Author Topic: Istock guarantee? (Read 13076 times)

Albert Martin · « **on:** October 27, 2009, 19:24 »

Thus I am not contributor on Istockphoto or even any other micro, I've heard some designers complaining about there are many copies of works of independent authors from other sites on istock. Members of istock use other agencies to get inspired with their works and then make great money due to that.

Lately I've read some post from Akaiser who was falsely accused for 'abusive inspiration' (whatever that may mean) with comparing two similar, but not as close similar images to get such sanctions as disabling them. I am sure there are some other authors who suffer because of such twisted policy on istock.

Thank God that I am on macro agencies where this stupidity isn't happening!

ichiro17 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2009, 19:37 »

Yet you are on a micro forum complaining about it even though it doesn't even apply to you. If you don't want to be part of this, why even participate in the forum?

vonkara · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2009, 23:01 »

Hahaha macro dinosaur upsizing images for dinosaur designers. If you look around your neibourhood you will see only microstock images, from the biggest microstockers. It's normal that people copy microstock IMO

Artemis · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2009, 00:04 »

Quote from: Vonkara on October 27, 2009, 23:01

Hahaha macro dinosaur upsizing images for dinosaur designers. If you look around your neibourhood you will see only microstock images, from the biggest microstockers. It's normal that people copy microstock IMO

When i look around in *my* neighbourhood i definitely dont see only microstock images from the biggest microstockers (when i think typical microstock images i think Yuri Arcurs and his clones; and a big cheesy pool of uninspired handshakes, headsets, office and lifestyleshoots) but often very inspired , original and creative ideas and images.
There's inspiration and there's copying; i find the latter lame, lazy, cheap and much more, definitely not "normal".
Upon what do you base this "dinosaur images for dinosaur designers"?

Albert Martin · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2009, 03:18 »

I suppose that dinosaur is term for duying species and that is not even close to wanishing macro ;-)

Why I am concerned and why I look around?

Maybe just because I have some friends who are selling on microstock and told me to think about uploading there. Now, before I do so I do my research on some rules.

Rules on microstock are quite selective for some people and there is plenty of double standards on some agencies.

That is something I observe and trying to persuade myself that I am wrong. But, as things look like there can not be clean space regarding some stupid rules, stupid policies and false moral norms.

FD · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2009, 03:58 »

Copying concepts that are easy to reshoot has become the norm apparently on stock. Although the practice can be easily called 'infringement' (derivative work), it is so widespread that it is like fighting a tidal wave. Whenever you have a well selling concept, you can be sure that the lurking copycats will reshoot it and 6 months later your own shot slowly gets drowned on page 2 or 3.

It happens everywhere and in all directions, so I don't understand why you are singling out iStock exclusives. Adding to that, I don't believe designers/buyers do care for it. As long as they have the shots they want, it's just fine.

loop · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2009, 05:51 »

Well, there's a well established modality that consists on copying ideas adn photos from Istockexclusives an uploading them everywhere exept at istock, I suppose that in order to avoid trouble. I've been a victim of that many times.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2009, 08:07 »

Sounds like someone got re-ject-ed...

Feel free to post your images here for critique.

FD · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:00 »

Quote from: sjlocke on October 28, 2009, 08:07

Sounds like someone got re-ject-ed...

That or Wild Dingo is back.

bittersweet · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:42 »

The random group of designers overheard to be discussing/complaining about "copying" at istock seems the most farfetched part of the whole thing.

Besides, as Loop mentioned, in my experience it more commonly works the other way around.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 29, 2009, 05:07 »

Looking at what you all said I am a bit more determined not to upload on micros ;-)

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #11 on:** October 29, 2009, 06:17 »

Whew! I'm sure we all just breathed a sigh of relief. :p

Albert Martin · « **Reply #12 on:** October 31, 2009, 03:33 »

I've looked through istock search. They really have enough copies of ideas indeed on site alone. As well other micros. Seems that thousands of amateurs are learning how to shoot copying other amateurs concepts and ideas.

It is not illegal to copy ideas at all if you bring your own expression through them. But, looking at handshakes or mobile phone people shots and some other concepts there I was laughing very loud.

Hopefully I will retain my sales on macros due to my production isn't so cheap as most of what I saw on micros. I might upload some of my crap-shots and tests on micros, just to see how it goes ;-)

Fyletto · « **Reply #13 on:** October 31, 2009, 03:53 »

Well, you are in the wrong forum... Do you really think that micro work is just a crap ? You really do not understand it, that is clear, my friend... Technical requierements are often higher than macros and people are learning fast along with muh higher micro standards. If you compare it to some macro dinosaurs, you would clearly see, how much progress did micros make over the last few years... And future development along with new products will cut even bigger piece of cake of macro segmwnt. Perhaps you even would have not been accepted to some micros, if you tried.. And as of guarrantees and copying ? As I said before, micros and authors learn fast. This will be crucial for their further success...

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #14 on:** October 31, 2009, 07:59 »

Gosh, please don't upload your crap shots. I don't think we all could stand the competition.

ichiro17 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 31, 2009, 08:59 »

while you are at it, stop logging in under different aliases and being a douchebag on this forum, dude

gostwyck · « **Reply #16 on:** October 31, 2009, 09:40 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on October 31, 2009, 03:33

Hopefully I will retain my sales on macros due to my production isn't so cheap as most of what I saw on micros. I might upload some of my crap-shots and tests on micros, just to see how it goes ;-)

You might want to check out Dreamstime's 'Editor's Choice' containing about 8000 images which they've selected to promote their new posters/prints offer;

http://www.dreamstime.com/best-stock-photos

There's some breathtakingly good imagery there and of course that's without the input of the Istock exclusives many of whom produce outstanding microstock work.

Do feel free to give us a link to your fantastic work too so that we can judge it for ourselves. Don't be shy.

vonkara · « **Reply #17 on:** October 31, 2009, 11:02 »

Quote from: sjlocke on October 31, 2009, 07:59

Gosh, please don't upload your crap shots. I don't think we all could stand the competition.

LMFAO XD

Peter · « **Reply #18 on:** October 31, 2009, 11:16 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on October 29, 2009, 05:07

Looking at what you all said I am a bit more determined not to upload on micros ;-)

more money for us!

Albert Martin · « **Reply #19 on:** November 01, 2009, 09:37 »

Quote from: Fyletto on October 31, 2009, 03:53

Well, you are in the wrong forum... Do you really think that micro work is just a crap ? You really do not understand it, that is clear, my friend... Technical requierements are often higher than macros and people are learning fast along with muh higher micro standards. If you compare it to some macro dinosaurs, you would clearly see, how much progress did micros make over the last few years... And future development along with new products will cut even bigger piece of cake of macro segmwnt. Perhaps you even would have not been accepted to some micros, if you tried.. And as of guarrantees and copying ? As I said before, micros and authors learn fast. This will be crucial for their further success...

I didn't tried to get accepted yet. I do my homework before any action I take! This thread is one part of my homework...

Albert Martin · « **Reply #20 on:** November 01, 2009, 09:45 »

Quote from: gostwyck on October 31, 2009, 09:40

Quote from: Albert Martin on October 31, 2009, 03:33
Hopefully I will retain my sales on macros due to my production isn't so cheap as most of what I saw on micros. I might upload some of my crap-shots and tests on micros, just to see how it goes ;-)

You might want to check out Dreamstime's 'Editor's Choice' containing about 8000 images which they've selected to promote their new posters/prints offer;

http://www.dreamstime.com/best-stock-photos

There's some breathtakingly good imagery there and of course that's without the input of the Istock exclusives many of whom produce outstanding microstock work.

Do feel free to give us a link to your fantastic work too so that we can judge it for ourselves. Don't be shy.

6,500,000 images on that agency and only such small number of 'editor's choice'... Well, I am really pleased to see some of that work showing up on micros... But, most of other 6.494000 images aren't such quality.
I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies... It is OUT to put my work here for any sort of critic.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #21 on:** November 01, 2009, 09:52 »

Quote from: sjlocke on October 31, 2009, 07:59

Gosh, please don't upload your crap shots. I don't think we all could stand the competition.

Regarding that I've seen some of your work I can tell you do your shots very well! Thus, most of them are very cheap to produce and because of that very easy to copy... I don't do such cheap shootings for production - but, I have plenty of similar test shots I've took before real production shootings!

ShadySue · « **Reply #22 on:** November 01, 2009, 10:30 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 01, 2009, 09:45

I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies... It is OUT to put my work here for any sort of critic.

Well, generally it's put up or shut up. It seems hardly fair to patronise Sean, who didn't ask for your remarks, without being willing to have reciprocation.
Your choice.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #23 on:** November 01, 2009, 10:31 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 01, 2009, 10:30

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 01, 2009, 09:45
I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies... It is OUT to put my work here for any sort of critic.

Well, generally it's put up or shut up. It seems hardly fair to patronise Sean, who didn't ask for your remarks, without being willing to have reciprocation.
Your choice.

This advocating is very funny dear Sue ;-)

Added: I really like your animal shots - they are great!

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2009, 10:36 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 01, 2009, 09:45

I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies... It is OUT to put my work here for any sort of critic.

Well, I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies.

So, as Sue said, put up or shut up.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #25 on:** November 01, 2009, 10:43 »

Quote from: sjlocke on November 01, 2009, 10:36

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 01, 2009, 09:45
I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies... It is OUT to put my work here for any sort of critic.

Well, I won't allow you to criticize my work because it is sold to very big companies as well to worlds top advertising agencies.

So, as Sue said, put up or shut up.

I already said it is OUT to put up my work here.

Shutting up is not something you will not get from me either ;-)

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #26 on:** November 01, 2009, 10:53 »

Then as far as I'm concerned, you have no work. Anything you say can just be tossed as you have nothing to back up your rants.

Eventually, you will bore of your game and disappear like the rest of your type.

gostwyck · « **Reply #27 on:** November 01, 2009, 11:38 »

I've found our friend. It looks like Albert, as well as being one of the world's top stock shooters, is also available for Bar Mitzvahs and children's parties;

http://www.albertmartinphotography.com/

vonkara · « **Reply #28 on:** November 01, 2009, 11:42 »

Quote from: gostwyck on November 01, 2009, 11:38

I've found our friend. It looks like Albert, as well as being one of the world's top stock shooters, is also available for Bar Mitzvahs and children's parties;

http://www.albertmartinphotography.com/

Hehe! Still, where is his professional stock portfolio on those macro agencies. Then we could see the number of licence sold.

Edit: Can't find anything using the first 5 Google pages. Now why you came here exactly Mr Martin? Not only for copying issues... really

lisafx · « **Reply #29 on:** November 01, 2009, 15:58 »

Quote from: gostwyck on November 01, 2009, 11:38

I've found our friend. It looks like Albert, as well as being one of the world's top stock shooters, is also available for Bar Mitzvahs and children's parties;

http://www.albertmartinphotography.com/

I would be willing to bet that the "Albert Martin" who is trolling this forum is not the one whose smugmug port is linked above. I think poor Albert is just being used as a hapless disguise.

I definitely detect the tone and style of one (or should I say a dozen or so) of our old familiar trolls. Also noticed we have a "new member" named Batman too. Feels like old times around here...

ichiro17 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2009, 19:37 »

This is a joke. Its people like this that just ruin it for everyone.

You must be a real douchebag if you can criticize someone with over a half-million downloads and think you are right

I hope you do apply to iStock, and I hope they reject you so many times it hurts physically. Then we can hear you b!tch about that too. Go take pictures of butterflies or something

Albert Martin · « **Reply #31 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:48 »

As for that port you've found - it is not me ;-)
As for rest of your comments: Please don't be so frustrated about my decision. I really don't fell I should enclose any of my work to you because you are very 'nasty' and 'mean' people regarding what you've wrote here.
I see that you are frustrated with having me not willing to show my work and still you won't see it unless you really know me. People who know me show their respect - unlikely as you here!

RT · « **Reply #32 on:** November 02, 2009, 06:27 »

Having your work copied is not something unique to microstock it's been happening since the dawn of stock ( I was surprised from your initial post that you don't think this happens in macro agencies), the only difference is that it's more prevalant on microstock agencies because they publish the numbers and to some extent encourage it, a number of us are against download figures being publicised but it's part of the whole microstock crowd sourcing agenda.

Whether you want to show your work is entirely down to you, but if you choose not too you can hardly complain if others then form the opinion that what you say is without worth.

My other observation is that any photographer wanting to succeed in this business should delete the shots they themselves think are crap, for someone claiming to be a successful photographer that is a very unusual statement to make.

Could you give an explanation of your comment:
"I don't do such cheap shootings for production - but, I have plenty of similar test shots I've took before real production shootings!"

loop · « **Reply #33 on:** November 02, 2009, 07:21 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 02, 2009, 04:48

As for that port you've found - it is not me ;-)
As for rest of your comments: Please don't be so frustrated about my decision. I really don't fell I should enclose any of my work to you because you are very 'nasty' and 'mean' people regarding what you've wrote here.
I see that you are frustrated with having me not willing to show my work and still you won't see it unless you really know me. People who know me show their respect - unlikely as you here!

It's not frustratyion, it's just incredulity. In my case, I don't believe at all that you are what, with so much effort, you pretend to be.

ichiro17 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 02, 2009, 09:00 »

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 02, 2009, 04:48

As for that port you've found - it is not me ;-)
As for rest of your comments: Please don't be so frustrated about my decision. I really don't fell I should enclose any of my work to you because you are very 'nasty' and 'mean' people regarding what you've wrote here.
I see that you are frustrated with having me not willing to show my work and still you won't see it unless you really know me. People who know me show their respect - unlikely as you here!

I don't want to speak for everyone, but in my opinion, you don't deserve anyone's respect and I don't think anyone should give you this respect or acceptance that you desire because you have not earned it. You have earned the label of being troll and a joke.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #35 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:32 »

Quote from: ichiro17 on November 02, 2009, 09:00

Quote from: Albert Martin on November 02, 2009, 04:48
As for that port you've found - it is not me ;-)
As for rest of your comments: Please don't be so frustrated about my decision. I really don't fell I should enclose any of my work to you because you are very 'nasty' and 'mean' people regarding what you've wrote here.
I see that you are frustrated with having me not willing to show my work and still you won't see it unless you really know me. People who know me show their respect - unlikely as you here!

I don't want to speak for everyone, but in my opinion, you don't deserve anyone's respect and I don't think anyone should give you this respect or acceptance that you desire because you have not earned it. You have earned the label of being troll and a joke.

Thank You! Very persuasive comment. That is why I won't give you satisfaction to see my work... Maybe you already saw it - but you aren't aware YET!

;-)

traveler1116 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:39 »

This is pointless, let's move on. A troll, is a troll, is a troll. If there is a point make it, if not let's all move on.

HughStoneIan · « **Reply #37 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:58 »

Merrily we troll along, troll along, troll along.....

Seriously, folks. Please don't feed the trolls. They thrive on the attention that they lacked and longed for as children. They don't understand that forums are a very inadequate replacement for that attention. Leave them alone and they soon go away to seek validation elsewhere.
Sniff.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #38 on:** November 02, 2009, 18:37 »

There is one comic I saw:

It is showing a man sitting in front of computer.
His wife calls him and he responds:
-Sorry dear, someone is wrong on internet!

What to say further? It is pointless here...

Albert Martin · « **Reply #39 on:** November 02, 2009, 18:45 »

Quote from: RT on November 02, 2009, 06:27

Having your work copied is not something unique to microstock it's been happening since the dawn of stock ( I was surprised from your initial post that you don't think this happens in macro agencies), the only difference is that it's more prevalant on microstock agencies because they publish the numbers and to some extent encourage it, a number of us are against download figures being publicised but it's part of the whole microstock crowd sourcing agenda.

Whether you want to show your work is entirely down to you, but if you choose not too you can hardly complain if others then form the opinion that what you say is without worth.

My other observation is that any photographer wanting to succeed in this business should delete the shots they themselves think are crap, for someone claiming to be a successful photographer that is a very unusual statement to make.

Could you give an explanation of your comment:
"I don't do such cheap shootings for production - but, I have plenty of similar test shots I've took before real production shootings!"

No. If that is not clear enough as I already said then you'll never understand ;-)