Author Topic: First Attempt ever at Microstock (Read 18075 times)

FandreFotos · « **on:** January 11, 2009, 22:03 »

Apples...

Smaller View

100% View
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=j9v9c1&s=5 Click link to see cropped 100% View
________________________________________________________________

Smaller View

100% View
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=34efdxd&s=5 Click link to see cropped 100% View

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2009, 22:21 »

Ok, you've got a slightly out of focus isolated pair of apples. The second might be a bit sharper.

There ya go.

FandreFotos · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2009, 22:23 »

Ok so I can work a little bit on the focus part.

Is there anyting else you say majorly wrong? Is the isolation good? How is the lighting? Is there any noise?

Peter · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2009, 05:11 »

that would be rejected on most serious sites.

out of focus,
incorect wb

Pixart · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2009, 10:55 »

NO, I've never photographed apples. BUT, I've stood at the grocery store for at least 20 minutes a couple times to pick out perfect specimens and didn't pull through, does that count?

I shouldn't criticize if I have no experience, but a little point I feel compelled to make: the difference in having something accepted and have something accepted and sell (or sell very well) can be for a very subtle reason. To me, the red apple seems a little misshapen or awkward. It's a very popular category, and either your specimens should be perfect or there should be a reason for them to be flawed, and the flaws should be the focus.

Pixart · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2009, 10:58 »

And the second photo is much more pleasing, but I would go a step further and clone out the imperfections, some small scratches on the bottom right and some small spots on the skin.

leaf · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2009, 11:44 »

it also looks like you have isolated with the pen tool or some other selection tool. This can work well (although a lot more work than isolating with lights when you take the picture) but you have to watch that the isolated sharpness matches the out of focus'nes of the image. The isolated edges of the apples look very sharp, while the apples themselves look somewhat blurred due to depth of field. You could try smoothing the edge of your selection by a couple pixels before you clone your item next time.

FandreFotos · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2009, 18:03 »

Hmm well thanks for the help everyone, I am not quite sure why they are out of focus. Although I am quite new to photography. I have been using a pretty wide aperture so as to hopefully get as much as the apple in clear focus as possible. Is there a better way of focusing these types of things?

lisafx · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2009, 18:29 »

Actually, using a smaller aperture will get you a larger depth of field, which will make more of the apple appear to be in focus. Try using an aperture of 9 or above.

Also, select your focus point and focus on something noticeable and contrasty, like the stem, rather than a monochromatic expanse of skin.

My suggestion would be learn as much as you can about photography. Develop the ability to get consistant, high quality results, and become confident in the knowledge of your craft before submitting to the micros and asking people to pay for your work.

The days when photographic novices can be successful in microstock are rapidly drawing to a close, if they ever existed in the first place...

melastmohican · « **Reply #9 on:** January 12, 2009, 18:41 »

Quote from: lisafx on January 12, 2009, 18:29

Actually, using a smaller aperture will get you a larger depth of field, which will make more of the apple appear to be in focus. Try using an aperture of 9 or above.

Lisa, you should mention that smaller aperture means a hole or an opening through which light is admitted while f-number corresponding to it will be larger. In other words 4 means large opening and 22 means smallest :-)

Depth of field (DOF) is inversely proportional to size of opening and this is a reason you suggest larger f-number.

lisafx · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2009, 19:10 »

Quote from: melastmohican on January 12, 2009, 18:41

Lisa, you should mention that smaller aperture means a hole or an opening through which light is admitted while f-number corresponding to it will be larger. In other words 4 means large opening and 22 means smallest :-)

Depth of field (DOF) is inversely proportional to size of opening and this is a reason you suggest larger f-number.

Of course you are right. I guess I was assuming that this most basic principle of photography was already understood by someone planning to charge money for their work.

Hopefully the part where I suggested he learn more about photography would encompass that and some of the other basics like shutter speed, etc...

null · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2009, 19:18 »

Quote from: melastmohican on January 12, 2009, 18:41

Lisa, you should mention that smaller aperture means a hole or an opening through which light is admitted while f-number corresponding to it will be larger.

But watch out. In general the optimum of a lens is 5.6-16. Outside that range, for instance 32, the lens properties deteriorate slowly.

FandreFotos · « **Reply #12 on:** January 12, 2009, 21:37 »

Once again thank you everybody. Just so everyone here knows I basically know how a large/small aperture affects the outcome of the picture. So you guys are saying I should try a smaller aperture to hopefully get some of the main features of the apple in focus, AKA the stem.

Also I have a few other questions if you guys wouldn't mind answering them.

Is it better to shoot RAW or JPEG?
I got a comment my white balance is off a little bit. What setting should I put my white balance on when shooting in pretty well lit room?
When shooting microstock should I be using Manual, Shutter Priority, or Aperture Priority?

Thanks again guys! You have all been extremely helpful.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #13 on:** January 12, 2009, 22:29 »

Quote from: FandreFotos on January 12, 2009, 21:37

When shooting microstock should I be using Manual, Shutter Priority, or Aperture Priority?

The situation tells you how you should shoot it. Nothing to do with microstock.

White balance, aperture, etc. - this is all really basic camera stuff. Step back from worrying about stock and go take a class or read a book.

sharply_done · « **Reply #14 on:** January 12, 2009, 22:51 »

Quote from: sjlocke on January 12, 2009, 22:29

... Step back from worrying about stock and go take a class or read a book.

I agree. Selling photos is something you should start doing after you know how to best make an image, not before.

tubed · « **Reply #15 on:** January 13, 2009, 00:00 »

Quote from: sharply_done on January 12, 2009, 22:51

Quote from: sjlocke on January 12, 2009, 22:29
... Step back from worrying about stock and go take a class or read a book.

I agree. Selling photos is something you should start doing after you know how to best make an image, not before.

I agree as well, we all start at the beginning and work our way up.. I wouldn't worry so much about stock, or what setting to use for stock, as this all varies according to the situation.. Look at it this way, you can't sell pizza vey well without knowing your ingredients and dough etc.

Learn how to make a good photograph and what settings are best used for what, and then start worrying about what to shoot for stock.. Otherwise your wasting your time..

shank_ali · « **Reply #16 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:25 »

Well i learned photography as i tryed to get accepted as a contributor on istockphoto.Quite a journey it was too.Have i reached a place i want to be... my only answer is the knowledge i have now compared to when i started is quite special and eventually all the learning/shooting/reading some actually stays WITH YOU and your able to progress to a point where someone buys your work.
Apples or any subject are ok to shoot but you need to shoot literally 1000's and get some money spent on a good lense( image stabliser,included) and a basic understanding of image manipulation with adobe is also a must.G/L

leaf · « **Reply #17 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:53 »

I agree that it is going to be frustrating with stock if you aren´t sure how a camera works, or what settings to use. That said, you are not going to learn unless someone helps out. I would recommend reading a book or two on beginning photography, or search the internet for tips.

As for you questions: Like sjlocke said, there is no ´microstock´settings, just good image settings. The settings you use should be determined by what you are shooting and how you want it to look.

As for jpg or raw, I always always shoot in RAW. This allows me to set the white balance during editing and gives me more freedom when editing. When you shoot in jpg the camera essentially shoots a RAW, but before saving it, converts it to a jpg and saves THAT file. So basically the camera is processing the RAW file automatically instead of me. To have as much control as possible I want to process the RAW myself, so I shoot in raw and process the file on the computer.

I often shoot in Av mode because then I can control the aperature, which is what i find I want to control most often. You have to watch though that the shutterspeed doesn´t dip too low if you are trying to hand hold the camera or if you have a moving subject.

Dreamframer · « **Reply #18 on:** January 13, 2009, 07:46 »

If you like taking photos and editing them, I suggest you start submitting to microstock. This is why:
1. If you wait to learn it enough to start submitting, you will never be ready. We learn all life. When I look at my first photos they look so rubbish to me, but they were accepted, and they sell. Probably, one year after this moment, my current photos will look like rubbish to me.
2. Taking photos and publishing them will bring you nice feeling that you are doing something really creative, and when you sell something it will give you more inspiration to make new photos. In this process you will learn a lot, and why spending that time only to learn, when you could learn and earn a bit.
3. Don't listen to people who tells you that your photos are ugly just like that. Be self confident and listen to people who want to help you with critique and advices, don't be to egoistic to say "who are you to judge my work"

I think your apples are ok for a beginner. I don't see your photos at full size, so I can't tell you are your isolations good enough at 100% but I can tell you this: You did fantastic job for a beginner! Main problem with these photos is white balance. Both photos had that slightly reddish tone. If you don't see it, maybe your monitor is not calibrated well. You can try to do it manually, just follow this link: http://www.simpelfilter.de/en/colorman/gamma_en.html
If you still don't see it, try to learn your self to match colors on your photos to colors in real world.
About focus, Lisafx gave you a good advice.
You made good light for a beginner. I think you will be successful, just don't give up.
Good luck!

Fran · « **Reply #19 on:** January 13, 2009, 10:16 »

And if I may add: take any rejection and any criticism as a very important chance to improve. What we do will probably never be perfect so there's always room for improvement.

mantonino · « **Reply #20 on:** January 13, 2009, 11:53 »

In honor of the fact that this type of thread/question pops up almost everyday, I just added a few ideas for NOT getting your initial submission rejected here:

http://www.niltomil.com/archives/361

There are a ton of great tips already in this thread too so I tried to not duplicate too much.

hali · « **Reply #21 on:** January 13, 2009, 12:11 »

Quote from: sharply_done on January 12, 2009, 22:51

Quote from: sjlocke on January 12, 2009, 22:29
... Step back from worrying about stock and go take a class or read a book.
I agree. Selling photos is something you should start doing after you know how to best make an image, not before.

this may sound harsh to you, but i have to be #3 in agreement with sd and sj.
you master photography techniques first, then you do stock . you are doing the learning process in backward order .
your need to confer regarding dof tells us that you still need to brush up on your technique and the use of your tool (ie. the camera, photoshop).

my suggestion is not to do isolated products just yet. try nature, industrial,etc...
this is less taxing on your knowledge.
dof is shallow at closeup , so even a smaller aperture (a larger fstop number) does not automatically
give you all in all clarity and definition. you still must know where your critical point of focus is to obtain that .
if you shoot landscape, scenic, etc... you have more leeway in dof, as you're not doing macro or
closeup. your work may stand a better chance of getting accepted,
rather than do isolation work. your lack of composition in product shoot is sure to get you more rejections.
so try to start somewhere that you are able to stand a better chance of getting a portfolio.
i hope i explain it correctly.

walk, don't run... and good luck.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2009, 13:06 »

Quote from: mantonino on January 13, 2009, 11:53

In honor of the fact that this type of thread/question pops up almost everyday, I just added a few ideas for NOT getting your initial submission rejected here:

http://www.niltomil.com/archives/361

There are a ton of great tips already in this thread too so I tried to not duplicate too much.

Nice looking website, and for new people it's got to be more helpful than asking questions one by one, on the forum, as they come up.

Couldn't resist looking at the ~~top 20~~ / Top 19 Stock Sites. I thought what the heck, are there really 19 top sites. But true to form you came through with the best information. There are only seven top 19 stock photo sites.

I took me about a year to admit this to myself. I kept watching the new hot sites come and go. Watched the up and coming sites, that never arrived. I took note of sites that offered new opportunities and big promises, which none have come to be. If I can paraphrase The Highlander, There can be only Seven.

That doesn't mean that the latest two are going to be duds, because both have good ideas and quality people with some good ideas. I've just gotten to the point where, I'll wait and see how they do before I waste one minute with any new site again.

Back to the OP. Read everything that everyone has answered here. Get a book about your camera or basics of photography. You need the foundations before you can start producing anything, and the background knowledge will teach you what you want to know, so you have that discovery solid in your own mind. You need to learn how to use your camera and what the settings are.

After that, I always say, experiment and take notes, soon you will have a connection in your mind. It isn't like film, where you had to wait days and it was expensive. Try different settings and shoot until you get a feeling for what works... Write It Down! If you don't know if you want Auto, Av or TV, you need to read some more so you won't need to ask this question. The real answer is "it depends on what you are shooting"! Then try to imagine what you will get, before you shoot the picture, until you know how your adjustments effect an image and know what you are going to get, before you take the picture.

Nice attempts, you need to learn about color balance and depth of field. I don't find the exposures all that bad, which is a good start.

Best wishes.

FandreFotos · « **Reply #23 on:** January 13, 2009, 22:33 »

Wow, I am stunned by all of these wonderful comments and help I am recieving, thank you everybody, I am truly greatful. I have recently really started trying to hit the books on the basics of photography. So far I think I am making good progress, but I still have a long way to go. Overall I feel it is my photography skills that are lacking. I know photoshop inside and out and have been working with it for almost 3 years now. I have a deviantart page if anyone is interested. ( www.ths-acid.deviantart.com) But I have only had my camera for about 2 weks.

So hopefully in time those two will balance out and I will be taking some half way decent photos.

So until then I will be browsing around these forums and soaking in everything I read. Thank you all and I just want to say again how much you guys have helped me out.

araminta · « **Reply #24 on:** January 14, 2009, 04:53 »

Concerning DOF, search "DOF calculator" on Google and play with it just to have an idea of how much DOF you have for typical set-up.

Concerning your photography skills, it's also quite obvious to me that you should feel comfortable with your camera before trying to submit.

And your gallery on devian art is quite amazing: I was not expecting this level of quality based on your apples on white

I like a lot space art, and some of your work is really beautiful: too bad you don't use your own photos as a source because some of your art would sell quite well I think.

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: First Attempt ever at Microstock (Read 18075 times)

FandreFotos

Sean Locke Photography

FandreFotos

Peter

Pixart

Pixart

leaf

FandreFotos

lisafx

melastmohican

lisafx

null

FandreFotos

Sean Locke Photography

sharply_done

tubed

shank_ali

leaf

Dreamframer

Fran

mantonino

hali

RacePhoto

FandreFotos

araminta

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors