Author Topic: Photos of cities (Read 7943 times)

HappyBunny · « **on:** June 18, 2016, 02:30 »

I am going to Istanbul soon. Is it worth it to upload the very best photos of cities on macrostock agency Alamy? I don't want to sell them so cheap. Is it possible to sell them to more than one macrostock agency? Do I need a better camera than my 20 MP Sony RX100M3 to sell to macrostock agencies? Why would customers pay a lot on a macrostock website when they can get the same images on microstock?

Pauws99 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2016, 04:14 »

Maybe but do a search on alamy to see what your up against. btw have you been accepted on there and do they allow your camera (they have an approved list)

HappyBunny · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2016, 04:47 »

I have seen images on Offset.com. Some are not that special. Some are. The question is if my camera is good enough. I find the 70mm lens already badly restricting. My old camera has a better zoom.

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Pauws99 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2016, 05:21 »

155,000 images on Istanbul on Alamy! I find a mid range zoom (24-120) best for cities as you can't always get to where you ideally want to be. I would say try and capture something that tells a story not just a lovely picture of a building........Personally I take pictures of cities as I enjoy it and I do sell a few but its probably only going to pay for a coffee in the airport ;-).

HappyBunny · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2016, 05:52 »

I have taken travel photos for years but for myself. I took photos of what I liked when I passed it and not in golden hour. I only submitted one to microstock and it sold. It's a shame that I am only there for 2 days. Then I am off to Bahrain. Great images on Alamy. I will try to shoot in JPEG and RAW. My images are not sharp enough. My old 15 MP camera makes better, sharper Jpegs. I submitted 4 images to SS and were accepted but they were food photos. If I do well and my camera, I don't want to get just 0.25 for an XXL download. I just sold an image in XXL and got 0.25. I clicked on RF only on Alamy and then on Rights Managed only. The same prices came up. Is that possible? I thought they charge more for rights managed images. How she's someone get into Getty without uploading through EyeEm? EyeEm doesn't even have an FTP uploader. I am not sure. Just had a quick look yesterday and can't even with out from what they pay 50%.

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HappyBunny · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2016, 05:57 »

I had stormy clouds two small patches. I can't describe but it. On the right hand side the moon. Not dark not even blue hour. Can you imagine my disappointment with my 70mm lens when the round moon appeared to be just a tiny white dot. And the moon was so close.

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increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2016, 06:08 »

Here is some inspiration:

Any major city in the world has been heavily documented and there are thousands upon thousands of pictures on any stock agency. Make sure it's exceptional or unusual. You can count on that there are already perfect pictures of the landmarks that will show up first in search on every site.

That being said, I started late but I sell city stuff, mostly video however since I do more time consuming stuff like hyper lapses.

For the exceptional city skyline pictures you're best off with a medium format camera or by taking several pictures and stitching them together for ultimate sharpness.

HappyBunny · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2016, 07:21 »

Wow, your video is great. Normally when on holidays I take the video camera and my husband the camera because he can't hold the video camera steady enough. I only just started editing photos for microstock. I can't even imagine editing videos. I now have the tiny bit better camera and intend to shoot photos this time rather than running to my husband to take the camera off him. Well, he now has his own camera. I intend to take photos only mornings and afternoons, evenings otherwise my husband will go mad with me taking photos all the time. When I told him I want to shoot a hyperlapse he already went mad. He is worried using a tripod in such a busy city. I am trying to keep it simply and concentrate on getting good photos but on the other hand I would love to try shooting a timelapse. Just not enough time to practice here now. Hhhmm, there are thousands of images of the Blue Mosque. Makes me wonder if they do need another one. What's the point getting up at 4 in the morning for something they already have? However if that's my attitude I could also say what's the point of adding another image of anything to microstock. They seem to have thousands of images of everything.

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increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2016, 07:38 »

Oh, I wish that was MY video, but it isn't

- great inspiration though.

Regarding hyperlapses, like some of the shots in that video, you don't need a tripod for those - only if you absolutely want lots of motion blur. If you can live with little to no motion blur it is much easier to shoot hyperlapses handheld. However, the post-processing is what really takes time. You really have to use After Effects and Warp Stabilizer or it will be a total shaky mess - tripod or not. Only if you have a long rail or shoot from a boat/train/car will you avoid this.

This post-processing takes hours so I would start with static timelapses from a tripod if you haven't done it before. No need for stabilizing for hours after...

Pauws99 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2016, 08:06 »

"However if that's my attitude I could also say what's the point of adding another image of anything to microstock. They seem to have thousands of images of everything. " Very true I have sold a few pictures of some well shot places and to be honest I wouldn't buy them compared with the competition you just never know

Asthebelltolls · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2016, 08:07 »

And if you're looking for timelapse inspiration, check this one out.
It surpasses anything I've ever seen IMO.

http://retouchist.net/blog-1/2016/6/9/this-filmmaker-just-out-time-lapsed-everyone

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2016, 08:17 »

Quote from: Asthebelltolls on June 18, 2016, 08:07

And if you're looking for timelapse inspiration, check this one out.
It surpasses anything I've ever seen IMO.

http://retouchist.net/blog-1/2016/6/9/this-filmmaker-just-out-time-lapsed-everyone

Yes, it's astonishing. We can all go home now, haha. Good thing no one has the time to do all places in the world! There might still be hope.

Dumc · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2016, 10:41 »

So, can someone tell me whats the difference between time lapse or using a normal video camera and recording the same stuff and then just fast forward it?

Rick D · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2016, 10:53 »

Quote from: Dumc on June 18, 2016, 10:41

So, can someone tell me whats the difference between time lapse or using a normal video camera and recording the same stuff and then just fast forward it?

Time Lapse is usually a frame taken at a set interval (e.g. 1 every second), then stitched together to make a full motion video. As standard video is 25 / 30 / 60 frames per second depending on the format it takes 30 shots to make one second of footage, so every second is 30 seconds of real life. Mutliply this by 5 minutes and you have 300 seconds to fill, at 30 frames per second that's 9000 frames, so will take 9000 seconds to shoot the images to make that video. There is more to it than that such as what settings to use on your camera to make the motion smoother etc... and the guy in the link above has just gone next level times 100.

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2016, 11:11 »

Quote from: Dumc on June 18, 2016, 10:41

So, can someone tell me whats the difference between time lapse or using a normal video camera and recording the same stuff and then just fast forward it?

The only real difference is quality (resolution and flexibility in post) - AND exposure time = more motion blur and you can shoot in the dark. You shoot 21+MP RAW photos with a lot more flexibility. If you film during the same amount of time you just throw away a lot of data and get a lower quality final result.

If you were to shoot RAW video for 30 minutes to 3-4 hours it would eat up your hard drive collection. And I don't know of any camera that can shoot 21MP RAW 24p...

cascoly · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2016, 13:03 »

I've used this 'intervalometer' which automatically takes images at any time interval

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Time+lapse+intervalometer+remote+timer

then I use adobe premiere elements to stitch together; you can do a bulk resize to sharpen

example:
http://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-2717687-stock-footage-time-lapse-salad-prep-smash-peel-and-dice-garlic-cloves-slice-mushrooms.html

Astonished · « **Reply #16 on:** June 18, 2016, 15:14 »

Quote from: HappyBunny on June 18, 2016, 02:30

I am going to Istanbul soon. Is it worth it to upload the very best photos of cities on macrostock agency Alamy? I don't want to sell them so cheap. Is it possible to sell them to more than one macrostock agency? Do I need a better camera than my 20 MP Sony RX100M3 to sell to macrostock agencies? Why would customers pay a lot on a macrostock website when they can get the same images on microstock?

Most macro stock agencies require image exclusivity, I don't think any photographer would put the same images on macro and micro, no matter if it's allowed or not. It's like shooting yourself in the foot.
I don't know every macro stock agency out there but most of them accept mobile phone images, so your Sony should be good enough.
With the quality of the cameras nowadays it should be the least of your worries.

jamiehooper · « **Reply #17 on:** June 18, 2016, 19:52 »

Re-think exactly what microstock is.
I live in a small city on the west coast of US. Since I'm already there I can find JUST the right light, clouds, and day to do top notch stock images of it. I only have a couple of skylines online (one day with clouds, one at night) but they sell on a regular basis because designers and companies here (and in every city )need stock.
So, say you're a designer or blogger in London. You can choose from thousands of fabulous images of London. Even great shots get diluted in that volume. But if a local business or blogger needs something of my city there are only about 8 skyline images to choose from, (including mine) so I get consistent sales year after year. The smaller city you live in, the better chance you have of selling images of that city - especially if its NOT a tourist destination.

And (to my opening sentence) its not many shots you upload.
It's about how many shots you sell.
Keep your eyes on the prize.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2016, 01:20 »

Quote from: jamiehooper on June 18, 2016, 19:52

Re-think exactly what microstock is.
I live in a small city on the west coast of US. Since I'm already there I can find JUST the right light, clouds, and day to do top notch stock images of it. I only have a couple of skylines online (one day with clouds, one at night) but they sell on a regular basis because designers and companies here (and in every city )need stock.
So, say you're a designer or blogger in London. You can choose from thousands of fabulous images of London. Even great shots get diluted in that volume. But if a local business or blogger needs something of my city there are only about 8 skyline images to choose from, (including mine) so I get consistent sales year after year. The smaller city you live in, the better chance you have of selling images of that city - especially if its NOT a tourist destination.

And (to my opening sentence) its not many shots you upload.
It's about how many shots you sell.
Keep your eyes on the prize.

I sell more of local places I know well so yes from a business point of view you are right but I also like to shoot what I enjoy and it can be surprising what gaps there are even in well covered places.

alno · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2016, 02:35 »

Quote from: increasingdifficulty on June 18, 2016, 11:11

Quote from: Dumc on June 18, 2016, 10:41
So, can someone tell me whats the difference between time lapse or using a normal video camera and recording the same stuff and then just fast forward it?

The only real difference is quality (resolution and flexibility in post) - AND exposure time = more motion blur and you can shoot in the dark. You shoot 21+MP RAW photos with a lot more flexibility. If you film during the same amount of time you just throw away a lot of data and get a lower quality final result.

If you were to shoot RAW video for 30 minutes to 3-4 hours it would eat up your hard drive collection. And I don't know of any camera that can shoot 21MP RAW 24p...

You are completely right. And if you are using more than 4K RAW photos you can even add some zoom and motion to your 4K timelapse in post.

HappyBunny · « **Reply #20 on:** June 20, 2016, 02:26 »

I don't intend to upload the same images to microstock and macrostock. I intend to upload the best only to macrostock. Well, maybe they won't be as great as I hope some of them to be. Good idea taking photos in London. Unfortunately it's quite far. A 4 hours drive. I live in a small but once famous Victorian seaside town. I can wait for blue skies with fluffy white clouds and take lots of photos of the pier.

However, when I checked on microstock, not one image of the view already taken by others, not one image of the pier was ever bought. I can wait for good weather and go to Cardiff. That city also has disappointing downloads on DT. Well, I will only be in Istanbul for 2 days. My husband is already begging to let that be a holiday and not to take photos non stop. We have always taken photos and videos on holidays but now he is really worried that I will stand in front of the Blue Mosque for 8 hours taking photos. I might come back with only holiday slapshots because of a nagging husband.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 20, 2016, 03:03 »

Luckily I have an understanding partner.......but I think think she's beginning to realise that the line about paying for our holidays is wildly optimistic!!! I'm only an hour from London by train so I usually combine a phototrip with going to concerts etc. That way any income is "profit" and one or two trips have actually resulted in some very nice sales.

Have you looked at Zazzle I don't sell much on there either but I do like the buzz of someone buying a postcard even if I only get a few cents

HappyBunny · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2016, 03:47 »

I am on Redbubble but have not sold anything yet. Maybe because only my art images are on Redbubble. The type of image that people hang up on the wall.
Great idea combining London with going to a concert. We are invited by friends to visit them in Bahrain. I didn't want to fly non stop with my health problems and wanted to combine it with a mini holiday. I would have stayed longer in Istanbul. We will have only 2 days in Istanbul. I can dance around one flower for a long time to take several shots and my husband gets very impatient. Maybe I will get faster once I have more practice. Macro flower photography is new to me. Well, I won't dance around a flower in Istanbul. I hope to see some of the tourist attractions. I would love to take some people photos for microstock with my friends but I am not sure how to ask them for model release form signature... Maybe it is also rude to take photos when being invited by them. What do you think? I never get the chance to take people photos. Thes

HappyBunny · « **Reply #23 on:** June 20, 2016, 03:51 »

Pauws99, if you ever visit Cardiff and fancy to meet let me know. Do bring your wife. We do have a huge new modern shopping mall. We can send our partners shopping while we take photos.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 20, 2016, 06:38 »

Quote from: HappyBunny on June 20, 2016, 03:51

Pauws99, if you ever visit Cardiff and fancy to meet let me know. Do bring your wife. We do have a huge new modern shopping mall. We can send our partners shopping while we take photos.

Don't think I've been to Cardiff but been on Pembroke coast walking, Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons all very beautiful.

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #25 on:** June 20, 2016, 13:30 »

Quote from: HappyBunny on June 20, 2016, 02:26

That city also has disappointing downloads on DT.

I wouldn't go by DT numbers. They don't sell much nowadays compared to Shutterstock. You can't see the numbers there anymore but if you see 1 download on DT that could easily mean 10-20 or more at SS.

at.flashstock · « **Reply #26 on:** June 23, 2016, 12:30 »

My company, flashstock.com, is currently doing a massive campaign across most of the US for photos of destination cities. We have 45 more places to go before september.

We are similar to a stock house, but all the requests are custom ordered from client, agency style.

Feel free to sign up, we need more microstockers! Better rates and MUCH higher acceptance rates than the majority of stock sites because we cap contributors based on needs. Application form is at newbielink:http://www.flashstock.com/contributors [nonactive]

ShadySue · « **Reply #27 on:** June 23, 2016, 12:35 »

Quote from: at.flashstock on June 23, 2016, 12:30

"we cap contributors based on needs."

What does this mean? The statement is pretty ambiguous.

at.flashstock · « **Reply #28 on:** June 23, 2016, 12:46 »

Quote from: ShadySue on June 23, 2016, 12:35

Quote from: at.flashstock on June 23, 2016, 12:30
"we cap contributors based on needs."
What does this mean? The statement is pretty ambiguous.

Many stock sites have open submissions for assignments, like Imagebrief. In those cases you may have hundreds of people submitting photos to match the brief, making chances of getting your images accepted low. Based on how many images we need to deliver to clientele, we'll cap the maximum amount of contributors for that project. This way we are forced to accept at least some images (unless they are unbelievably off breif) from everyone who signs up to submit. This keeps our network happy and paid, and still obtains good variety for clients. We also have flat rated assignments.

Feel free to PM for more, I would love to have more of the microstock community working with us.

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Author Topic: Photos of cities (Read 7943 times)

HappyBunny

Pauws99

HappyBunny

Pauws99

HappyBunny

HappyBunny

increasingdifficulty

HappyBunny

increasingdifficulty

Pauws99

Asthebelltolls

increasingdifficulty

Dumc

Rick D

increasingdifficulty

cascoly

Astonished

jamiehooper

Pauws99

alno

HappyBunny

Pauws99

HappyBunny

HappyBunny

Pauws99

increasingdifficulty

at.flashstock

ShadySue

at.flashstock

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