MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Fotolia and Travel Pics  (Read 14002 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

tab62

« on: November 08, 2012, 22:22 »
+1
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...


« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2012, 22:48 »
0
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...

no they're just strange - i have a lot of travel & even editorial stuff accepted

tab62

« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2012, 23:15 »
0
I need to upload more strange pics  ::)

Thanks.

T

« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2012, 00:25 »
0
Usually they are no problem, but sometimes you get a reviewer that will nail a bunch of outdoor images for technical reasons.  The next batch usually sails through fine.  Never tried resubmitting any so not sure what happens with a second review.  In my last batch I had 4/5 travel photos rejected, but 5/5 isolations accepted.  First time to get that many rejections in a batch since March.  The ones they rejected were not my best so I can't complain too much - it was an unusual location so I might have pushed it a bit.

THP Creative

  • THP Creative

« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2012, 02:18 »
0
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...

I find the same tab62, landscapes and nature in general, almost 70% rejected. Anything isolated, with a person, in studio, vector or otherwise - 100% acceptance.

Plus, I think (enter conspiracy theory) that they take a look at your uploads before you have even submitted them. I have had some uploads waiting in my admin section for a few days and just submitted some of them - within UNDER A MINUTE they were reviewed, some rejected, some accepted.

rubyroo

« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2012, 03:02 »
0
no they're just strange

Strange is the word.

Not so long ago, I uploaded two versions of the same subject.   Both reviewed at the same time.  One of them was rejected on the basis that they are 'overwhelmed' with high quality shots of that subject and don't need more in their database.  The other?  Accepted.

I can only guess that one of them just managed to scrape in before the reviewer reached the mysterious 'overwhelm' threshold.  ;D

I've long given up trying to fathom FT's review policy.  I do my thing and they do theirs, and I need my brain capacity for things I can actually make sense of.  :)
« Last Edit: November 09, 2012, 04:04 by rubyroo »

« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2012, 08:46 »
0
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...

Yes.  I have some really cool shots of seascapes and virtually all of them have been rejected.  Not that it matters, but they've been accepted everywhere else including IS, DT, SS, etc.

tab62

« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2012, 10:38 »
+1
I can understand if there is saturation of the pics but on some of the pics there only a few in their inventory. Also when they say rejected due to technical issues that is bull! Especially if all the other companies accepted them.  Just tell me that you simply don't want them!  Bottom line- just let it go and shot more isolated stuff that they are willing to accept...

« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2012, 00:39 »
0
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...

no they're just strange - i have a lot of travel & even editorial stuff accepted

I was under the impression that FT does not accept/sell editorial images.
Have they changed their policy?

Poncke

« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2012, 11:05 »
0
Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...

I find the same tab62, landscapes and nature in general, almost 70% rejected. Anything isolated, with a person, in studio, vector or otherwise - 100% acceptance.

Plus, I think (enter conspiracy theory) that they take a look at your uploads before you have even submitted them. I have had some uploads waiting in my admin section for a few days and just submitted some of them - within UNDER A MINUTE they were reviewed, some rejected, some accepted.
Thats normal. I always prepare all photos, submit one completely and then wait for it to be reviewed. As soon as it is reviewed I know my batch is up for review. I can then control when they hit the market. Because once your queue is up and your finalize your submittal they will be reviewed instantaneously,

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2013, 03:31 »
0
This topic is old, but it has no sense to open a new one

Yes, I can confirm that Fotolia hates landscapes and outdoor photos.
I just had an almost full batch of very nice river landscapes rejected (about 80 images), while the same images have been accepted everywhere without problem.

I don't understand them.
I know that it is their business and that they manage it following the considerations that they have done (I hope for them even if at a certain point I am not quite sure), but I should be very happy if somebody from the Fotolia staff could come here to explain the reasons why they almost systematically reject this kind of photos.

« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2013, 06:27 »
0
This topic is old, but it has no sense to open a new one

Yes, I can confirm that Fotolia hates landscapes and outdoor photos.
I just had an almost full batch of very nice river landscapes rejected (about 80 images), while the same images have been accepted everywhere without problem.

I don't understand them.
I know that it is their business and that they manage it following the considerations that they have done (I hope for them even if at a certain point I am not quite sure), but I should be very happy if somebody from the Fotolia staff could come here to explain the reasons why they almost systematically reject this kind of photos.
The funny thing is, I only sell travel pics (the ones that got through) on FT  ::)
Their policy is fine with me, most of my pics come on top in their search database.

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2013, 07:13 »
0

The funny thing is, I only sell travel pics (the ones that got through) on FT  ::)

I sold all the few they accept too
So it means that they really know what landscape photos will sell and what will not  ;D

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2013, 07:13 »
0
oops
I don't know how to delete a post.
Somebody can help me?
« Last Edit: April 09, 2013, 09:08 by Beppe Grillo »

« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2013, 08:53 »
0

The funny thing is, I only sell travel pics (the ones that got through) on FT  ::)

I sold all the few they accept too
So it means that they really know what landscape photos will sell and what will not  ;D
Haha I wouldn't say that, they rejected the ones which sell better elsewhere ;D

tab62

« Reply #15 on: April 09, 2013, 09:00 »
0
Travel pics and Fotolia = Oil and Water    (They don't mix well)... :-\



RacePhoto

« Reply #16 on: April 09, 2013, 10:05 »
0
I've been moving forward and expanding to Isolated Sliced and Whole Vegetables. I know it's a bold approach and risky move from Sliced Tomatoes on White, but I felt the need to diversify.  ;)

Here's one with black. It could be the start of a movement, going away from white to black... Whole Vegetables? It could be the next big thing?



ps For some people who come to forums, that like to copy ideas and steal good ones, this isn't one of them. It's on the last page. Leeks on black has never sold, anywhere.



Does Fotolia really hate travel pics (mostly Landscape)? From my two trips I am lucky to get 25% Acceptance Rate from them. Yet, if I shoot a Tomato on White is hits 100% AR. Next time I travel it will be to a Tomato farm with my white boards in hand...


Beppe Grillo

« Reply #17 on: April 09, 2013, 10:21 »
+1
I have understood the future Footoolia trend is to shoot full blackberries on black  ;D

« Reply #18 on: April 09, 2013, 10:24 »
0
This is my best selling travel pic on Fotolia. Maybe it also fit the "extreme sports" category


http://www.fotolia.com/id/36586353



RacePhoto

« Reply #19 on: April 09, 2013, 10:35 »
0
This is my best selling travel pic on Fotolia. Maybe it also fit the "extreme sports" category


http://www.fotolia.com/id/36586353


Wow, they look kind of like perfectly round Bocci tomatoes?  ???

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #20 on: April 09, 2013, 11:23 »
0
This is my best selling travel pic on Fotolia. Maybe it also fit the "extreme sports" category


http://www.fotolia.com/id/36586353


Wow, they look kind of like perfectly round Bocci tomatoes?  ???


Hmm, why they are not red?
(Je tire ou je pointe?)
« Last Edit: April 09, 2013, 11:26 by Beppe Grillo »

« Reply #21 on: April 09, 2013, 12:48 »
0
You have to grill them very well to become red.




http://www.fotolia.com/id/36586353


Hmm, why they are not red?
(Je tire ou je pointe?)

« Reply #22 on: April 09, 2013, 15:59 »
0
You have to grill them very well to become red.




http://www.fotolia.com/id/36586353


Hmm, why they are not red?
(Je tire ou je pointe?)



I like this photo and sure it sells great.

To add some debate I wouldn't have really described it as a travel photo. It may be a photo you took whilst travelling. Maybe if there was more background that identified the actual location. i.e. blurred effiel tower in background.

If I travelled to Spain and took a photo of a golf ball would that be a travel photo ?

Does a "travel photo" mean one you'd expect to see in a travel advert ? or some other definition ?

I'm just interested in what people consider to be "travel photos"

RacePhoto

« Reply #23 on: April 10, 2013, 01:57 »
0
You have to grill them very well to become red.


Hmm, why they are not red?
(Je tire ou je pointe?)

I like this photo and sure it sells great.

To add some debate I wouldn't have really described it as a travel photo. It may be a photo you took whilst travelling. Maybe if there was more background that identified the actual location. i.e. blurred effiel tower in background.

If I travelled to Spain and took a photo of a golf ball would that be a travel photo ?

Does a "travel photo" mean one you'd expect to see in a travel advert ? or some other definition ?

I'm just interested in what people consider to be "travel photos"

Nope I wouldn't consider it travel, I can find people in the park here lawn bowling or playing Bocci Ball. I suppose if you traveled to Wisconsin, it's would be, instead of local? LOL

And that has nothing to say critical or negative about your photo or the idea. Interesting how sometimes an odd unexpected shot will sell? Nice perspective, someone could use the same angles and composition for a steak or a chicken. (or tomatoes?) Works well and attractive. Nothing wrong with creative, instead of the standard cookie cutter Micro shots.


Beppe Grillo

« Reply #24 on: April 10, 2013, 03:03 »
0

If I travelled to Spain and took a photo of a golf ball would that be a travel photo ?

And what if you don't travel in Spain, but you live there?  :)

« Reply #25 on: April 10, 2013, 03:29 »
0
Qwerty, you have asked the exact question I have often wondered about.  What IS a travel picture, someone with suitcases, or in a car.  It can't be scenic views because they have nothing to do with travel, although the photographer may have travelled there the actual scenes are there all the time and may have been photographed and submitted by locals  :)

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #26 on: April 10, 2013, 07:03 »
0
I think that a travel picture is a picture that illustrate a place where you can travel, the people living there, the activities that you can do there, generally a destination recommended by travel agencies.
So a travel picture should be a picture that can be used in a travel agency's catalog (site/communication).

But maybe there is a little confusion travel/landscape, and Fotolia refuses the landscape photos more that the travel ones.


ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #27 on: April 10, 2013, 07:23 »
0
Qwerty, you have asked the exact question I have often wondered about.  What IS a travel picture, someone with suitcases, or in a car.  It can't be scenic views because they have nothing to do with travel, although the photographer may have travelled there the actual scenes are there all the time and may have been photographed and submitted by locals  :)

Depends on the agency, presumably. iStock says the 'travel' keyword must relate to actually travelling. It also has keywords like 'travel destination', for popular tourist spots, which you, the photographer, don't actually need to have travelled to get to.

« Reply #28 on: April 10, 2013, 08:46 »
0
My best seller on fotolia is a seascape travel image. I've found it all over the net and they have sold it more than anyone, although I've earned more for it elsewhere.
I was thinking of putting some European travel photos on there but not sure if I will - may just stick with alamy for most of my travel. DT seems to sell the most travel, other than SS which sells the most of everything. 

RacePhoto

« Reply #29 on: April 10, 2013, 10:34 »
0
All yeses for all the answers.

I think that a travel picture is a picture that illustrate a place where you can travel, the people living there, the activities that you can do there, generally a destination recommended by travel agencies.
So a travel picture should be a picture that can be used in a travel agency's catalog (site/communication).

But maybe there is a little confusion travel/landscape, and Fotolia refuses the landscape photos more that the travel ones.

Depends on the agency, presumably. iStock says the 'travel' keyword must relate to actually travelling. It also has keywords like 'travel destination', for popular tourist spots, which you, the photographer, don't actually need to have travelled to get to.

Qwerty, you have asked the exact question I have often wondered about.  What IS a travel picture, someone with suitcases, or in a car.  It can't be scenic views because they have nothing to do with travel, although the photographer may have travelled there the actual scenes are there all the time and may have been photographed and submitted by locals  :)

Traveling is suitcases and a car, train or plane? It's the act of traveling, but unfortunately in English we can also describe taking a trip as Travel.

'travel destination' is a good way of defining what the subject is. But scenic and landscape can describe many of the views as well.

If I take a landscape of a travel destination with people in it, does it become Lifestyle? What the heck is Lifestyle? It's just as vague as "travel" and yes I understand the difference between Holiday in Europe and Holiday in the US. My little camper trailer is a "Caravan" over there.

So if I take a caravan on a holiday, and tell someone locally, they might wonder what I'm talking about. Or think I just rode a Camel on a day off.  ;)

England and America are two countries separated by the same language
GB Shaw

The same can be said for photographers, keywords, definitions and agency policy?

« Reply #30 on: April 10, 2013, 11:02 »
0
I think travel pics could be the act of travelling or places which attract tourism.

FT has so far been the only agency which sold EL for my travel pics, they do have travel agencies as their customers.

« Reply #31 on: April 10, 2013, 15:14 »
+1
My definition of a travel photo is "when I look at the photo, does it make me want to go there?"

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #32 on: April 10, 2013, 15:20 »
0
I think travel pics could be the act of travelling or places which attract tourism.

FT has so far been the only agency which sold EL for my travel pics, they do have travel agencies as their customers.
I've had ELs on iS on 'travel photos', but I don't know if they were used in a travel context.

Beppe Grillo

« Reply #33 on: April 11, 2013, 00:06 »
0
My definition of a travel photo is "when I look at the photo, does it make me want to go there?"
So if you are already there it is not a travel photo?

« Reply #34 on: April 11, 2013, 00:29 »
0
I think travel pics could be the act of travelling or places which attract tourism.

FT has so far been the only agency which sold EL for my travel pics, they do have travel agencies as their customers.
I've had ELs on iS on 'travel photos', but I don't know if they were used in a travel context.

Ah yes IS, I took down my uploads after reading on MSG .

« Reply #35 on: April 11, 2013, 10:43 »
0
I took my stuff on Fotolia down recently (poor sales), but they accepted images other agency would not and rejected a lot of images other agencies embraced. Out of all of the ones I tried, Fotolia was sure the toughest to gauge what they are after.

« Reply #36 on: April 11, 2013, 11:29 »
0
When I started stock  photography as a hobby the first agencies I submitted to were DT and FT. I always submitted the same pictures to both and it happened often that FT refused pictures accepted by DT and vice versa. My biggest seller (in downloads) is FT but in money it's more or less equal. The difference in number of downloads however is huge. DT 50 dl for 80$ - FT 150 dl for 80 (Fotolia pays me in ).  Since a while I also submit to SS and it outperforms both.



RacePhoto

« Reply #37 on: April 11, 2013, 21:10 »
0
Oh another good one, that's a better word for it. Tourism Good way to identify what it is.

Travel Destination, I think covers it well also.

We need a category for Tourist Traps too.  :)

I think travel pics could be the act of travelling or places which attract tourism.

FT has so far been the only agency which sold EL for my travel pics, they do have travel agencies as their customers.

This is Also good: I saw this kind of definition on an agency site as well.

My definition of a travel photo is "when I look at the photo, does it make me want to go there?"
« Last Edit: April 13, 2013, 13:08 by RacePhoto »

« Reply #38 on: April 11, 2013, 22:35 »
+1
My definition of a travel photo is "when I look at the photo, does it make me want to go there?"
So if you are already there it is not a travel photo?

Well, I suppose if someone took a photo of the inside of my gypsy travel trailer (where I look at other people's photos), I might not be inspired to make an epic journey (an already-there photo).  However, a really nice shot of the swamp down the road might entice me to drive a few miles (travel photo).

« Reply #39 on: April 16, 2013, 11:19 »
0
I've lived in New York my entire life (other than college). If I took a photo of Times Square it would be a travel destination (IMHO) even though it's less than an hours' drive or train ride from my house. If I took a macro photo of a flower in a garden in Paris, I wouldn't see it as a travel destination photo. Now, if it was an exotic bloom in the tropics, maybe it would be travel. If I took a sweeping landscape photo of the English moors that would be a travel destination. I think it's more about whether it is something unique to the place or something that could be anywhere. But it can be a close call. Food shots are often used by travel magazines, but you can get Vietnamese food in London and Japanese food in Paris - if a travel magazine is writing about restaurants, these would be travel. But they could be used for other purposes too. It's so subjective.

I have an editorial photo I took when I started with SS through their On the Red Carpet program of someone doing ashiatsu massage at an acting expo that my daughter was attending in NYC. For the past two years it has appeared in Fodor's Guide to Walt Disney World as a thumbnail in their spa section. So you never know.

Here's a link with the photo - I blogged about this subject "Is this Travel Photography?" (June 2012).

http://travelstockphotos.blogspot.com/

No travel keywords - I doubt that travel editors search for "travel" anyway. It's so broad. But I could be wrong.


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
11 Replies
5521 Views
Last post March 03, 2008, 19:07
by madelaide
10 Replies
3281 Views
Last post May 09, 2012, 14:13
by tab62
13 Replies
2803 Views
Last post November 15, 2012, 19:18
by trek
8 Replies
2580 Views
Last post November 27, 2012, 18:31
by ShadySue
5 Replies
2554 Views
Last post June 03, 2013, 15:25
by cuppacoffee

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors