MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photo Critique => Topic started by: jmspix on October 20, 2009, 14:05
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There two images were declined by DT for the following reason:
Poor lighting setup, poor contrast or incorrect exposure.
The images were shot with a flash through a shoot-through umbrella (right of camera) and a reflector was used for fill. Can someone please explain this to me and hopefully provide some suggestions for improving the image. Fotolia accepted this, which I know is irrelevant since each agency has different criteria, but it just further adds to my confusion.
http://jmspix.smugmug.com/photos/668854691_24Y7o-L.jpg (http://jmspix.smugmug.com/photos/668854691_24Y7o-L.jpg)
http://jmspix.smugmug.com/photos/668850633_BKdVQ-L.jpg (http://jmspix.smugmug.com/photos/668850633_BKdVQ-L.jpg)
Thanks for your assistance! :)
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I guess you could argue that they're a touch on the dark side with too much shadow for stock. I think most likely the reviewer took the view that although they are nice portraits they are perhaps not particularly stock-oriented. They'll often look for technical reasons to reject under those circumstances. Nice images otherwise.
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the ambience of the portraiture seems to imply a more personal rather than commercial use. that is, these were shot for a client for her own album. i know, it's a subtle difference.
but, if fotolia accepted it, then it is truly stockworthy. they never accept anything less than outright commercial.
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If the model would have looked into the camera in the second shot it would have been a much better stock photo.
Furthermore you should decide where to go with your background. It's either blown out white or another distinct color.
In this case it just looks "dirty".
You can make it work with one light source to illuminate the model, bounce some light on the dark side and blow out the background.
With a white background you'll get a nice clean look.
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Cool, thanks for the feedback guys! :) I will certainly work on it.
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Your white balance is also off. You can tell from the slightly blue backgrounds and cold skin tones. Also, agree with the "not stock" call above.
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Hmm, ok..I'll check on that as well. I did have her hold a card and set a custom white balance in the camera. That said, operator error is certainly a possibility on my part. Thanks!