OOOOooo I just tuned into your post. I have my special forcast reading glasses on.
I see into your future and I see  "the most" "The least" "the best" the worst" "the biggest"  etc ....etc

Yeah so what! We've done it, been there, even got the t-shirt that says so.
What else pray tell is exciting in your you might want to share with us?

The MIZ

"Anyone own the 16mm-35mm II ? "

I don't have the II I have the 16mm-35mm L (I can't remember if it has IS)
Anyway God gave it to me on my birthday 2 years ago

The MIZ

""What   IS  'stock material'"

Silly everyone knows the answer to this http://www.milfordceramictile.com/in_stock_material.htm

God came to me in my sleep one night, and recommended I buy a Canon 24mm - 105mm f4 IS L for my camera.
Who was I to argue with a higher power, so I did. That was 2 years ago when the lens first came out.

Since then I have not regretted following his suggestion. It has to be my sharpest tool in the shed.
The only lens that comes close is my prime 50mm 1.2 I have done experiments with the 2 lenses side by side.
Not scientific, but side by side comparisons for sharpness. Both appeared to be equal and boy was I surprised!

Today, and every night when I go to bed and thank him. I now ask for recommendations on improving my sales
and improving the "Download-ability" of my images. I have not recieved an answer yet. I don't think he knows
what "Download-ability" means.

The MIZ

OK here we go with another controversial issue from me.

A friend I met at an art gallery where I was displaying some of my landscapes ask me:
"How do you see the shots that you take?" "Can anyone learn to spot the same shots you do?"

My answers to both questions were terse and to the point.
1. I was born with it
2. No

I have attempted on numerous occasions to try and teach various friends interested in photography
how to spot good shots. I have pointed them in the direction of helpful websites, different books.
and answered all their questions. all all the friends (I count 7) only 1 shows promise, although I doubt
he will aspire to any great level.

Important, keep in mind I'm not referring to the technical aspects of photography. Just the aesthetic end.
For instance when I'm scanning for images, I have the ability to scan a scene through a range of wide to telephoto
lenses.

The human eye sees at about 52mm. In my minds eye I can change that from 16mm thru 200mm easily.

So? What say you? I say you either have it or you don't.
Are you are born with a talent, and if not, can you learn it?

Do you agree or do you think I'm some sort of pompous a**hole on an ego trip.

The MIZ

A curious post was made to this extent.
It is questionable, and unknown if in fact the reviewers are given the names of contributors
at the time they are reviewing the images. If this is the case, then you can well see how this could happen.

The MIZ

QUESTION:

When I upload an image for sale on a stock site, who is the actual seller?

1. ME?
2. The stock site?

My first thought is it's me. Because I am the copyright holder, and it is illegal for them to sell any of my images.
My second thought is it's them, because they act as a broker to facilitate the sale.

Perhaps there is something in the user agreement? I hate reading the fine print.

The MIZ

In light of recent developments regarding image theft, I'm wondering now who is
responsible for catching the thieves? Some people are so arrogant as to say ...."how did it get by the reviewers?"

I have read a few people say that it is the hosting site that should have caught this guy.
This troubles me. I do not see a clear cut way of catching thieves on any scale that would be effective.

Certainly reviewers are there for one purpose, and now some people are suggesting that they act as traffic cops too!
I believe a savant might help. They would remember every image ever submitted back to the stone age.

Lets get REAL people. Reviewers are there to judge whether your image is a salable one. Nothing else!
It's unfortunate that there are such inscrutable  people who would take advantage of the system.
However, in no way can I see any clear understanding why a particular site, who has been struck by the bandit
should take responsibility for policing, catching, and dealing with such matters.

 Sure if he is found out by any means ban him and revoke his earnings.

The MIZ

Ok so It appears some of us have held court proceedings, and have found this individual GUILTY as charged (Thievery)

Now what is the penalty say you?

1. Take his birthday away for 6 years.
2. Make him sit in a corner facing a wall for 8 hours a day for 30 days.
3. Suspend his accounts and ask him to send an email of apology to everyone he snatched images from.
4. Be friendly with him and open up communications so we can understand "What was he thinking!"
5. Nothing since we do not have any authority to prosecute him any further.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who made an effort and took time to investigate this matter.
You are a credit to the stock community, and we love you for it. I am proud to say I work along side you.

Good work, now lets make more images!

The MIZ

Well, excuse me. I was not aware that some so self righteous people were also
self appointed "image police".

OK I will stand aside while you guys perform your self appointed duties.
Far be it from me to interfere with the process of law enforcement.

The MIZ

I seriously doubt any wrong doings. I am throughly convinced it's a phenomenon known
to scientist for many years. When identical twins at birth are separated, they still share,
and occupy the same thought patterns in the brain.

I believe the two artists created the same image, at exactly the same time, at different locations.
Whats all the fuss about?

The MIZ

Now you see that kind of rejection plays BOTH ways:

Last year or so I uploaded this image and it was rejected.



The reason: (I para phrase) "Please send a copy of you source for this image. Please upload it
and submit it as a model release.

So I had to send them a copy of the photo I used the pen tool to isolate the person on.
Times change, people change, policies changes. The only thing we can guarantee in this life is CHANGE.

The MIZ