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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photo Critique => Topic started by: Steve on August 17, 2008, 15:44

Title: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: Steve on August 17, 2008, 15:44
Trying to decide if anything I'm doing is good enough / useful as microstock:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2771442041_52d1be7852.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2771441829_c2fb7775fe.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2771441491_cd72611056.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2771440837_0fd179fcf8.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2772287838_c95a631d14.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2772287244_3da4003c42_m.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2772287026_3c295dfed8.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: takestock on August 17, 2008, 15:49
I would go with image 5 - "Steel Girders" as the most saleable.
Not to criicise, but there may be a slight problem with the left side focus which fussy reviewers could knock you on.

Best of luck!
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: leaf on August 17, 2008, 17:14
i would pic the first as most saleable.

the others are a cross between a good background image, and a picture of something... but neither one totally... i would suggest backing up and take the whole object, or moving in and making it a nice background shot.

either way though, you can always upload them and see what the reviewers think.
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: MicrostockExp on August 17, 2008, 17:27
I would pick the 1st one , some potential there.Number 5 with some retouching maybe
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: photoshow on August 17, 2008, 20:07
Honestly the images you present here have multiple issues going against them. You need to be aware that all copyright  or trademark protected content with in the images will need to be removed in post production.

Also from a conceptual standpoint you have to ask yourself what would these images be useful to advertise or illustrate? In all honesty I do not see anything in them that  shows they have  strong conceptual themes that would sell retail products, services etc.

The third issue I see is composition. Your composition is all over the map. Using the last image as an example you have cut off the left side of your subject and the horizontal sight line of the image is tilted to the right

When considering the images you would shoot or submit for stock you need to consider the final use of the image and ask yourself "How can this image be used to sell, market, promote or describe a product service or story. While stock can have artistic touches in it the truth is much of stock is merely meant to be a single element in an overall design. The artist aesthetic is often lost on stock. This is an industry that begs for you to shoot with business in mind not art.

Don't give up though, it is just a matter of learning to alter your thought process while shooting. You can surely do it if you choose to.
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: leaf on August 18, 2008, 01:30
Honestly the images you present here have multiple issues going against them. You need to be aware that all copyright  or trademark protected content with in the images will need to be removed in post production.

Also from a conceptual standpoint you have to ask yourself what would these images be useful to advertise or illustrate? In all honesty I do not see anything in them that  shows they have  strong conceptual themes that would sell retail products, services etc.

The third issue I see is composition. Your composition is all over the map. Using the last image as an example you have cut off the left side of your subject and the horizontal sight line of the image is tilted to the right

When considering the images you would shoot or submit for stock you need to consider the final use of the image and ask yourself "How can this image be used to sell, market, promote or describe a product service or story. While stock can have artistic touches in it the truth is much of stock is merely meant to be a single element in an overall design. The artist aesthetic is often lost on stock. This is an industry that begs for you to shoot with business in mind not art.

Don't give up though, it is just a matter of learning to alter your thought process while shooting. You can surely do it if you choose to.

well put
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on August 18, 2008, 06:28
What photoshow said.
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: shank_ali on November 17, 2008, 15:12
Jeez those are the poorest shots i have ever seen.
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: bittersweet on November 17, 2008, 19:18
Jeez those are the poorest shots i have ever seen.

Considering some of the stuff you posted when you first came on the scene, and also considering the very generous amounts of patience and guidance which you were shown, I am absolutely amazed that you would have the audacity to post such a disparaging comment.
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: traveler1116 on November 17, 2008, 19:42
Hmm was shank kicked off the IS forum?
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on November 17, 2008, 21:48
Hmm was shank kicked off the IS forum?
More like a timeout for bad behavior. I can't understand why.  ::)
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: null on November 18, 2008, 01:25
I am absolutely amazed that you would have the audacity to post such a disparaging comment.


It's all about how you say it. Photoshow basically said that if those shots had the same magnificent framing qualities that the marketability qualities do lack so unfortunately, those would have been great stock shots  :o ;D

As to the market, there are fashions and needs. With the overwhelming economic depression and the fear of getting less competitive towards China, forget all those beautiful sights of the Forbidden Town in Bejing, the Yangtze panoramas, the Shanghai skylines at night, the magnificent Bejing Opera characters.

This sells across sites. A Chinese sweatshop interior, uploaded as editorial and not great art at all. Nr. 2 now on SS if you search for "China factory". It's the economy, stupid.

(http://69.90.174.250/photos/display_pic_with_logo/50227/50227,1199354954,1.jpg)

And this one got on position #280 on SS for "business depression" just 3 weeks after upload. Not well framed but it was a casual last shot when the model was dead tired after a long photoshoot targeting the "cheering headset success" concept. The latter ones sell much less.

(http://69.90.174.252/photos/display_pic_with_logo/50227/50227,1225159004,9.jpg)
Title: Re: Are any of these shots acceptable / will they sell on microstock
Post by: shank_ali on November 18, 2008, 02:36
Jeez those are the poorest shots i have ever seen.

Considering some of the stuff you posted when you first came on the scene, and also considering the very generous amounts of patience and guidance which you were shown, I am absolutely amazed that you would have the audacity to post such a disparaging comment.
Click on the guys profile and see his links to his many sites....None.In regards of my own earlier work it stands up to most beginners on istock.I am glad your amazed !