Author Topic: Need a critique on this ONE image. (Read 10122 times)

Art Benco · « **on:** August 07, 2011, 05:23 »

Hi

Last night I submitted three image to Istock Photo as part of their application process.

I was fortunate (and thrilled) to have two approved, one sadly did not make it and was rejected.

I can resubmit another image in three days time. I have an image in mind I just wondered if you could kindly give me a critique on it before I submit it.

http://bit.ly/rk2Yir

madelaide · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:02 »

Sorry, but I never click on a link that I don't know where it is actually taking me.

Art Benco · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:12 »

Hi

Its ok the link is safe its just going to my pic

here it is in its true form.

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Bristol-10.jpg

Snufkin · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:36 »

The lower left corner is out of focus, which kind of spoils the whole image for me.
I am not sure about its microstock potential anyway.
The toning limits its sale potential, on microstock colourful images tend to sell much better.

Snufkin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:43 »

Also, the black areas don't look good.
One MSG member wrote some time ago: "Microstock photography is not about light and shadow, it is about light and light."
Avoid harsh shadows if you want to sell.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2011, 10:48 »

It's a nice "art" image, but it ain't stock.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:09 »

Quote from: Snufkin on August 07, 2011, 10:36

The lower left corner is out of focus, which kind of spoils the whole image for me.

the rope on the top corner further is out of focus too ehehe impossible to make focus unless you go there come on

more artsy but it is a nice picture, approved for stock, some yes some not

Art Benco · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:20 »

Thanks everybody for your critique but I am now confused even more.

The photos I am to submit for application are supposed to be my best work and should should show my true potential as a photographer. At this stage I was not under the impression that I should submit 'stock' images. but instead images that best represent my photography skills.

Can somebody please put the record straight and let me know should I be submitting a stock image or an image that best represents my ability - it wont help if you say both.

Thanks

Snufkin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:32 »

In the application you're supposed to prove that you won't be wasting their time by continuously submitting images that won't get approved or that nobody will buy. You're supposed to prove that you understand more or less what stock photography is.

click_click · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:52 »

Quote from: Snufkin on August 07, 2011, 11:32

In the application you're supposed to prove that you won't be wasting their time by continuously submitting images that won't get approved or that nobody will buy. You're supposed to prove that you understand more or less what stock photography is.

Right,
besides your technical skills of mastering exposure, focus, composition etc. you also have to show that you can produce images that sell.

Don't just apply with pretty, artsy pictures. The agency wants to see your conceptual potential, that' where the money is.

gostwyck · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2011, 12:07 »

Quote from: Snufkin on August 07, 2011, 11:32

In the application you're supposed to prove that you won't be wasting their time by continuously submitting images that won't get approved or that nobody will buy. You're supposed to prove that you understand more or less what stock photography is.

Is the correct answer. Far be from me to contradict Sean but in fact images like that do sometimes sell. One of mine, quite similar, recently scored an EL on SS although it did take it five years to do so. Money for old rope as far as I was concerned.

Your image would have more commercial appeal if it had greater depth of field and it was in colour. Never, never, never desaturate a stock image.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2011, 13:05 »

Quote from: Art Benco on August 07, 2011, 11:20

Thanks everybody for your critique but I am now confused even more.

The photos I am to submit for application are supposed to be my best work and should should show my true potential as a photographer. At this stage I was not under the impression that I should submit 'stock' images. but instead images that best represent my photography skills.

Can somebody please put the record straight and let me know should I be submitting a stock image or an image that best represents my ability - it wont help if you say both.

Thanks

The application should show your best work and true potential as a photographer who:
1. Can produce technically good images with proper focus, lighting, exposure, etc
2. Can produce images that have value to commercial or editorial buyers

I like it. It would look great hanging on a wall in some rich guys yacht or at a yacht club. For stock, I see little to no value.

Art Benco · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2011, 13:43 »

Thank you for the invaluable guidance. It is important that I get an approval on this next submission.

This is my second option - much more stock like

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Calligraphy2.jpg

I understand that the rope image is more arty rather than stock. If you could look and give you views on the above image i would be most grateful.

Thanks

Xalanx · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2011, 15:11 »

Quote from: Art Benco on August 07, 2011, 13:43

Thank you for the invaluable guidance. It is important that I get an approval on this next submission.

This is my second option - much more stock like

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Calligraphy2.jpg

I understand that the rope image is more arty rather than stock. If you could look and give you views on the above image i would be most grateful.

Thanks

It's a macro shot that anyone can easily do. However, if you want to submit it, better focus on the pen nib rather than the double "L". Also, in the upper left side of the photo you have some nasty banding and artefacts.

cdwheatley · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2011, 17:57 »

Go with the second image.

Art Benco · « **Reply #15 on:** August 08, 2011, 04:45 »

I think the second image is more 'stock' or at least sellable but it does have its faults. I shall have to rethink this one too. Like I say I need this next one fly through without any flaws.

Thanks for your help.

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #16 on:** August 08, 2011, 06:09 »

FWIW - I prefer the second image although your first was good too - but as already stated over and over it probably isn't a stock image.
In regard to the second I agree with the point about the focus with one qualification - the focus on the word might be OK if that's the main message of your theme.

Whether calligraphy (as a word/theme) is stock worthy I am not sure.

As an alternative suggestion, using a similar theme to what you have is changing the text to something like "Last Will & Testament' with sharp focus on Last Will. That might be of interest to designers with law firm clients.

Alternatively, 'we the people...' although that would restrict the image a bit toward the US.

There's nothing to stop you (once you're accepted) in doing a series of phrases in the same style. But just don't try submitting more than one image to Dreamstime - they despise with rapture two images that even look remotely similar to each other.

Good luck, I would have like to have seen the two images that were accepted - why don't you post them? I'm sure we'd all like to see them.

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #17 on:** August 08, 2011, 06:22 »

Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 08, 2011, 06:09

FWIW - I prefer the second image although your first was good too - but as already stated over and over it probably isn't a stock image.
In regard to the second I agree with the point about the focus with one qualification - the focus on the word might be OK if that's the main message of your theme.

Whether calligraphy (as a word/theme) is stock worthy I am not sure.

As an alternative suggestion, using a similar theme to what you have is changing the text to something like "Last Will & Testament' with sharp focus on Last Will. That might be of interest to designers with law firm clients.

Alternatively, 'we the people...' although that would restrict the image a bit toward the US.

There's nothing to stop you (once you're accepted) in doing a series of phrases in the same style. But just don't try submitting more than one image to Dreamstime - they despise with rapture two images that even look remotely similar to each other.

Good luck, I would have like to have seen the two images that were accepted - why don't you post them? I'm sure we'd all like to see them.

An addendum
Just a point you might wish to consider when posting images here (or anywhere for that matter) placing a watermark on your picture (just your forum name will suffice). I doubt very much any members here would 'lift' one of your pictures but this site is also accessible to members of the global public and they (might) be tempted to copy one of your pictures and use it themselves. Better to be safe than sorry.

Art Benco · « **Reply #18 on:** August 15, 2011, 09:29 »

Hello folks

I have got another pic - maybe this will sway the judges decision.

here is the link

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Cow1.jpg

grateful for your feedback.

VB inc · « **Reply #19 on:** August 15, 2011, 10:46 »

Quote from: Xalanx on August 07, 2011, 15:11

Quote from: Art Benco on August 07, 2011, 13:43
Thank you for the invaluable guidance. It is important that I get an approval on this next submission.

This is my second option - much more stock like

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Calligraphy2.jpg

I understand that the rope image is more arty rather than stock. If you could look and give you views on the above image i would be most grateful.

Thanks

It's a macro shot that anyone can easily do. However, if you want to submit it, better focus on the pen nib rather than the double "L". Also, in the upper left side of the photo you have some nasty banding and artefacts.

The selling point of the image is about the text "Calligraphy" and not the pen nib. It is very well composed imo.

VB inc · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2011, 10:48 »

Quote from: Art Benco on August 15, 2011, 09:29

Hello folks

I have got another pic - maybe this will sway the judges decision.

here is the link

http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Cow1.jpg

grateful for your feedback.

Love the image. I wish it had more blue sky and less clouds and some of the cows in bg blend together with sky. If you have some PS skills, try to make more blue sky in this pic.

Art Benco · « **Reply #21 on:** August 15, 2011, 13:26 »

Ok I am going to submit either the cow or the calligraphy image - which one should I go with?

Cow - http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Cow1.jpg

Calligraphy - http://www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Calligraphy2.jpg

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #22 on:** August 15, 2011, 13:49 »

Moooo!!

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #23 on:** August 15, 2011, 13:54 »

Dear Stewart

I have to say I am a little confused, on two levels, well 3 actually. I responded to your initial request for feedback on the calligraphy image. When I looked again at (all) your posts there is one in the newbie forum (now deleted?) that goes into a little more detail about your photographic abilities. In that post you tagged a link here www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress which goes to a very professional looking website of a photographer (with six years freelance experience) and also a guy that does on-site tutorials in both Photography and Adobe CS5. I noticed your rope image is on this site together with a collection of other very nice images - so it 'must be you'?

My confusion is 1. Why does someone with your obvious talent need to critique of the members of this site? and 2. Why are you suggesting posting an image of a herd of cows where clearly the focus is off (or as SS would say "where we feel it does not where it works best".

After looking at 'your site' a few days ago I had the sneaking suspicion you're pulling our chain, and am even more suspicious after your posting of the cow images today.

I will feverishly apologies if I am mistaken in my suspicions but can you really explain why someone of your quite obvious talent is still struggling to get an acceptance to iStockphoto?, your images (if they are yours on www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress) are im some ways already superior to what is already on iSP from other contributors.

3. Finally in that ? deleted ? message in the newbie forum mentioned above you said your forum name in iSP is Art Benco. I checked a few days ago, it appears not to exist unless I'm spelling it wrong.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2011, 14:11 »

Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 15, 2011, 13:54

Why are you suggesting posting an image of a herd of cows where clearly the focus is off (or as SS would say "where we feel it does not where it works best".

Isn't it good use of depth of field..
p.s. ss don't seem to like shallow DOF.

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #25 on:** August 15, 2011, 14:33 »

Quote from: Microstock Posts on August 15, 2011, 14:11

Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 15, 2011, 13:54
Why are you suggesting posting an image of a herd of cows where clearly the focus is off (or as SS would say "where we feel it does not where it works best".

Isn't it good use of depth of field..
p.s. ss don't seem to like shallow DOF.

I agree with you. I love the creative use of selective use of DOF, sometimes extreme small DOF - and it is the biggest single reason of rejection (for me) from the majority of microstock sites, not just SS but I have to say they are the usual suspects.

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #26 on:** August 15, 2011, 14:38 »

Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 15, 2011, 14:33

Quote from: Microstock Posts on August 15, 2011, 14:11
Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 15, 2011, 13:54
Why are you suggesting posting an image of a herd of cows where clearly the focus is off (or as SS would say "where we feel it does not where it works best".

Isn't it good use of depth of field..
p.s. ss don't seem to like shallow DOF.
I agree with you. I love the creative use of selective use of DOF, sometimes extreme small DOF - and it is the biggest single reason of rejection (for me) from the majority of microstock sites, not just SS but I have to say they are the usual suspects.

To make my point here is a real example of the point I made in my last response.

Xalanx · « **Reply #27 on:** August 15, 2011, 15:27 »

Quote from: Microstock Posts on August 15, 2011, 14:11

Quote from: Cogent Marketing on August 15, 2011, 13:54
Why are you suggesting posting an image of a herd of cows where clearly the focus is off (or as SS would say "where we feel it does not where it works best".

Isn't it good use of depth of field..
p.s. ss don't seem to like shallow DOF.

That's one of the never verified myths. SS does like shallow DOF, if done properly and with a meaning. I have a lot of shallow dof photos, some of them at f/1.4 in my SS port.

Art Benco · « **Reply #28 on:** August 17, 2011, 12:35 »

I need to clear a few things up!

I am the owner and author of www.fablephotos.co.uk/wordpress

I have worked very hard to research the information and combined with my own passion and experience, built the blog up from scratch. I still have a lot of information still to go on to the blog. I have it all in list form, I would rather drip feed the blog instead of swamp it all at once.

To answer your question - why is somebody of my calibre asking for help? The simple answer is I need it. I may have the skills but for some reason this is my third attempt into getting into Istock. Every submission so far has been rejected - which would indicate my skills still need work (and always will).

Third time lucky two of my submissions have been accepted - I just need to get one more in! My portfolio is not 'stock' and this is where I stumble. I love my work but looking through it in the aim of making a submission into Istock I find that my work is more arty rather than stock material. This is where I need the help of a forum, I need guidance in this particular area.

The second query was about Art ben co being me - my name is Stewart Ben Scott - art ben co comes from the name Stew(art) (Ben) S(co)tt > It is just a photography alias I made up a while ago, I rarely use it now.

I just want to make one thing clear I am not 'pulling anybody's chain' and I DO want genuine feedback. I am who I say I am!

On that note - should I submit the cow or the calligraphy image or neither?

VB inc · « **Reply #29 on:** August 17, 2011, 13:03 »

ive already spoke my mind but again, go with the cow. the cow image is a harder shoot with less competition imo.

Art Benco · « **Reply #30 on:** August 17, 2011, 13:21 »

Ok I am going with the cow image - wish me luck!

Art Benco · « **Reply #31 on:** August 18, 2011, 04:14 »

The cow picture did it for me!

I am now officially an Istock contributor - many thanks for everybody's input!

Really looking forward to the future!

VB inc · « **Reply #32 on:** August 18, 2011, 10:30 »

yeahh... and booooo for more competition for me... hahah congrats anyways.

Art Benco · « **Reply #33 on:** August 19, 2011, 07:11 »

thanks VB Inc

would you recommend being exclusive to Istock or is there a better chance of a greater income if I was to enlist with other stock sites?

VB inc · « **Reply #34 on:** August 19, 2011, 09:00 »

i would def not recommend exclusivity these days. If i had a choice myself, i would be independent. the buyers have left the building. most long time successful exclusives are reporting a drop in earnings. some by almost half these days. sorry to burst your bubble but thats the new reality at istock.

Art Benco · « **Reply #35 on:** August 20, 2011, 11:45 »

thanks for the heads up - its just good to have advice. I was thinking of joining more stock libraries in the future until I came across the exclusivity deal with Istock. I think having your images in more stock galleries increases the chance of sales being made. Istock would have to come up with a pretty good deal to prevent myself and others from showcasing anywhere else.