MicrostockGroup

Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photo Critique => Topic started by: nadwilson on August 11, 2015, 13:04

Title: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: nadwilson on August 11, 2015, 13:04
Hello!

I am new to microstock photography. After some research I have found that Shutterstock is the best place to be, but also the hardest website to get accepted to. I was wondering if people with some microstock experience could tell me if my photos are good enough to be accepted? If not, what should I improve upon?
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: rimglow on August 11, 2015, 13:18
They look like snapshots from your vacation. Nothing remarkable.
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: SandBoxStudio on August 11, 2015, 13:48
First one would be rejected due to trademark, logo on the building. If you remove that and image is technically correct maybe it could pass, if there is no noise on the left side of the bridge, dark area. ( i think there is but can't tell for sure with small res)

Second one i can't see correct again but looks like another logo on the building above the train.

Third image maybe could pass if technically correct.

Fourth image is poor lighting and limited commercial value it will be rejected.

For your first ten i would suggest different kind of concepts. Some isolated objects maybe, few well planned landscape (with good concept) shots. Try to put yourself in position of the buyer. For what would you use images that you submit. As well try to avoid images of pets, flowers, sunsets etc.

If you would like detailed feedback you should post 100% crop of images. Crucial points, focus points and darker tones (shades for noise check)



Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: langstrup on August 11, 2015, 14:04
Hi Nadwilson

Stock photography is a funny, crazy and sometimes demotivating but mostly rewarding world. And if you put in the needed effort in your images there is also a possibility to earn som dollars.

With the images you show I would not encourage you to spend to many late hours uploading though. They are not bad images, but you have to look at it in another perspective.

Try to make a search for "bridge" on Shutterstock, and compare your image with the ones at the first couple of pages. Thats supposedly where you want you images to end up to make some serious sales. There is quite a bit way ;-)

That being said, everyone has been there and thats without exception.   

Keep shooting. Keep improving. Be critical. Think commercial value. Dig in.

That should do it!

Take care
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: fotoroad on August 11, 2015, 16:14
Hello!

I am new to microstock photography. After some research I have found that Shutterstock is the best place to be, but also the hardest website to get accepted to. I was wondering if people with some microstock experience could tell me if my photos are good enough to be accepted? If not, what should I improve upon?
Thanks in advance!

Sorry but I think NO ;(
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: ITsME on August 11, 2015, 23:25
Nope, sorry.
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: Sebastian Radu on August 12, 2015, 00:14

Nope, but if those pictures are the first. I say that you have a good start  :)
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: Mantis on August 16, 2015, 19:01

Nope, but if those pictures are the first. I say that you have a good start  :)

I agree. The OP is trying different compositions. These kinds of shots can sell but they need to be done right and pop. These look somewhat dull and white balance slightly off. If you want to make a dent you must also learn good photo editing skills and calibrate your monitor. 
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: markmagedotcom on August 19, 2015, 11:44
Hello!

I am new to microstock photography. After some research I have found that Shutterstock is the best place to be, but also the hardest website to get accepted to. I was wondering if people with some microstock experience could tell me if my photos are good enough to be accepted? If not, what should I improve upon?
Thanks in advance!

if Shutterstock really is "the best place to be" or not greatly depends on one's taste as well -- wouldn't necessarily say so, although SS certainly is not too bad either. They do have their little issues and hiccups here and there, and it is astonishing to see how long it takes these guys to improve their own frontend and functions (I mean, seriously, they play the Shiny Hi Tech Start-Up card here all the time, and then they cannot even add a counter or make "Twitter integration" work etc etc)...

SS definitely is NOT the hardest to get into though.
Title: Re: Good enough for Shutterstock?
Post by: Pauws99 on August 20, 2015, 00:38

i
SS definitely is NOT the hardest to get into though.
[/quote]

IS used to be much tougher but not sure what its like now they have changed their acceptance policy for contributors. Stockfresh didn't like my stuff didn't lose any sleep over that one!