Quote from: mtimber on September 19, 2010, 07:25

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on September 19, 2010, 06:54

This shot probably would be considered an isolation which the background is normally white. So, if a designer needs to add more white space they just expand the background and add more white. They could probably still expand the background with this image if  there's a little space so there's no reason for all of the extra space.
Could you explain what a designer might use this image for?

Trying to understand your point here. :-)
As it is on a graduated backdrop, it is not supposed to be a blown out background.
I pictured the space being used for text etc.
It is aimed at a certain segment of the market that needs and uses images of Antiques. :-)

My point is that you have created something that is so specific (rows of stacked antique cups leaning over) that a designer would need to be looking for that specific image in order for it to be useful. Are stacked antique cups in rows of three leaning over popular somewhere in the world? Like is this a traditional holiday scene somewhere? If not, then even if this does get accepted I'm guessing it will never sell or at best a couple times.

You may want to simplify the scene and do an isolation so it appeals to a wider range of buyers.

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on September 19, 2010, 07:39

Quote from: mtimber on September 19, 2010, 07:25

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on September 19, 2010, 06:54

This shot probably would be considered an isolation which the background is normally white. So, if a designer needs to add more white space they just expand the background and add more white. They could probably still expand the background with this image if  there's a little space so there's no reason for all of the extra space.
Could you explain what a designer might use this image for?

Trying to understand your point here. :-)
As it is on a graduated backdrop, it is not supposed to be a blown out background.
I pictured the space being used for text etc.
It is aimed at a certain segment of the market that needs and uses images of Antiques. :-)

My point is that you have created something that is so specific (rows of stacked antique cups leaning over) that a designer would need to be looking for that specific image in order for it to be useful. Are stacked antique cups in rows of three leaning over popular somewhere in the world? Like is this a traditional holiday scene somewhere? If not, then even if this does get accepted I'm guessing it will never sell or at best a couple times.

You may want to simplify the scene and do an isolation so it appeals to a wider range of buyers.

Yoy may very well have a fair point, which I will consider.

But people do want specific images of antiques, to use in publications.

Therefore an interesting shot, a generic shot, may be of value to people.

Maybe I am misunderstanding the psychology of stock?

Quote from: mtimber on September 19, 2010, 07:44

But people do want specific images of antiques, to use in publications.

Therefore an interesting shot, a generic shot, may be of value to people.

Maybe I am misunderstanding the psychology of stock?

In microstock world you should think about wide audiences. Images of specific antiquities would be much better sold as RM, for exemple at Alamy. One RM sale may earn you enough money, while 2 or 3 microstock sales propably won't. And I can't see these images to be downloaded much more times than that.

You have also problems with levels. And your cropping too; in the first image you have included lots of copy space on the right, yet you have cropped very tightly in the other directions, especially in the top.

I was going to answer with a detailed explanation but you don't seem to be hearing much of the advice being given here. And you're even disputing some of it.

How successful can someone be who only learns from what they want to hear...

So then offer some constructive advice...

Okay, here's some useful and friendly advice:

It's great that you want to 'up your game' in terms of technical quality - that should be everyone's goal whether they want to make money from their images or not. A big problem for you, as I see it, is that you're doing so by making imagery that has minimal commercial value and then trying to add it to the catalog of an agency that specializes in commercial imagery. See the problem here? You're currently heading down a long road where, at the end, your image-making skills will be much better than they are now, but you'll be really frustrated by your high rejection rate and low earnings - you'll undoubtedly be one of those who says "Microstock isn't worth it - too much effort, too little pay. There's no way anyone can make money doing this.", and that's not a place where you want to be.

Just know that commercial viability always trumps technical quality. If an image has technical flaws but is of superior commercial quality it just might be accepted, and if it's accepted it will sell. A technically superior image with minimal commercial value will likely be rejected - and even if it is accepted it probably won't sell. The whole point of submitting images to commercial agencies is to make money, and if you're not concerned with making money then you're missing the point, and will likely be wasting your time.

You are making a serious mistake by concentrating solely on the technical aspects of your image-making. If you choose to concentrate on only one aspect at a time, you'll be further ahead by adapting what and how you shoot to the commercial marketplace rather than jumping in to the technical "pixel-peeping" aspect of things.

Quote from: mtimber on September 19, 2010, 14:58

Would you say it is important to find a niche in the commercial marketplace?

Google my name.

Not very welcoming here is it?

Quote from: mtimber on September 19, 2010, 14:58

Would you say it is important to find a niche in the commercial marketplace?

Google my name.