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Author Topic: Moving on from IS exclusive  (Read 48206 times)

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michealo

« Reply #125 on: February 01, 2012, 05:47 »
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Similar numbers to stock Cube's I would have thought. I would be well happy with $100 a month (I get more with IS)


http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-272143p1.html


Her portfolio is better, a lot of your shots are peeling paint and urban snapshots, etc


Thanks for being so blunt.  Peeling paint does sell as well as the commercial stuff. These "snapshots" sell on IS. One thing I do see is that I can't get that colour punch with my Nikon D200. I don't have Photoshop, only the free Raw Shooter Essentials.

michealo- What about your work. Can we have a look ?  ;-)


My portfolio is irrelevant because I'm not complaining about lack of sales.

I would second the comments regarding software
and would recommend Lightroom (which is a free 30 day trial on mac or pc)


lagereek

« Reply #126 on: February 01, 2012, 06:40 »
0
Similar numbers to stock Cube's I would have thought. I would be well happy with $100 a month (I get more with IS)


http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-272143p1.html


Her portfolio is better, a lot of your shots are peeling paint and urban snapshots, etc


As with all Nikons, to get it spot on, you should really use NX, as a raw-converter, its optimized for Nikon and ,really you should work in PS or Elements. Lightroom is OK, but it tend to clip the reds and yellows which is a bummer.
All these third party softwares are really just generals, not optimized for anything. If you want to be serious about photography you should at least invest in proper softwares, or everything becomes just compromizes.

Thanks for being so blunt.  Peeling paint does sell as well as the commercial stuff. These "snapshots" sell on IS. One thing I do see is that I can't get that colour punch with my Nikon D200. I don't have Photoshop, only the free Raw Shooter Essentials.

michealo- What about your work. Can we have a look ?  ;-)


My portfolio is irrelevant because I'm not complaining about lack of sales.

I would second the comments regarding software
and would recommend Lightroom (which is a free 30 day trial on mac or pc)

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #127 on: February 01, 2012, 06:51 »
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What improvement would this software give from my Raw images other than using Raw shooter. Colour, saturation  ?

lagereek

« Reply #128 on: February 01, 2012, 08:49 »
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What improvement would this software give from my Raw images other than using Raw shooter. Colour, saturation  ?

Yes, the NX raw-converter give far superior colors, the right colors, etc, correct WB, etc plus a whole string of extras. A converter optimized for its camera system is in my opinion a must.
PS, well, thats the industry standard, dont see how anybody shooting digital can do without it.

Most third party softwares render artifacts, noise-red (even when its off) and still some sharpening even with sharpening set to zero. all this render in artifacts and ofcourse, rejections.

best.

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #129 on: February 01, 2012, 10:57 »
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So I need to spend over 100 on Nikon software JUST to convert RAW files AND need Photoshop or the like. Is that all the Nikon software does ?

lagereek

« Reply #130 on: February 01, 2012, 11:10 »
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So I need to spend over 100 on Nikon software JUST to convert RAW files AND need Photoshop or the like. Is that all the Nikon software does ?

Well mate, 100 bucks and youve done pretty well !  Ive got softwares here for over 10K.  PS, Binuscan, this and that,  I could probably open up a shop. :)
yeah, probably the most effective 100 bucks youll ever spend.

The Nikon NX, does a whole lot more then just convert, some I know, does all their PP, in NX.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2012, 11:12 by lagereek »

Phadrea

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« Reply #131 on: February 01, 2012, 11:47 »
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Why would you need to have that amount for software to open up a shop ? You must me made of money  ;)

If the Nikon software converts the Raw into a good Jpeg, isn't that all I need ?

lagereek

« Reply #132 on: February 01, 2012, 12:35 »
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Why would you need to have that amount for software to open up a shop ? You must me made of money  ;)

If the Nikon software converts the Raw into a good Jpeg, isn't that all I need ?

Yeah but I got other softwares for MF, Hasselblads and that kind of stuff. Anyway, reason you need NX and PS, is to set your parameters, highlights, shadows, exposure, hue and saturation, etc and both NX and PS, will give you a much superior jpg conversion to any third party software.

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #133 on: February 01, 2012, 13:01 »
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Ok, you are off my radar a bit because I am from the old school of using film (when I was at college 20 odd years ago) and digital is relatively new to me. I must admit, I should know more about it other than the basics picked up here and there but that's probably a college course in itself.

lagereek

« Reply #134 on: February 01, 2012, 14:04 »
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Ok, you are off my radar a bit because I am from the old school of using film (when I was at college 20 odd years ago) and digital is relatively new to me. I must admit, I should know more about it other than the basics picked up here and there but that's probably a college course in itself.

Dont worry, I am old school myself, all the way back to Velvia and Kodachrome 25. :)

« Reply #135 on: February 01, 2012, 15:19 »
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CNX is an awesome prog.  It does in a few clicks what it takes PS a lot of layers to achieve.  It's sharpening for example is vastly superior to what you get in photoshop - it cleans and defines without being noticeable or introducing artefacts.  I also use it for colour balance, levels adjustments, and I use the spot adjuster Colour Control Points a lot, they are worth the money alone.  If you go to the Nikon site they have some great video tutorials there which you can watch for free and then, as I said before, you can try the prog free for a month.  I always start my editing in CNX then export as a Tiff to Photoshop for sensor spot removal, cropping and a bunch of other things that I can't get CNX to do to my liking.  Final export as a JPEG and that way I have a Tiff copy if I later need to go back to re-edit.

I think it is a bit crazy to complain of low earnings and not be willing to shell out a hundred bucks for the very thing that can make your images more saleable - CNX.  It will be money well spent as it will come back to you many times over.
Best of luck

« Reply #136 on: February 01, 2012, 15:24 »
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ps - I am considering switching from Nikon back to Sony now that they have brought out the A77, but I would still use CNX for my editing for sure.  I will just get the Sony Raw converter to make me a Tiff then open it in CNX and go from there.

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #137 on: February 02, 2012, 03:11 »
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Having said all that, I have still had the sales on IS without all this software. I have converted Raw shooter edits into Tiffs and further editing in the free Gimp software. You can remove sensor spots in Raw shooter, adjust hue, tint, WB and all the other parameters. The trouble is, I can't afford the space to store a Tiff for every shot taken. My hard drive would be filled in no time. I think I tried the Nikon trial software when I got my D200 and didn't like it but I might have another go.

I have emailed support because I am convinced something is wrong. 0.25 c in 3 days with 354 images that have sold on IS. Yes, I never expected anything high but as folk keep saying, they get more downloads at SS with 10% of the images at IS. I think coming to these forums may have helped in my downfall because perhaps, and just perhaps there could be some SS admin watching here  :(
« Last Edit: February 02, 2012, 03:27 by Herg »

michealo

« Reply #138 on: February 02, 2012, 04:19 »
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Having said all that, I have still had the sales on IS without all this software. I have converted Raw shooter edits into Tiffs and further editing in the free Gimp software. You can remove sensor spots in Raw shooter, adjust hue, tint, WB and all the other parameters. The trouble is, I can't afford the space to store a Tiff for every shot taken. My hard drive would be filled in no time. I think I tried the Nikon trial software when I got my D200 and didn't like it but I might have another go.

I have emailed support because I am convinced something is wrong. 0.25 c in 3 days with 354 images that have sold on IS. Yes, I never expected anything high but as folk keep saying, they get more downloads at SS with 10% of the images at IS. I think coming to these forums may have helped in my downfall because perhaps, and just perhaps there could be some SS admin watching here  :(

It's funny lots of people spent time to give you feedback and help and rather than use those suggestions you choose instead to believe you are being victimised.

Get real

lagereek

« Reply #139 on: February 02, 2012, 04:43 »
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Having said all that, I have still had the sales on IS without all this software. I have converted Raw shooter edits into Tiffs and further editing in the free Gimp software. You can remove sensor spots in Raw shooter, adjust hue, tint, WB and all the other parameters. The trouble is, I can't afford the space to store a Tiff for every shot taken. My hard drive would be filled in no time. I think I tried the Nikon trial software when I got my D200 and didn't like it but I might have another go.

I have emailed support because I am convinced something is wrong. 0.25 c in 3 days with 354 images that have sold on IS. Yes, I never expected anything high but as folk keep saying, they get more downloads at SS with 10% of the images at IS. I think coming to these forums may have helped in my downfall because perhaps, and just perhaps there could be some SS admin watching here  :(

It's funny lots of people spent time to give you feedback and help and rather than use those suggestions you choose instead to believe you are being victimised.

Get real


Yeah, funny isnt it, some people think theres shortcuts to just about anything. :)

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #140 on: February 02, 2012, 05:37 »
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When did I say I was being "victimized" ?
« Last Edit: February 02, 2012, 05:51 by Herg »

PaulieWalnuts

  • We Have Exciting News For You
« Reply #141 on: February 02, 2012, 05:38 »
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Having said all that, I have still had the sales on IS without all this software. I have converted Raw shooter edits into Tiffs and further editing in the free Gimp software. You can remove sensor spots in Raw shooter, adjust hue, tint, WB and all the other parameters. The trouble is, I can't afford the space to store a Tiff for every shot taken. My hard drive would be filled in no time. I think I tried the Nikon trial software when I got my D200 and didn't like it but I might have another go.

I have emailed support because I am convinced something is wrong. 0.25 c in 3 days with 354 images that have sold on IS. Yes, I never expected anything high but as folk keep saying, they get more downloads at SS with 10% of the images at IS. I think coming to these forums may have helped in my downfall because perhaps, and just perhaps there could be some SS admin watching here  :(

Herg, it seems that no matter what you do it isn't working out and you're frustrated.

Maybe the title of this should have just been "Moving on".

Find something to do that you enjoy.


RacePhoto

« Reply #142 on: February 02, 2012, 06:30 »
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Yeah, funny isnt it, some people think theres shortcuts to just about anything. :)


What? There aren't? 

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #143 on: February 04, 2012, 08:15 »
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I have given up on SS and going to concentrate on my main earner which is IS (and that's still low). SS might be great for most people here but for me it has proved no returns on the time invested. I can't see it being any different from what it is now in the future. For me SS is the "Emperor's New Clothes" of microstock. With 1 or 2 sales a day of around 25 cents I can't understand how this can be sustainable.
« Last Edit: February 04, 2012, 08:18 by Herg »

« Reply #144 on: February 04, 2012, 08:41 »
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I have given up on SS and going to concentrate on my main earner which is IS (and that's still low). SS might be great for most people here but for me it has proved no returns on the time invested. I can't see it being any different from what it is now in the future. For me SS is the "Emperor's New Clothes" of microstock. With 1 or 2 sales a day of around 25 cents I can't understand how this can be sustainable.

income aint built in a day or two, not even one or two months, you need very good files and keep on working hard, uploading and trying to be better..

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #145 on: February 04, 2012, 08:44 »
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I have given up on SS and going to concentrate on my main earner which is IS (and that's still low). SS might be great for most people here but for me it has proved no returns on the time invested. I can't see it being any different from what it is now in the future. For me SS is the "Emperor's New Clothes" of microstock. With 1 or 2 sales a day of around 25 cents I can't understand how this can be sustainable.
You'll either have to go the whole hog and return to exclusivity :o or keep uploading to both sites and consider your returns at the end of a year.
Added:
There's no use in concentrating on IS yet accepting the lower %age from being indie.
IMHO, having jumped ship and started uploading to SS you should give it a few more months and submit equally and consider submitting to a wider range of agenices. You need to give independence a fair try to see if it's a better match for you over time.
« Last Edit: February 04, 2012, 13:28 by ShadySue »

PaulieWalnuts

  • We Have Exciting News For You
« Reply #146 on: February 04, 2012, 09:08 »
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I have given up on SS and going to concentrate on my main earner which is IS (and that's still low). SS might be great for most people here but for me it has proved no returns on the time invested. I can't see it being any different from what it is now in the future. For me SS is the "Emperor's New Clothes" of microstock. With 1 or 2 sales a day of around 25 cents I can't understand how this can be sustainable.

You're saying that both top earnings sites, IS and SS, are performing poorly for you. If one performed great, and the other didn't, the problem could be the agency.

If all sites are performing poorly what could that indicate? Maybe that the content you're producing isn't overly sellable?

If you want to sell more images, which it sounds like you do, maybe it's time to evaluate your work and determine what adjustments need to be made to make the concepts and appearance more attractive to buyers. Or, if you don't want to make adjustments and you like your style, maybe try to find a market other than micro where there's demand for your style such as prints.

« Reply #147 on: February 04, 2012, 09:26 »
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lets be real here.. you have 354 pictures, looking at my own portfolio which I think it is better than yours (talking about subjects) but still below average of a good portfolio, take a look at my stats, number of pictures and earnings from Mar 09 until Set 11

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONoItwr6ZOo/TqvrvfFYPoI/AAAAAAAAAzI/W2BL7X62QGU/s1600/sep%2Bearns%2B4.png

« Reply #148 on: February 04, 2012, 13:13 »
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When did I say I was being "victimized" ?

Herg, I have to say that it is not uncommon for groups to jump to conclusions without having all the facts. There are submitters at SS having port issues and some submitters on the site are experiencing significant bug issues that are impacting sales. So without all the facts who are we to say that your sales are low because they deserve to be low.  There is not such a great deal of difference between some of the links that have been bandied about and yours.

If there is something wrong I would not hold my breath until SS fixes it, because if it costs to much to repair they may leave the bugs as is until they impact the majority of submitters to the point they will no longer put up with them. As it stands there are many members who have not been hit  by SS bugs and until they have been, those people will continue to let their egos rule their opinions about your sales.

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #149 on: February 04, 2012, 14:18 »
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When did I say I was being "victimized" ?

Herg, I have to say that it is not uncommon for groups to jump to conclusions without having all the facts. There are submitters at SS having port issues and some submitters on the site are experiencing significant bug issues that are impacting sales. So without all the facts who are we to say that your sales are low because they deserve to be low.  There is not such a great deal of difference between some of the links that have been bandied about and yours.

If there is something wrong I would not hold my breath until SS fixes it, because if it costs to much to repair they may leave the bugs as is until they impact the majority of submitters to the point they will no longer put up with them. As it stands there are many members who have not been hit  by SS bugs and until they have been, those people will continue to let their egos rule their opinions about your sales.

Thankyou. At last someone is thinking on my level. There is a climate of ivory tower-isms  going on here with sardonic remarks about people's work. I am aware it isn't perfect, and yes we all have room for improvement but from the comments I have had publicly and privately it has a variety of subject matter and there are some good images . That is why I have been reluctant to post a link of my work. I know for certain that something technical must be wrong because I am still getting better sales at IS minus my crown. It doesn't take much to work out I should be getting as good, if not better sales at SS (going by what people report here and the stats to the right of the forum lists)
« Last Edit: February 04, 2012, 14:20 by Herg »


 

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