more (slowly) to Wirestock that are already on my PC.
I'm trying to take more unpaid model photos for (non micro) stock with family members but this is only occasionally possible due to their busy schedules.
So, I'm spending money on equipment for a small 'studio' area that I may never recoup. However, it's an interest and if the results are good, an achievement.
I'd be interested to hear if others are still inspired and if so, to do what for what purpose?
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I tend to shot seasonal --- like autumn things which will go to the stock companies. I like to pick what I want to shot and when I feel like it. I will not allow the microstock business create stress especially on the wimpy price per images...
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With the change of seasons and a bit of fresh snow on the mountains I have been getting up early for some sunrise pics - combined with the moonset recently. I have a huge backlog of hiking photos to get through, but it isn't really worth it for micro prices. but if I am working on something I might keyword and upload it.
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With the change of seasons and a bit of fresh snow on the mountains I have been getting up early for some sunrise pics - combined with the moonset recently. I have a huge backlog of hiking photos to get through, but it isn't really worth it for micro prices. but if I am working on something I might keyword and upload it.
I would say one photo sale should be enough to buy a cup of coffee but not at $.10 anymore especially at starbucks :(
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Small studio area is at least a place to do small items and ideas, better than table top, having to take things apart or move them, every time you want to shoot something, which sometimes is enough to say, "too much trouble..."
(https://i.postimg.cc/nrFFvX7W/copy_stand_and_lighting_2020.jpg)
Ever changing, the flat panel LED lights have gone to an overhead rack, for another photo project, but the stand is always there, ready to be used with the four LED flood lights on goosenecks. Flip the switch and it's a start. Different base colors/poster board. A couple of LED battery powered small panels. Lots of inexpensive parts and pieces.
Flat panels were an expensive exception, but they are 6500K and what I needed. If I put one on the bottom, it's back lighting for isolations.
Or with some reduction in light, for slide copying?
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5m91gjw/slide_copying.jpg)
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Small studio area is at least a place to do small items and ideas, better than table top, having to take things apart or move them, every time you want to shoot something, which sometimes is enough to say, "too much trouble..."
(https://i.postimg.cc/nrFFvX7W/copy_stand_and_lighting_2020.jpg)
Ever changing, the flat panel LED lights have gone to an overhead rack, for another photo project, but the stand is always there, ready to be used with the four LED flood lights on goosenecks. Flip the switch and it's a start. Different base colors/poster board. A couple of LED battery powered small panels. Lots of inexpensive parts and pieces.
Flat panels were an expensive exception, but they are 6500K and what I needed. If I put one on the bottom, it's back lighting for isolations.
Or with some reduction in light, for slide copying?
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5m91gjw/slide_copying.jpg)
Thanks for that Pete, and sharing images.
Very interesting indeed 8)
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Thanks for that Pete, and sharing images.
Very interesting indeed 8)
I love projects and creating things, that's been a changing setup over the years. The stand and then the lights and then the panel lights. Hardly the best for stock photos, it's basically a copy stand.
Years ago, I mean way back in the "good old days" (that's humor) there was a lady that shot everything on the kitchen table, using natural light from the Sun outside. She did dandy, work. I'd say better than my harsh bland overhead Plop and Shoot system. Soft indirect, natural light.
Bottom line is, do what works best for you, in your situation. Learn how to style and shoot according to what you have. The idea of a dedicated place seems a good start.
Oops, bottom shelf just fell on the book shelf, now I know what my next current project will be? ;)
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Working on a personal experimental project. A children's book. I've written and now currently drawing out the illustrations for it. About done with all the character parts. Only a few more to do with the finally at the end. The illustrations will be coloured with mixed media and then some digital enhancements will be used for touch up and layout work. :)
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As I "officially" retired on 1st September, I plan to start selling my studio props. But before selling, I will photograph each item, isolated and not isolated, for stock. Which means I'll be "milking the cows" before I sell them haha
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Working on a personal experimental project. A children's book. I've written and now currently drawing out the illustrations for it. About done with all the character parts. Only a few more to do with the finally at the end. The illustrations will be coloured with mixed media and then some digital enhancements will be used for touch up and layout work. :)
That's very creative. If you intend to publish, all the best.
As I "officially" retired on 1st September, I plan to start selling my studio props. But before selling, I will photograph each item, isolated and not isolated, for stock. Which means I'll be "milking the cows" before I sell them haha
Enjoy your 'retirement' :)
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To fill a gap in our powder room, I just finished two abstract impressionist acrylic paintings (my first). I had such fun, and they turned out so well, I think I'll keep going. I have more ideas. At some point I'll have to photograph everything.
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To fill a gap in our powder room, I just finished two abstract impressionist acrylic paintings (my first). I had such fun, and they turned out so well, I think I'll keep going. I have more ideas. At some point I'll have to photograph everything.
Sounds great. There was a contributor who posted on the SS forums who did well selling photos of abstract art (on SS).
Very creative + enjoyable in the meantime.
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
How are you getting on with that?
I'm only getting photos accepted with (family) models.
I watched the 'thriller' book covers video on the app, saw the baby booties photo that had been used as a book cover, looked at their stock and saw there are very few, uploaded 10 and they were all rejected.
I haven't had any sales yet but my port is small. I'm also spending time working on the keywords.
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
How are you getting on with that?
I'm only getting photos accepted with (family) models.
I watched the 'thriller' book covers video on the app, saw the baby booties photo that had been used as a book cover, looked at their stock and saw there are very few, uploaded 10 and they were all rejected.
I haven't had any sales yet but my port is small. I'm also spending time working on the keywords.
Doing OK, still many rejections. Recently had a very productive chat with the Sales Director at Arcangel who went through my port and gave excellent advice. Basically, I need to up my game big time....my images are very mediocre compared to some of the top-producers. Served me a large portion of humble pie.
He has also confirmed that standards have got tougher during the past few months, as suspected. They're aiming at the high-end market.
Keep going!
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
How are you getting on with that?
I'm only getting photos accepted with (family) models.
I watched the 'thriller' book covers video on the app, saw the baby booties photo that had been used as a book cover, looked at their stock and saw there are very few, uploaded 10 and they were all rejected.
I haven't had any sales yet but my port is small. I'm also spending time working on the keywords.
Doing OK, still many rejections. Recently had a very productive chat with the Sales Director at Arcangel who went through my port and gave excellent advice. Basically, I need to up my game big time....my images are very mediocre compared to some of the top-producers. Served me a large portion of humble pie.
He has also confirmed that standards have got tougher during the past few months, as suspected. They're aiming at the high-end market.
Keep going!
Thanks for that Alex. Brave of you to have that discussion. You are always so positive.
At least you are already over 1K images, so that's pretty good going.
I've found that in the year I've uploaded, they have changed quite a lot with regard to what they want. I assume they also (besides the 'quality' issues) have more than enough of some subjects.
Thanks for the encouragement :)
All the best for you with your game-upping :)
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
How are you getting on with that?
I'm only getting photos accepted with (family) models.
I watched the 'thriller' book covers video on the app, saw the baby booties photo that had been used as a book cover, looked at their stock and saw there are very few, uploaded 10 and they were all rejected.
I haven't had any sales yet but my port is small. I'm also spending time working on the keywords.
He has also confirmed that standards have got tougher during the past few months, as suspected. They're aiming at the high-end market.
Keep going!
I've sold an image and it's already on a published book.
Waiting to hear back from Arc about commission.
8)
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I've sold an image and it's already on a published book.
Waiting to hear back from Arc about commission.
8)
Wow! Congratulations! ;D
What book?
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I've sold an image and it's already on a published book.
Waiting to hear back from Arc about commission.
8)
Wow! Congratulations! ;D
What book?
Thanks Sari.
It's called Wenn die Schatten sterben (when the shadows die) by Christof Gasser. It's available on Amazon as an e-book and hardback.
What's pleasing is that I did it in response to their weekly challenges ie. the brush strokes over the photo.
They stopped doing those challenges for a while but have started them again via the App.
Are you still uploading?
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Are you still uploading?
Lol yes ::)
They accepted one image in May and two images two days ago.
I upload mostly crap, so I'm still waiting my huge success ;D
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As I "officially" retired on 1st September, I plan to start selling my studio props. But before selling, I will photograph each item, isolated and not isolated, for stock. Which means I'll be "milking the cows" before I sell them haha
;D Good luck! Great to get free money...been getting it for 5 years! takes the pressure off having to work for it.
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Trying to up my book cover game for Arcangel
How are you getting on with that?
I'm only getting photos accepted with (family) models.
I watched the 'thriller' book covers video on the app, saw the baby booties photo that had been used as a book cover, looked at their stock and saw there are very few, uploaded 10 and they were all rejected.
I haven't had any sales yet but my port is small. I'm also spending time working on the keywords.
Doing OK, still many rejections. Recently had a very productive chat with the Sales Director at Arcangel who went through my port and gave excellent advice. Basically, I need to up my game big time....my images are very mediocre compared to some of the top-producers. Served me a large portion of humble pie.
He has also confirmed that standards have got tougher during the past few months, as suspected. They're aiming at the high-end market.
Keep going!
Noticed that too when I tried a year or so ago. Hardly surprising with everyone wanting to get more than 10 cents for a photo!