Post by: 79Photography on July 21, 2017, 22:30
My SS dl's for the past 7 months have been 7, 14, 9, 13, 11, 18, and 10 so far for July but July has beat every other month $ wise :). Im also getting DL's with IS, Adobe, & BS but not worth mentioning.
Now my Alamy portfolio where i would of thought my photos would suit best and i have been putting my better or unique photos has had all of 7 'click zooms' and no sales, i have been on this forum a while and do know its a waiting game on Alamy. (and if you do look at it i know now it was a mistake to put my stock folio on it too) ( and the 00's of surf photos are my on going attempt to get those surfers to buy them.)
Anyway here are my portfolio's, let me know what you really think.
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/keywordphil?language=en (https://www.shutterstock.com/g/keywordphil?language=en)
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography/68EA92EB-40FD-4564-B819-CEB1F1928EB4/1/Philip%20Curtis.html (http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography/68EA92EB-40FD-4564-B819-CEB1F1928EB4/1/Philip%20Curtis.html)
Post by: Pauws99 on July 22, 2017, 00:42
Post by: dpimborough on July 22, 2017, 01:39
Better to choose a few distinct images and submit them.
The subjects on occasion are nice holiday snap shots but nothing to get too excited about.
I would change the way you shoot. For some subjects getting low down or high up or close in with a wide angle lens rather than just taking the standard stand and shoot from head height.
Surely there's a lot more interest subjects in the places you are travelling through?
Perhaps daily life of the inhabitants?
Post by: increasingdifficulty on July 22, 2017, 04:03
It makes ALL the difference in the world. A monitor lizard from OUR eye level or even 3 feet off the ground is not going to be very interesting.
Get the camera down to 3-6 inches off the ground and it's a completely different shot.
Same with the crabs. Everybody sees crabs from above. Get down in the sand and enter the crab's world. Angles and light is everything.
Snapshots are just that - the world as we see it every single day, we're so used to that and it doesn't feel interesting.
Get low, or up in the air and everything suddenly feels more interesting for the viewer.
Post by: Brasilnut on July 22, 2017, 05:05
Your surfing pics are OK, but as editorial they are next to useless. Too late now but next time if you friendly approach the people and ask them if they would be interested in getting your pics for free in exchange for them signing a model release. These really need to be commercial unless you're at a really identifiable resort with a clear background.
The rest are snapshot-ty and appear a bit boring. The true stock one of the 3 sun loungers is OK but overdone concept to death. Same with flowers, pets, birds and sunsets. If not done spectacularly, don't bother.
It seems that you're just travelling and shooting what you see, which is cool for instagram and flicker but for stock you need to try to identify in-demand concepts. Islamic state trying to dominate parts of Philippines now, any editorials related to that would be gold but ideally try keep your head.
Good luck, it's a nice start and love the places you've visited!
Post by: Brasilnut on July 22, 2017, 06:23
Post by: increasingdifficulty on July 22, 2017, 07:18
When I say an identifiable place perhaps something like this, as traveled people looking at it would be able to tell where it is from the rock formation (Algarve, Portugal). I submitted this once as an editorial but went back to it and blurred + cloned people out and tried again submitting as commercial, which I believe would have more value. The editorial image barely sold.
The horizon needs to be fixed on that image.
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 07:45
the one thing that struck me is the amount of repetition. Images thats I had to look at two or three times to see if there was any difference at all.
Better to choose a few distinct images and submit them.
Yes i see your point but does it really have a negative effect? And if so how?
I would change the way you shoot. For some subjects getting low down or high up or close in with a wide angle lens rather than just taking the standard stand and shoot from head height.
I would like to really emphasize photographing animals at their eye level (of course a drone shot or from the ground up on an elephant is cool too, but in general).
It makes ALL the difference in the world. A monitor lizard from OUR eye level or even 3 feet off the ground is not going to be very interesting.
Get the camera down to 3-6 inches off the ground and it's a completely different shot.
Same with the crabs. Everybody sees crabs from above. Get down in the sand and enter the crab's world. Angles and light is everything.
Snapshots are just that - the world as we see it every single day, we're so used to that and it doesn't feel interesting.
Get low, or up in the air and everything suddenly feels more interesting for the viewer.
http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={70C2C3B6-9D5C-4EA9-A1BB-62C40E5DBD37} (http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={70C2C3B6-9D5C-4EA9-A1BB-62C40E5DBD37})
http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={3FB5CF7C-0642-4064-A6EF-105B5C90F8F3} (http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={3FB5CF7C-0642-4064-A6EF-105B5C90F8F3})
http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={789EC287-47CC-48B7-A102-006F9BDD2594} (http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?&n=NaN&imageid={789EC287-47CC-48B7-A102-006F9BDD2594})
You mean like these?
It does happen every now and then :P
Your surfing pics are OK, but as editorial they are next to useless. Too late now but next time if you friendly approach the people and ask them if they would be interested in getting your pics for free in exchange for them signing a model release. These really need to be commercial unless you're at a really identifiable resort with a clear background.
Well! Ive had 3 DL's from the amateur surfers on SS already and are my quickest from U/L to D/L turn around to date!
As for getting model release's from strangers! Hmm thats some personal skills im going to have to work on. haha.
Islamic state trying to dominate parts of Philippines now, any editorials related to that would be gold but ideally try keep your head.
I'll stick to risking my life for the nature and landscape shot be it by getting trap up on volcano rims in downpours, jumping crevices, standing on top of windy 50m cliffs and general hiking off in to the random wilderness or jungles.
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on July 22, 2017, 08:25
I don't have much to add to what others have said - focus on different perspectives, iconic landmarks that identify the location, maybe do some isolations. Alamy is always slow and unpredictable. Your SS sales are already telling you what you need to know. A small number of images usually make the majority of sales but identifying ahead of time which those will be is often difficult (for me at least).
Post by: increasingdifficulty on July 22, 2017, 09:09
You mean like these?
It does happen every now and then :P
Exactly. :D
Post by: Bad Company on July 22, 2017, 11:04
On the other hand if this is just extra spending money than your on the right track. Shot what you love...
Post by: Brasilnut on July 22, 2017, 11:14
Quote
As for getting model release's from strangers! Hmm thats some personal skills im going to have to work on. haha.
Fair enough, that's really tough and I've never done it...perhaps you could capture a friend/relative? Or shoot them in silhouette. As a last resort just crop them and show their ankles with a surfboard. Anything but editorial!
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 11:37
You mean like these?
It does happen every now and then :P
Exactly. :D
So these should be on SS?
Post by: increasingdifficulty on July 22, 2017, 11:40
You mean like these?
It does happen every now and then :P
Exactly. :D
So these should be on SS?
Well, that's a personal choice. They are nice, but it can take 5 years of $0.25-0.33 sales to make up for a single sale at a more expensive place... a sale that might never happen...
Can't really advise you here.
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 11:41
Is your goal to make your photos your primary income source? If so, you have your work cut out for you.
On the other hand if this is just extra spending money than your on the right track. Shot what you love...
Its my dream that I am happy to enjoy the process of trying to achieve and i have the time.
I have my work cut out because of Myself or because of the industry?
Post by: Pauws99 on July 22, 2017, 11:50
The industry is far far more competitive than it was so you have to be far better than needed in the past that's not to say its not possible if you put the work in.Is your goal to make your photos your primary income source? If so, you have your work cut out for you.
On the other hand if this is just extra spending money than your on the right track. Shot what you love...
Its my dream that I am happy to enjoy the process of trying to achieve and i have the time.
I have my work cut out because of Myself or because of the industry?
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 11:52
You mean like these?
It does happen every now and then :P
Exactly. :D
So these should be on SS?
Well, that's a personal choice. They are nice, but it can take 5 years of $0.25-0.33 sales to make up for a single sale at a more expensive place... a sale that might never happen...
Can't really advise you here.
::)
I think i'll wait it out and see.
But i am starting to wonder if I have allocated my Micro and Macro allocations wrongly and the landscapes and others that im still sat on waiting to see what i can do with them.
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 12:01
QuoteAs for getting model release's from strangers! Hmm thats some personal skills im going to have to work on. haha.
Fair enough, that's really tough and I've never done it...perhaps you could capture a friend/relative? Or shoot them in silhouette. As a last resort just crop them and show their ankles with a surfboard. Anything but editorial!
Are you saying this as a general for editorials with people in or just these surf ones?
Post by: Brasilnut on July 22, 2017, 12:10
Quote
Are you saying this as a general for editorials with people in or just these surf ones?
Just surf ones.
Post by: Bad Company on July 22, 2017, 12:11
Is your goal to make your photos your primary income source? If so, you have your work cut out for you.
On the other hand if this is just extra spending money than your on the right track. Shot what you love...
Its my dream that I am happy to enjoy the process of trying to achieve and i have the time.
I have my work cut out because of Myself or because of the industry?
Sounds like your retired?
The industry is very, very competitive as you know. Just six years ago you would've already started making much more in sales that you can today.
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 12:26
Is your goal to make your photos your primary income source? If so, you have your work cut out for you.
On the other hand if this is just extra spending money than your on the right track. Shot what you love...
Its my dream that I am happy to enjoy the process of trying to achieve and i have the time.
I have my work cut out because of Myself or because of the industry?
Sounds like your retired?
The industry is very, very competitive as you know. Just six years ago you would've already started making much more in sales that you can today.
Ha no, I'm only 38!
I have been nosing around this forum for a while and despite the cheeriness of the forum I have got that impression.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ShadySue on July 22, 2017, 13:38
QuoteAs for getting model release's from strangers! Hmm thats some personal skills im going to have to work on. haha.
Fair enough, that's really tough and I've never done it...perhaps you could capture a friend/relative? Or shoot them in silhouette. As a last resort just crop them and show their ankles with a surfboard. Anything but editorial!
For the OP's info, which agencies would accept ankles without a CR? iS (unless things have changed) and Alamy would need releases for ankles1. iS won't (or at least wouldn't) take silhouettes, even when taken to literally black against white. You'd also need to be careful that the surfboard wouldn't need a PR.
1 However, Alamy buyers can see the indication that there is no release and if you haven't ticked the 'editorial only' box, they may decide that certain files are very unrisky, and use it on their own responsibility as commercial.
Post by: Pauws99 on July 22, 2017, 13:49
Certainly in the past a fingernail has been enough to get a rejection on IS.QuoteAs for getting model release's from strangers! Hmm thats some personal skills im going to have to work on. haha.
Fair enough, that's really tough and I've never done it...perhaps you could capture a friend/relative? Or shoot them in silhouette. As a last resort just crop them and show their ankles with a surfboard. Anything but editorial!
For the OP's info, which agencies would accept ankles without a CR? iS (unless things have changed) and Alamy would need releases for ankles1. iS won't (or at least wouldn't) take silhouettes, even when taken to literally black against white. You'd also need to be careful that the surfboard wouldn't need a PR.
1 However, Alamy buyers can see the indication that there is no release and if you haven't ticked the 'editorial only' box, they may decide that certain files are very unrisky, and use it on their own responsibility as commercial.
Post by: couchpotato on July 22, 2017, 15:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df2tiqH3n_4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df2tiqH3n_4)
Post by: 79Photography on July 22, 2017, 21:43
This guy travels and makes money from his photography/video work, some on stock, he gives regular break downs on what he makes, he has several sources for his income, youtube, his blog, stock photographs etc -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df2tiqH3n_4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df2tiqH3n_4)
Yes I've been following Brandon and a few other on YouTube for a while now. He travels back and forth and has a uk base, Im a lot more about constant travel. It saves me spending too much time in the Heathrow passport control queue
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ShadySue on July 23, 2017, 09:54
NB, it's not always the 'best' standalone photo (always an objective call) which is chosen, it might be that a colour or crop they could make is 'best for their layout', so you can't always tell, but it's always a good question to ask yourself.
Post by: Brasilnut on July 23, 2017, 10:02
Quote
It saves me spending too much time in the Heathrow passport control queue
Those make for good editorials ;D
Post by: Pauws99 on July 23, 2017, 11:46
Or would if photography wasn't banned there ;-)QuoteIt saves me spending too much time in the Heathrow passport control queue
Those make for good editorials ;D
Post by: Pauws99 on July 23, 2017, 12:11
The most useful tip I got was to look at images already on the agency of my subject, and ask myself, "Why would someone choose my photo over theirs?"Yes I try and do that however buyers don't always want the "best" they want "fit for purpose" which explains why much of my fairly average output sells.......
NB, it's not always the 'best' standalone photo (always an objective call) which is chosen, it might be that a colour or crop they could make is 'best for their layout', so you can't always tell, but it's always a good question to ask yourself.
Post by: Mantis on July 23, 2017, 19:39
The most useful tip I got was to look at images already on the agency of my subject, and ask myself, "Why would someone choose my photo over theirs?"Yes I try and do that however buyers don't always want the "best" they want "fit for purpose" which explains why much of my fairly average output sells.......
NB, it's not always the 'best' standalone photo (always an objective call) which is chosen, it might be that a colour or crop they could make is 'best for their layout', so you can't always tell, but it's always a good question to ask yourself.
Right and this is why (mostly) leaving room for cropping is usually a good idea.
Post by: increasingdifficulty on July 24, 2017, 10:31
The most useful tip I got was to look at images already on the agency of my subject, and ask myself, "Why would someone choose my photo over theirs?"Yes I try and do that however buyers don't always want the "best" they want "fit for purpose" which explains why much of my fairly average output sells.......
NB, it's not always the 'best' standalone photo (always an objective call) which is chosen, it might be that a colour or crop they could make is 'best for their layout', so you can't always tell, but it's always a good question to ask yourself.
Right and this is why (mostly) leaving room for cropping is usually a good idea.
...and also why only shooting during golden hour is a bad idea. Some people seem to think that no one ever needs daytime shots...
Imagine a film where everything is shot right before sunset. Pretty strange.
Post by: Pauws99 on July 25, 2017, 06:38
In the days when SS were picky they much preferred bright overhead sun to the "golden hour" (well for me at least).....The most useful tip I got was to look at images already on the agency of my subject, and ask myself, "Why would someone choose my photo over theirs?"Yes I try and do that however buyers don't always want the "best" they want "fit for purpose" which explains why much of my fairly average output sells.......
NB, it's not always the 'best' standalone photo (always an objective call) which is chosen, it might be that a colour or crop they could make is 'best for their layout', so you can't always tell, but it's always a good question to ask yourself.
Right and this is why (mostly) leaving room for cropping is usually a good idea.
...and also why only shooting during golden hour is a bad idea. Some people seem to think that no one ever needs daytime shots...
Imagine a film where everything is shot right before sunset. Pretty strange.
Post by: 79Photography on August 05, 2017, 13:20
My travels have actually come to a lack of funds induced pause for now, some I am back in the UK and will going through and see what ive got in my huge back log of photos and where i can put them to use.
But i also think I took on board what was said during my last 2 weeks in Bangkok and I think i got some different results.
Thanks again.
Post by: Brasilnut on August 05, 2017, 14:24
Quote
Thank you very much for all the feed back buys.
My travels have actually come to a lack of funds induced pause for now, some I am back in the UK and will going through and see what ive got in my huge back log of photos and where i can put them to use.
But i also think I took on board what was said during my last 2 weeks in Bangkok and I think i got some different results.
Thanks again.
Good luck! You'll be back travelling soon enough 8)
Post by: Brasilnut on August 06, 2017, 08:21
Quote
Are you saying this as a general for editorials with people in or just these surf ones?
Here's one I submitted recently as commercial.