Author Topic: what do you think of this photo? (Read 22873 times)

micsmt · « **on:** August 20, 2015, 19:16 »

I´m a newbie, be my guest to criticize...

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2015, 20:40 »

What would someone use an image like this for?

It looks like a snapshot from your local Chinese restaurant.

Hongover · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2015, 21:08 »

It needs better composition and focus. Are you focused on the water? The rocks? The Buddha? The faucet?

I can't think of a commercial use for this picture.

micsmt · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2015, 21:12 »

It is a fountain I have at home, I did not think about who would need a photo like that but thanks for the tip. And what about the quality of the picture and the treatment at Photoshop? Here is the original...

4seasons · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2015, 03:11 »

Nice troll

luissantos84 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2015, 06:34 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 20, 2015, 21:12

It is a fountain I have at home, I did not think about who would need a photo like that but thanks for the tip. And what about the quality of the picture and the treatment at Photoshop? Here is the original...

you did well

micsmt · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2015, 06:35 »

Why do you think this is a troll? I´m a beginner and have no intention to fool anyone, just trying to improve.

micsmt · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2015, 06:46 »

I have just being acepted at IStock and would like to know if is recomended to upload a lot of photos to have a few aproved or we have to select the ones to upload? Is it bad to have a lot of pictures rejected? They become more selective?

ShadySue · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2015, 07:01 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 06:46

I have just being acepted at IStock and would like to know if is recomended to upload a lot of photos to have a few aproved or we have to select the ones to upload? Is it bad to have a lot of pictures rejected? They become more selective?

iStock is not choosy nowadays and is taking a lot of very dubious images, for some unknown reason. Also it's very difficult for files uploaded in the last couple of years to get proper (viz non-sub) sales.
Certainly, don't take acceptance at iStock as being confirmation that your image quality or commercial viability is good enough.

In the old days, iStock was much tougher to get into, but files did actually sell enough to make it well worthwhile to reach their standards.

micsmt · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2015, 07:53 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 06:46

I have just being acepted at IStock and would like to know if is recomended to upload a lot of photos to have a few aproved or we have to select the ones to upload? Is it bad to have a lot of pictures rejected? They become more selective?

JPSDK · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2015, 08:54 »

Its not sharp, you have bad lighting, wrong white ballance, too dark areas, focus problems, and grain.
Just one of these will get you rejected. ( maybe not on istock), but on shutter.
You need to rethink the whole concept, starting with imagining the customer (there could be one), then present your image in such a way, that it adresses that customer.

Difydave · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2015, 10:02 »

If you are seriously asking about this image then you are way off the mark with it by any standard of what makes a good shot.

You need to go back to basics and learn about photography. Composition, exposure, focus and the way they interact.

As far as what has been done in PS you have simply made the image much worse.

I'll repeat what I said in another thread.

"It seems to me that the skills required to be a good photographer are widely misunderstood and so underestimated. You don't generally hear adults saying "I want to be" other skill based occupations, without them having realised that they face a steep learning curve, if not several years of training, but because photography is "easy" you hear or read that they want to be a photographer time and time again."

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, but do take the time to learn.

Digital66 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 21, 2015, 10:22 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 06:46

I have just being acepted at IStock and would like to know if is recomended to upload a lot of photos to have a few aproved or we have to select the ones to upload? Is it bad to have a lot of pictures rejected? They become more selective?

Go ahead and upload them all!
Images like yours are exactly what iStock needs to (hopefully) realize the big mistake they made the day they removed the high standards.

micsmt · « **Reply #13 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:00 »

I think I started with the wrong foot. And would you upload photos like this?

tickstock · « **Reply #14 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:09 »

Do a search on any of the sites for those subjects, do you think yours are better?

Difydave · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:38 »

Never mind what we think of the shots. I think that's been made pretty clear.
Can you critique your own work?
Because that really is an important part of being a photographer. You have no hope of getting sales unless you know what to upload and how to maintain quality.

You tell us what you think of your shots.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:43 »

All three have an uninteresting composition. They don't look sharp/in focus. The out of focus plants in the foreground are distracting. The last two photos look like average snapshots taken in your own garden.

marthamarks · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:48 »

Quote from: Difydave on August 21, 2015, 10:02

As far as what has been done in PS you have simply made the image much worse.

Exactly right.

And, micsmt, if you need an example, just look at the surreal, blurry-blue wall in the background of that first image you posted.

chuckcars · « **Reply #18 on:** August 21, 2015, 12:16 »

It is fuzzy. It needs a subject. Too busy.

micsmt · « **Reply #19 on:** August 21, 2015, 18:32 »

Thanks for the tips, I´ll practice a little more and hope to bring better pictures in the future...

marthamarks · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2015, 18:43 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 18:32

Thanks for the tips, I´ll practice a little more and hope to bring better pictures in the future...

That's the spirit. Good luck!

Hongover · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2015, 18:49 »

Don't just practice. Think more about the subject matter of your images. Think about what sells and what people need. Assuming all 4 of your photos got accepted, the download numbers would be abysmal...like 1 download ($.25) for a whole year if you're lucky.

Subject matter that's relevant to pop culture, business or technology are some of the hottest trends. Your photos are just snapshots of everyday life with little to zero commercial value. Take for instance. Pictures of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree is more likely to sell than a picture of an old shack. A picture of the city skyline will likely sell better than a photo of a generic butterfly.

Pick the right keywords and aim at specific niches. I've gotten away with a lot because I used the right keywords despite having some just above-average photos. Just learn the business a bit and you'll get better at it.

micsmt · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2015, 19:33 »

I´m from Brasil, can you give me tips of what kind of photos from here are comercialy viable? Regional dishes? Large plantations? Nature?

Hongover · « **Reply #23 on:** August 21, 2015, 20:07 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 19:33

I´m from Brasil, can you give me tips of what kind of photos from here are comercialy viable? Regional dishes? Large plantations? Nature?

Maybe the plantations. Brazil is known for Rio, MMA (BJJ & Capoeira), travel, the beautiful women, football, samba, dance, the slums of Brazil, etc.

4seasons · « **Reply #24 on:** August 21, 2015, 21:03 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 06:35

Why do you think this is a troll? I´m a beginner and have no intention to fool anyone, just trying to improve.

I think that you're trolling here, because I can't imagine that a reasonable man, who have no understanding about photography at all, don't understand what a rubbish he is showing. So You upload here absolutely trash, ask for a opinion, read comments and laughing at people who waste their time and are trying to help you.

If you really need an opinion, then you got it: your snapshots are absolutely trash. There is nothing to discuss about. You need elementary knowledge.

So don't waste others time and do some homework himself. Browse forums, read books and magazines, check 10 agencies best sellers, check 100 best photographers portfolios, practice with your camera- do 10000 shots and examine them. Then after two months of hard work come here and show your photos. Such is my advice.

No offense.

micsmt · « **Reply #25 on:** August 21, 2015, 21:47 »

Dear 4seasons
This session is called photo critique and not photo ofense. I am shure i will improve but not thanks to someone like you. I do no think people are waisting their time trying to help me. They really helped me think which should be my next steps. I understand you have issues with beginers but try to be a litle more polite next time.
See you in a few photos.
And, by the way, I am a she, no a he.

jarih · « **Reply #26 on:** August 22, 2015, 04:32 »

Quote from: 4seasons on August 21, 2015, 21:03

So don't waste others time and do some homework himself. Browse forums, read books and magazines, check 10 agencies best sellers, check 100 best photographers portfolios, practice with your camera- do 10000 shots and examine them. Then after two months of hard work come here and show your photos. Such is my advice.

You wasted your time, good advices

4seasons · « **Reply #27 on:** August 22, 2015, 04:47 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 21:47

Dear 4seasons
This session is called photo critique and not photo ofense. I am shure i will improve but not thanks to someone like you. I do no think people are waisting their time trying to help me. They really helped me think which should be my next steps. I understand you have issues with beginers but try to be a litle more polite next time.
See you in a few photos.
And, by the way, I am a she, no a he.

Dear micsmt,
I'm very very sorry if I was too harsh. Please forgive me.

Now, with all respect to You, I would like kindly shortly repeat:

1. Your photos are trash.
2. You have no understanding about stock photography.
3. You have no self-criticism.
4. You should do your homework from the very basic first. A lot of homework.
5. There is no beginning point from where I could start critique your photos, because they are below critique.
6. Do your homework.
7. Do your homework.

All the best to you!!

Respectfully,
4Seasons

Difydave · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2015, 07:08 »

Quote from: Hongover on August 21, 2015, 20:07

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 19:33
I´m from Brasil, can you give me tips of what kind of photos from here are comercialy viable? Regional dishes? Large plantations? Nature?

Maybe the plantations. Brazil is known for Rio, MMA (BJJ & Capoeira), travel, the beautiful women, football, samba, dance, the slums of Brazil, etc.

There's enough there for a whole portfolio.

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 18:32

Thanks for the tips, I´ll practice a little more and hope to bring better pictures in the future...

Seriously, and not trying to put you down. At present you are not "a photographer" (whatever that is!) It's not as simple as "practising a little more" you really need to start with the basics. There are plenty of books, and / or resources on the web that you can use. Don't ignore the basic stuff. My advice FWIW, is to set your camera on fully manual exposure mode, ("M" on the dial usually) spot exposure metering, single point focus, ISO 100. Disable the flash if you have one fitted.
That will mean that just the subject is being metered for exposure. You will have to set the aperture, and then alter the shutter speed to suit. (or vice versa). The focus will at least stand a chance of being where you want it, rather than where the camera decides it should be. Once you have metered the subject with the camera, and set the exposure, you can half press the shutter release with the focus point where you want it, and "recompose" to put the subject where you want it in the frame.
Read up about composition, try to understand that a photograph needs an actual subject, and then go and take some photographs with the camera set like that. Take something like a still life, a portrait of a pet or person, and a landscape. Try to shoot them in good even light. Try to actually look at what you are shooting through the viewfinder. Don't cut off bits that matter.
Then come back with your shots and you'll get help if you're serious about learning.

ShadySue · « **Reply #29 on:** August 22, 2015, 07:13 »

OK, consider this.
Imagine I have a hob, a grill and a pot.
I decide I can open a restaurant before I've even learned to get the scrambled eggs and toast to be perfect at the same time.

A lot of people recently seem to be doing the same thing with microstock.
There's a person who uploaded 8831 files to iStock, starting in 2013 and has fewer than 30 downloads, about half of his sales being cheap subs.
He also seems to be based in South America, but his files are technically better than yours, in general.

There is NO point in getting loads of acceptances on iStock if they don't sell.

Go back to basics and learn how your camera works and how to compose.
Whatever way works best for you: take a class, join a club, buy books or magazines.
If you learn best online, I recommend John Greengo's Fundamentals of Photography 2015 class at Creative Live.
Loads of other classes on photography and Photoshop at Creative Live and on Lynda.com (a subscription site which allows access to all their classes, but you can often get a month's free trial).
For free, there are some useful articles at the New York Institute of Photography and no doubt many other places.

Give yourself lots of time to learn the basics.
Then, and only then, think about stock photography and what buyers want.

You've already had lots of great advice in this thread.
There are presumably plenty of other sites more geared towards starting photographers. However, beware of any which simply coo "Lovely, like, fave" - you'll learn nothing without strong criticism.

Difydave · « **Reply #30 on:** August 22, 2015, 07:29 »

Quote from: ShadySue on August 22, 2015, 07:13

OK, consider this.
Imagine I have a hob, a grill and a pot.
I decide I can open a restaurant before I've even learned to get the scambled eggs and toast to be perfect at the same time.

A lot of people recently seem to be doing the same thing with microstock.
There's a person who uploaded 8831 files to iStock, starting in 2013 and has fewer than 30 downloads, about half of his sales being cheap subs.
His files are technically better than yours, in general.

There is NO point in getting loads of acceptances on iStock if they don't sell.

Go back to basics and learn how your camera works and how to compose.
Whatever way works best for you: take a class, join a club, buy books or magazines.
If you learn best online, I recommend John Greengo's Fundamentals of Photography 2015 class at Creative Live.
Loads of other classes on photography and Photoshop at Creative Live and on Lynda.com (a subscription site which allows access to all their classes, but you can often get a month's free trial).
For free, there are some useful articles at the New York Institute of Photography and no doubt many other places.
Give yourself time to learn the basics.
Then, and only then, think about stock photography and what buyers want.

You've already had lots of great advice in this thread.
There are presumably plenty of other sites more geared towards starting photographers. However, beware of any which simply coo "Lovely, like, fave" - you'll learn nothing without strong criticism.

Good advice. I particularly agree with the last part about getting good strong criticism.

micsmt · « **Reply #31 on:** August 22, 2015, 08:02 »

Difydave, ShadySue and Hongover
I agree with everything you posted. Strong criticsm and hard opinions are excelent if they really are made to help.
I realised I have to take baby steps in all the aspects: tecnique, self criticsm, market etc. (I have to improve my english too, I´m loosing a lot of information because my poor english)
I want you to know how much your opinion affected me in a good way. Hope get back and show some photos you aprove some day.
Thanks for the tips and for the critics.

micsmt · « **Reply #32 on:** August 23, 2015, 10:59 »

I´m trying to start from the very beginning. Please, ignore the subject. I tryed to concentrate on the focus and the light. I know I have a long way but my anxiety is bigger than me and I had to make this post to show you my first baby step. Season of critics is open.
The second picture is a crop I did in the photo in 100% so you can analize the focus and the noise.

JPSDK · « **Reply #33 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:19 »

Please place the focus on the front, or better... stack the image ( Combine ZM). Next is the light, your lightsource does not reach the dark areas between the berries.
When I do photos like this I use 3 light sources ( strobes). Main and fill light, which should illuminate both the tops and bottom of the texture, set 45 degrees apart, and then a 3rd light from the side to produce textures in the subject, like on this one:
http://www.naturephotos.dk/showpic.php?kgf=23589&menu=1

jarih · « **Reply #34 on:** August 23, 2015, 13:24 »

If you use ambient light (one light source) try use a reflectors to lit shadows. There is many simple and cheap choices to use, white paper, aluminium folio and so on. Of course blacks materials are important and versatile in a lighting planning tools too, to darken shadows.

Hongover · « **Reply #35 on:** August 23, 2015, 14:34 »

You need some serious work on your compositions. I can see why some people think you're trolling because it look like you just a got a budget DSLR from your parents/friends as a gift and you just started to take photos.

You have your camera on auto focus and you're shooting these berries without any considerations. Don't just snap the first thing your viewfinder sees, let it refocus on the foreground object before hitting the button.

Start reading stuff on the internet otherwise you'll never get the basics.

micsmt · « **Reply #36 on:** August 23, 2015, 15:21 »

Quote from: Hongover on August 23, 2015, 14:34

You need some serious work on your compositions. I can see why some people think you're trolling because it look like you just a got a budget DSLR from your parents/friends as a gift and you just started to take photos.

You have your camera on auto focus and you're shooting these berries without any considerations. Don't just snap the first thing your viewfinder sees, let it refocus on the foreground object before hitting the button.

Start reading stuff on the internet otherwise you'll never get the basics.

Dear Hongover
I swear that I had my camera on manual focus, that I´m doing lots of researchs on the internet and taking a lot of photos. I just want to show I took the advices I got here very seriously and started right away.

micsmt · « **Reply #37 on:** August 23, 2015, 18:39 »

This time I worked on the focus and the subject...

JPSDK · « **Reply #38 on:** August 23, 2015, 23:24 »

there are many problems.

Its meaningless
what does dollars have to do with beads?
Its unresolved.
its not sharp
it is grainy
the composition is cluttered
lighting is bad

Noedelhap · « **Reply #39 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:17 »

It's "cheap" looking. Not sharp. Bad composition, Bad framing. Ugly yellowish tint.

Difydave · « **Reply #40 on:** August 24, 2015, 07:46 »

Seems to me that you're following the well worn path of a new photographers thinking there is a quick fix to taking good images.
Forget that. There is no "quick fix"

Berries : So you're trying to learn, but you start with one of the more difficult types of photography. "Macro" All sorts of difficulties with that. Selecting the correct aperture, depth of field, focussing in the right place, lighting. You need a solid tripod, and a remote shutter release at least to do any good. Lots of light too. The problems with your shots have already been pointed out.

Beads: Again the problems have been pointed out. None of your shots look very sharp to me. They need to be pin sharp at the point of focus when viewed at 100% All in camera processing like sharpening should be turned off. No good really posting these images that are little more than thumbnails. To have any real chance of seeing what is going on, you need to post full sized images, with the EXIF intact, and preferably watermarked.

The shot has a nasty yellow tint, as well as being "flat and grey" lacking contrast. As already said it looks "cheap" "Diamonds" on a black velvet background would be OK. Yellow plastic beads on "white" look cheap.

Seems to me (and without the EXIF I'm guessing) that you're still using either centre weighted or evaluative exposure metering. Try using spot metering on the actual subject for these type of things, along with manual settings. You don't have to use manual focus, although for some macro work it becomes necessary. For most subjects, single point auto focus will be enough.

Read The Friendly Manual. . .

micsmt · « **Reply #41 on:** August 24, 2015, 16:27 »

Quote from: Difydave on August 24, 2015, 07:46

Seems to me that you're following the well worn path of a new photographers thinking there is a quick fix to taking good images.
Forget that. There is no "quick fix"

Berries : So you're trying to learn, but you start with one of the more difficult types of photography. "Macro" All sorts of difficulties with that. Selecting the correct aperture, depth of field, focussing in the right place, lighting. You need a solid tripod, and a remote shutter release at least to do any good. Lots of light too. The problems with your shots have already been pointed out.

Beads: Again the problems have been pointed out. None of your shots look very sharp to me. They need to be pin sharp at the point of focus when viewed at 100% All in camera processing like sharpening should be turned off. No good really posting these images that are little more than thumbnails. To have any real chance of seeing what is going on, you need to post full sized images, with the EXIF intact, and preferably watermarked.

The shot has a nasty yellow tint, as well as being "flat and grey" lacking contrast. As already said it looks "cheap" "Diamonds" on a black velvet background would be OK. Yellow plastic beads on "white" look cheap.

Seems to me (and without the EXIF I'm guessing) that you're still using either centre weighted or evaluative exposure metering. Try using spot metering on the actual subject for these type of things, along with manual settings. You don't have to use manual focus, although for some macro work it becomes necessary. For most subjects, single point auto focus will be enough.

Read The Friendly Manual. . .

Difydave
I know I have a long, long way and I am not even thinking about upload anything soon.
I have no words to thank your patient and atention, not to mention you hability to teach. Everything you said will be processed and studied over and over.
I will control my anxiety now and upload something just when I really think I will have taken my first step in the right way.
Thanks again!!

4seasons · « **Reply #42 on:** August 24, 2015, 19:07 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 21:47

I understand you have issues with beginers

Wrong. I have no issues with beginners, but maybe some beginners have issues with me.
Let me tell you my story. This is for all beginners, if you'll only find it useful.
[I'm sorry for my bad English]

About at least 20 years ago I already was a "good photographer". There was no Facebook, no internet (as it's today), no online teachings, tutorials etc. I learned everything from books, magazines and from my own practice. All my friends and family praised my photos and spoke "You're the best!". But I himself was not very happy as I understood that I can and must do better. So one day I acquired courage and called one of the best, nationally recognized and reputable photographer. I asked maybe he could take a glance in to my photos and judge them. He agreed to give me one hour for a cup of coffee. As you know, there was no digital photography at that time. So I selected 10 of my best photos, printed them in the lab and we met. He has reviewed my photos, then... crumpled them ALL and threw in the trash bin! "What the s/*@# you're showing me?!"- he loudly asked. I was shocked. These were my best of the best photos! I asked, is there any hope that I will succeed in photography? He said, that if I want and if I will work very hardly and persistently, maybe one day I will take some good photos. Then he explained me the very basic what I should do. And we agreed to meet again in two weeks.

When I back home, I cried. I was angry. I was mad on him. I was full of self-pity and my self-esteem was below zero. I did not want to even look at my camera. I wanted to quit. After two or three days of deep depression I woke up and decided that I CAN. I MUST. And I WILL be a good photographer. So I furiously started to study basics. I took pictures everywhere: at home, in the yard, in the park, street etc. I printed them in the lab, examined them and again took pictures. I take notes on a paper of every single shot: aperture, shutter speed, again printed in lab and analyzed them. So after two weeks I selected my 10 new best photos and we met again. He reviewed them and selected ONE photo: "This one is very average. All others go to recycle bin". I was shocked again. And he explained me again, what I did wrong and how can I improve. I asked him for another one meeting, he agreed. So now I had another two weeks to prepare another 10 photos. I was angry again but I started from the very first day. I did the same things: read books, took pictures, printed them, examined and analyzed my notes, and again and again and again.

And we met third time. He took my photos, intently viewed them and this time selected five (FIVE!) photos. "These are mediocre. But from this point you can start learn something more". And he taught me next several steps and few basic rules of photography. We never meet again but I learned something.

Maybe in a year or two after our last meeting I called him and thanked. Even after many years I was so grateful to that man.

This man was not very cute. He was not polite. He was very categorical. And I had many reasons to hate him and be angry at him. But I concentrated on my purpose. And I worked very hard to achieve it. Not hours, days or weeks. Not even months, but years. Many years.

Today I'm a good photographer. Not the best by far, but good enough to make my living out of my photos. And I'm learning further every day.

So if you want only fluffy compliments, that's ok. You can get them from your family members or some close friends, but you'll learn nothing. Subservience will not teach you nothing, but will rise your self-love only, and you'll stay to live in a world of illusions.
But you will be thankful for a hard (and sometimes rough) critique after some time, if you will understand some principles deeply in your heart.

You're the only human being and you have feelings, so you can be angry and enraged. You feel depressed? Fine! Go ahead. Cry and scream that no one loves you. Feel distressed when your ego will be trampled. Weep and wail day and night. But one day you must stop and grow up.
If you really want to catch your dream, then stop self-pity, stand up, wipe your tears and set to work. Hard work.

Today you have internet so you have all the world in your hands. All teachings, tutorials, books, magazines, articles, examples are directly in front of you.
Today you don't need to go to the lab to see your photos, you can check them after one second on your camera screen.
Today you don't need to write on a paper values of aperture and shutter-speed. They appear right away right now.
So today the only one that can prevent to achieve your goal is you.
When you'll understand that, you will certainly succeed.

Thank you for so long reading and good luck!
4Seasons

Dr Bouz · « **Reply #43 on:** August 27, 2015, 14:47 »

bad photo. my first impression is "snapshotish" with no clear context and concept.
should not earn you a lot of (if any) money, but don't be surprised if you get some high-priced extended download. (i'm speaking from my personal experience, i had number of photos that really were crap - and got extended licenes downloads for these ones).

micsmt · « **Reply #44 on:** September 01, 2015, 17:53 »

https://500px.com/micsmt

micsmt · « **Reply #45 on:** September 06, 2015, 13:01 »

Now that I am taking lots of photos everyday, I wonder how great the old school photographers had to be. I try over and over (not whith satisfactory results yet, of course) but I don´t spend any money or time to see the results so I can keep trying...
Hope someday I will take photos as good as this photographer (who took the pictures of the link in 1913)
http://mashable.com/2015/04/23/autochrome-photos-ogorman/

Freedom · « **Reply #46 on:** September 06, 2015, 14:34 »

Micsmt, don't worry too much about what other people think, just continue to do what you think it's right. Eventually you will find your own path.

Your photos are not that bad, you've got the idea. You will have to refine your execution in lighting, composition and post processing. You cannot please everyone, if you can please yourself and more and more buyers, you are successful.

Yesterday's masters may not produce masterpieces today. Today's newbies may become a master one day, that's a fact. We all had snapshots, that's a part of the learning process. Keep at it. Best of luck!

dbvirago · « **Reply #47 on:** September 06, 2015, 18:28 »

and the photo you linked to wouldn't be accepted today. Noise, lighting, probably composition would get it rejected,

marthamarks · « **Reply #48 on:** September 06, 2015, 20:31 »

Quote from: dbvirago on September 06, 2015, 18:28

and the photo you linked to wouldn't be accepted today. Noise, lighting, probably composition would get it rejected,

Yes, it is "dated," to say the least.

micsmt · « **Reply #49 on:** September 15, 2015, 20:33 »

Just sold my first photo (first 0,48 cents) at Fotolia and Shutterstock finally acepted 9 of my 10 first pictures. I know I am just taking my first steps but feels so good to see some results...

Sebastian Radu · « **Reply #50 on:** September 16, 2015, 01:02 »

Congratulations

Pauws99 · « **Reply #51 on:** September 16, 2015, 05:28 »

Quote from: dbvirago on September 06, 2015, 18:28

and the photo you linked to wouldn't be accepted today. Noise, lighting, probably composition would get it rejected,

Of course it would - its a 100 years old. Does it make it a bad photograph no. Does it make it a bad phtotograph to sell as stock - yes. There's a big difference.

ShadySue · « **Reply #52 on:** September 16, 2015, 05:45 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on September 16, 2015, 05:28

Quote from: dbvirago on September 06, 2015, 18:28
and the photo you linked to wouldn't be accepted today. Noise, lighting, probably composition would get it rejected,

Of course it would - its a 100 years old. Does it make it a bad photograph no. Does it make it a bad phtotograph to sell as stock - yes. There's a big difference.

It might be accepted on Alamy as 'archival' and be usable as such.

micsmt · « **Reply #53 on:** September 16, 2015, 11:55 »

http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_id=3571025

This is the link to my firsts photos at Shutterstock. Again, critics and tips are very welcome.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #54 on:** September 16, 2015, 14:44 »

Once there up for sale the only real critics worth worrying about are the buyers

. Let what sells guide you

Hongover · « **Reply #55 on:** September 26, 2015, 02:55 »

Quote from: micsmt on September 16, 2015, 11:55

http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?gallery_id=3571025

This is the link to my firsts photos at Shutterstock. Again, critics and tips are very welcome.

Your cat is interesting. I've never seen a blue-eyed cat before. Who knows...if you take more interesting compositions of the cat, they may sell well.

And a word of advice...be more descriptive with your titles. Add 'blue eyes' in there. And your key-wording needs a bit of work. Think of other terms to describe cats...like kitten, feline and *.

Edit: looks like they censored the word 'p*ssy'

greenmanvt · « **Reply #56 on:** November 05, 2015, 15:38 »

sigalavaca · « **Reply #57 on:** November 05, 2015, 16:04 »

Mirella,

consider all the criticism you got here, sometimes the tone is harsh, but think it over, there is plenty of good advice.

Brazil also has plenty of opportunities for editorial stuff, for the peixaria: both tambaqui and tucunaré are pretty rare and beautiful fishes, so try to get the fisherman with them, if you get him to "pose" with nice, big yellow ones those pictures could sell.

From your pics I guess you live somewhere in the North, go after social issues:

-deforestation could be a good one, but you need better composition
- since the protests almost every day I have an editorial sale for brazil protests, crisis, etc.

kmlPhoto · « **Reply #58 on:** November 06, 2015, 11:46 »

The criticism you got here is beyond harsh and there is no excuse for it. It is never OK to be rude in the name of offering advise. It is so easy to forget that new photographers have a passion, but not perspective. You feel the calling, but are stuck getting started. I understand how it is. Spend some time on YouTube. The sum total of all photographic knowledge is available there. Adorama has some great shorter clips, B&H has longer form talks that dive deep with various photographers. Yes, your work needs to mature and improve, but don't get discouraged. I recommend working on the skills before trying to submit any pictures to stock agencies.

micsmt · « **Reply #59 on:** November 06, 2015, 15:15 »

Hi!
I always try to look at the good side of everything and even some rude coments helped me some way. I know I need to study and practice a lot but I am already uploadind some pictures and sold 14 photos.
Today I received a tripod a bought in the internet!
Can wait to start using it!
Looking foward to improve!
Thanks for the coments!!!

Elenathewise · « **Reply #60 on:** November 06, 2015, 17:30 »

Microstockphoto · « **Reply #61 on:** November 06, 2015, 18:08 »

Quote from: 4seasons on August 21, 2015, 21:03

Quote from: micsmt on August 21, 2015, 06:35
Why do you think this is a troll? I´m a beginner and have no intention to fool anyone, just trying to improve.

I think that you're trolling here, because I can't imagine that a reasonable man, who have no understanding about photography at all, don't understand what a rubbish he is showing. So You upload here absolutely trash, ask for a opinion, read comments and laughing at people who waste their time and are trying to help you.

If you really need an opinion, then you got it: your snapshots are absolutely trash. There is nothing to discuss about. You need elementary knowledge.

So don't waste others time and do some homework himself. Browse forums, read books and magazines, check 10 agencies best sellers, check 100 best photographers portfolios, practice with your camera- do 10000 shots and examine them. Then after two months of hard work come here and show your photos. Such is my advice.

No offense.

Ive never quoted anyone here but this has me wondering, very rude, but you want to the agencies to treat you with respect. is it not reap what you sow? we complain the agencies treat us like garbage but I would expect us to be better than that, yet we paint our own with the same brush

ShadySue · « **Reply #62 on:** November 06, 2015, 19:45 »

Quote from: Hongover on September 26, 2015, 02:55

And a word of advice...be more descriptive with your titles. Add 'blue eyes' in there. And your key-wording needs a bit of work. Think of other terms to describe cats...like kitten, feline and *.
Edit: looks like they censored the word 'p*ssy'

You wouldn't keyword kitten unless it actually is a kitten.
I wouldn't think (m)any buyers search on 'feline' or 'p*ssy' when they want a cat.

These blue eyes are stunning and a great resource.

Hongover · « **Reply #63 on:** November 06, 2015, 22:15 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 06, 2015, 19:45

Quote from: Hongover on September 26, 2015, 02:55
And a word of advice...be more descriptive with your titles. Add 'blue eyes' in there. And your key-wording needs a bit of work. Think of other terms to describe cats...like kitten, feline and *.
Edit: looks like they censored the word 'p*ssy'
You wouldn't keyword kitten unless it actually is a kitten.
I wouldn't think (m)any buyers search on 'feline' or 'p*ssy' when they want a cat.

These blue eyes are stunning and a great resource.

You're right about not many buyers searching for "feline" or "p*ssy", but those bases should be covered regardless. I have images that got found with 10-15 search terms, ranging from as much as 30% to 3%. If 3% uses an uncommon term to find the image and download it, it can be a nice boost to the overall search ranking of the image.

ShadySue · « **Reply #64 on:** November 07, 2015, 07:24 »

Quote from: Hongover on November 06, 2015, 22:15

Quote from: ShadySue on November 06, 2015, 19:45
Quote from: Hongover on September 26, 2015, 02:55
And a word of advice...be more descriptive with your titles. Add 'blue eyes' in there. And your key-wording needs a bit of work. Think of other terms to describe cats...like kitten, feline and *.
Edit: looks like they censored the word 'p*ssy'
You wouldn't keyword kitten unless it actually is a kitten.
I wouldn't think (m)any buyers search on 'feline' or 'p*ssy' when they want a cat.

These blue eyes are stunning and a great resource.

You're right about not many buyers searching for "feline" or "p*ssy", but those bases should be covered regardless. I have images that got found with 10-15 search terms, ranging from as much as 30% to 3%. If 3% uses an uncommon term to find the image and download it, it can be a nice boost to the overall search ranking of the image.

That's the advantage of a CV (when it's working properly). On iS, when you search Feline you get all cats¹, when you search p*ssy you get 'domestic cats'¹, so you don't need to input these keywords.
¹Plus any spam, of course.

I have no idea how the SS keywording works, but you seem to be suggesting that someone buying your file on 'p*ssy', say, would elevate the ranking on all keywords used on that file, not just the keyword the buyer searched on?

Difydave · « **Reply #65 on:** November 07, 2015, 10:27 »

I reckon that whether a particular keyword gets searched for depends on what the object is and what the different search terms are.

A shot of a car might be keyworded, for instance: car, motor car, motor, vehicle, automobile. Those words might well be searched for without too much of a stretch.

While for instance "wheels" is often used in speech to refer to a car, no one is really going to use "wheels" to actually search for a shot of a car. It then means that anyone looking for "wheels" might see images of cars they don't want (although looking at one or two agencies that search isn't bad so my example isn't that good!)

Keywording a shot of a domestic cat as "p*ssy" is just too much of a stretch. I can't believe that anyone today is ever going to use that term when searching for an image of a cat.

This is part of the problem with keyword spam IMHO.

marthamarks · « **Reply #66 on:** November 07, 2015, 10:37 »

Quote from: Difydave on November 07, 2015, 10:27

Keywording a shot of a domestic cat as "p*ssy" is just too much of a stretch. I can't believe that anyone today is ever going to use that term when searching for an image of a cat.

Exactly what I've been thinking.

And since everybody here seems compelled to insert * into that "p-word" (which you wouldn't do if it really were referring to a domestic house cat), shows that it would be a spam keyword when used to refer to a cat.

ShadySue · « **Reply #67 on:** November 07, 2015, 10:43 »

Quote from: marthamarks on November 07, 2015, 10:37

And since everybody here seems compelled to insert * into that "p-word" (which you wouldn't do if it really were referring to a domestic house cat), just goes to show that it would be a spam keyword when used to refer to a cat.

No, that's because if you write p.u.s.s.y without the dots, the msg 'system' translates it to *.
In sitemails at least, the same happens with s.u.c.k.i.n.g.. Let's see if it happens here: I mean as in "I've been * throat sweets all day."

Hongover · « **Reply #68 on:** November 07, 2015, 13:45 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 07, 2015, 07:24

Quote from: Hongover on November 06, 2015, 22:15
Quote from: ShadySue on November 06, 2015, 19:45
Quote from: Hongover on September 26, 2015, 02:55
And a word of advice...be more descriptive with your titles. Add 'blue eyes' in there. And your key-wording needs a bit of work. Think of other terms to describe cats...like kitten, feline and *.
Edit: looks like they censored the word 'p*ssy'
You wouldn't keyword kitten unless it actually is a kitten.
I wouldn't think (m)any buyers search on 'feline' or 'p*ssy' when they want a cat.

These blue eyes are stunning and a great resource.

You're right about not many buyers searching for "feline" or "p*ssy", but those bases should be covered regardless. I have images that got found with 10-15 search terms, ranging from as much as 30% to 3%. If 3% uses an uncommon term to find the image and download it, it can be a nice boost to the overall search ranking of the image.
That's the advantage of a CV (when it's working properly). On iS, when you search Feline you get all cats¹, when you search p*ssy you get 'domestic cats'¹, so you don't need to input these keywords.
¹Plus any spam, of course.

I have no idea how the SS keywording works, but you seem to be suggesting that someone buying your file on 'p*ssy', say, would elevate the ranking on all keywords used on that file, not just the keyword the buyer searched on?

Look up the term "cat" and "p*ssy cat". You can try to compete with 467,000 search results or you can compete with 37,000. The term "p*ssy" is usually not searched by itself and if you do, you get a mixture of P*ssy Willow flowers, cats and pictures referencing female private parts. You combine it with the word "cat" and it becomes a relevant term.

Some will call it keyword spam, but I call it SEO. It's nearly impossible to compete for the word "cat", so why fight an uphill battle and lose epically? And honestly, I don't think it's spam at all, because the it's still a fairly common term to describe cats. You may not, but not all thought process are the same.

condra · « **Reply #69 on:** November 11, 2015, 11:39 »

micsmt you have shown in this thread some of the qualities that only the best photographers in the world have.
You're open to criticism. You're hard on yourself. You want to learn. You're willing to change. You work hard and never give up.

Huge respect for you.

marthamarks · « **Reply #70 on:** November 11, 2015, 11:49 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 07, 2015, 10:43

Quote from: marthamarks on November 07, 2015, 10:37
And since everybody here seems compelled to insert * into that "p-word" (which you wouldn't do if it really were referring to a domestic house cat), just goes to show that it would be a spam keyword when used to refer to a cat.
No, that's because if you write p.u.s.s.y without the dots, the msg 'system' translates it to *.
In sitemails at least, the same happens with s.u.c.k.i.n.g.. Let's see if it happens here: I mean as in "I've been * throat sweets all day."

Well, that really is interesting! I didn't realize we had an robo-censor hard at work here.

Maybe it's because in everyday American speech I hardly ever hear the term * cat (I spelled that 5-letter word out, and now await the robo-censor). Seems that "house cat" may have replaced it here, perhaps to avoid the raunchy connotation.

And in fact, "house cat" is the keyword I would use if I were to photograph such critters.

ShadySue · « **Reply #71 on:** November 11, 2015, 13:02 »

I was going to suggest 'moggy' as the equivalent of 'mongrel' dog, but apparently that's only a UK-English usage.

marthamarks · « **Reply #72 on:** November 11, 2015, 13:24 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 11, 2015, 13:02

I was going to suggest 'moggy' as the equivalent of 'mongrel' dog, but apparently that's only a UK-English usage.

"Moggy" is definitely not in common usage here in the US. People would probably think you're saying "muggy"… meaning hot and sticky weather.

Two peoples separated by a common language.

micsmt · « **Reply #73 on:** November 13, 2015, 15:35 »

Quote from: micsmt on August 20, 2015, 19:16

I´m a newbie, be my guest to criticize...

I 'm not trying to start a controversy here, just bring hope and PERSPECTIVE that someone , somewhere, may be looking for an image that no one imagines.
I sold two photos that no one imagined it would be sold someday.

sigalavaca · « **Reply #74 on:** November 13, 2015, 15:43 »

congrats/parabéns

Melissa22 · « **Reply #75 on:** March 31, 2016, 06:44 »

super photo skills!

Accipiter82 · « **Reply #76 on:** April 27, 2016, 16:34 »

Hi,

recently i upload several photos on Dreamstime so every critics is velcome>
newbielink:http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-two-cocktails-bar-table-fresh-bonsai-image69531967 [nonactive]
newbielink:http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-two-cocktails-bar-table-fresh-bonsai-image69531967 [nonactive]
newbielink:http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-spa-wellness-smelling-red-candles-closeup-image69677931 [nonactive]
newbielink:http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-making-vegetarian-pizza-putting-mushrooms-top-image68738011 [nonactive]

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