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Messages - LesPalenik
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401
« on: August 27, 2013, 15:17 »
I was not sure if I should post this in Development, Suggestions, or Marketing, so the General section is as good as any.
At one time, I was quite happy if I could make my image large enough to reach the minimum size of 4MP. Now, with large sensor cameras, we can get sharp files at 24 or 36MP, or alternatively, crop a large file in 6 different ways to make multiple subimages. Is it better to post just one image in the original large size (consequently making the individual objects and features in it perhaps too small for the thumbnails), or would you split the large image into several smaller images (so they would look bigger in the thumbnails)? What's best for the buyer?
Obviously, buyers on the subscription sites will choose most often the largest available size and then they crop it any way they want, but in the Symbio marketplace they may select the smallest size that will do, so proper cropping may be more important. Another issue with the image size is that I'd like to see more than 4 sizes available for the download, incl. panoramic format. I realize that we can specify the individual 4 images sizes, but right now, the difference between the last two or three image sizes seems too much. Having at least one more size would allow more flexibility in pricing.
One more constraint with having only 4 image sizes is the fact that even if we submit the largest image available, that size may vary across the portfolio. For instance, some images were taken with a 6MP and some with a 12, 16 or 24MP camera. With the present setup, all these sizes in their maximum availability are priced on the same level.
402
« on: August 27, 2013, 14:36 »
I never noticed any lines or banding on my screen, so maybe it was fixed in the GD library or present only in certain situations. So far, the GD library seems to me quite satisfactory.
403
« on: August 27, 2013, 14:01 »
If you submit images in sRGB, the colors should look OK. I find that if I forget and leave the workspace in ProPhoto, then the image looks dull and the colors are shifted (same thing happens not only on SYS but also on SS).
I also use GD Library, since my host (ipower) doesn't support ImageMagick PHP extension. They told me that they support ImageMagick in binary form, but I don't know if Leo's template could use it (and how I could activate it).
What do we lose by using GD library instead of Imagemagick? Is it only the faster image processing or also a better IQ in the final image conversion for display and user download? I could live with slower processing times, but if Imagemagick produces better output files, it might be worthwhile to switch eventually to another host.
404
« on: August 27, 2013, 13:50 »
Done! Also linking directly to your site.
405
« on: August 27, 2013, 00:07 »
to me the EOS-M looks like a much better deal that the Sigma.
i will give Sigma another chance with their next-gen camera eventually.
as for the Foveon : i'm telling the same things since a long time, great IQ and great sharpness is only achievable with a big sensor outputting a resized image ... Sigma gives a you great 16MP but it needs to mess with a 46MP raw input to achieve that.
you could do the same with a D800E and resize to 12MP .. try it !
It's a good analogy, however, D800 catches all light with the same type of pixels, whereas Foveon sensors use three layers of pixels, each reacting to different color. The bottom layer records red, the middle layer records green, and the top layer records blue. To confuse it even further, in practical terms, the 46MP raw image translates into a very sharp 15MP JPG or TIF image which would be equivalent to about 28MP taken with a conventional CMOS sensor. I agree with you that today there are plenty of new APS-sized pocket cameras that will produce pretty good image quality without the quirks of Sigma. After all, DP2M Model is now almost two years old.
406
« on: August 24, 2013, 22:08 »
Martha,
I have some wildlife pictures, and many landscape images from Canada, mainly Ontario. Still uploading, and many more images to go.
I haven't done my networking part yet, but would be honored to link with your site.
407
« on: August 24, 2013, 21:44 »
Speaking about categories. The structure is in place and it works great, it's easy to customize it.
I'm thinking about additional categories, for lack of better word, I'd call it artist categories, type, groups, or something similar. Maybe even two more fields - type and group. The users wouldn't necessarily see or use it, but the contributors could use various codes to assign more meanings to their images, and then filter on it and possibly even perform other processes on the filtered sets.
Something like this is of course not possible with traditional agencies, but if it's not too difficult to add few extra fields to our database, it could be very useful for the Symbio contributors to select certain image subset and perform various analysis or processes on it.
I'll try to expand on it and post this request in the Suggestion section. .
408
« on: August 24, 2013, 05:35 »
You cant stock up, you have to use the images within 6 months Ron, I'm not sure how is the stocking up or Royalty Free interpreted. On one hand, I am aware of the policy that you quoted, and on the other hand, at least some agencies say, Royalty Free means that you can reuse the image as many times as you want. Does it mean that if you use the image at least once within six months, you can then reuse it later again? And if the original client for whom you planned to use the image, cancels the project, can you use it for another project? The lines seem blurry. At one time, I was contemplating writing series of books and since such a project (research, writing, and editing) would take considerably more time than 6 months, I checked with an agency if I could purchase the images for the planned use with anticipated final usage stretching over 6 months. I was told that it would be OK.
409
« on: August 24, 2013, 03:49 »
A large buyer signs for Shutterstock 1 year subscription plan, a $199/month 25-image downloads/day adding 750 photographs and illustrations each month to their own in-house image library. That's 9,000 images per year or 99,000 images in 11 years. Total cost for amassing this royalty-free collection was a mere $27,500. Now they can cancel their subscription, the inhouse library will supply most of their needs. For special projects they will buy occasionally new images - at less than $10 per image ($229 for 25 images), bringing eventually their total image count to 100,000.
Such an impressive image library will become a valuable company resource and will attract a lot of attention. And as in most retail stores, office cabinets, and libraries, there will be also some degree of image pilferage committed by inside staff that invariably will reduce the sales revenue of remaining stock agencies.
410
« on: August 23, 2013, 11:38 »
That sensor has to handle three sets of 15MP data, that's lot of data to be moved. In practical terms, the camera would exhibit about 28MP quality - somewhere between D600 and D800.
The reason for the amazing IQ of the DP2M (30mm) and DP3M (50mm) is the combination of the Foveon sensor with an outstanding lens. Apparently, the 18mm lens on DP1M is not as good. So it's not only sensor, but also the optics. Battery problem is annoying, but not insurmountable. The batteries are very small - not much bigger than CF cards (that's the main problem for quick discharge) and inexpensive (when bought from a third part supplier), so one can carry easily 4-6 batteries. Also, if you don't use it as the main camera, you don't shoot with it hundreds of shots from the same scene, so in practical terms, I find, 2 batteries will usually carry me through the day.
If their next model eliminates some of the known problems and retains or improves the image quality, it should be an exceptional camera.
411
« on: August 23, 2013, 08:13 »
To get back on topic. We are growing with a rate of 15,000 images per month. Give or take a few. If we are at 100 now, I'd say we'd be around 150,000 come the new year.
Actually, in July we added 20,000 images. In August, it should be well over 20,000. This compares with 65,000 images in the previous 5 months, so the snowball effect is already happening. 250,000 images by year end is a very good possibility.
412
« on: August 22, 2013, 19:07 »
Depends also on location. In the summer, you can get a lot of night shooting done in Yukon, northern Alaska or even Iceland. Lot of light until midnight. Even at low ISO. For dark scenes with aurora, the winter is best, but you have to dress for it.
413
« on: August 22, 2013, 14:07 »
Foveon-based, big-pocket Sigma DP2M (or DP3M). Best IQ after D800.
i've read several reviews about that camera and there are many drawbacks :
- slow software - slow writing RAW files - battery lasting just 100 or 200 photos ? - slow autofocus - noisy above ISO 400 - need tripod even in good conditions ?? - no cable release ! - max shutter = 30 seconds, no bulb mode
i mean for 1000$ it doesnt look like a bargain ... the Sony RX100 is just 650$ and comes with a zoom (24-100mm equivalent)
i've seen a few samples images, they all look good but if they've all been shot on a tripod well i'm not that impressed, even an old D40 would do it and probably better when paired with a 100$ prime or with the 18-55 kit lens.
then again they all rave about great colors and sharpness, what the he-ll ... you can get even better colors using PS or LR properly, as for sharpness well they're using a good prime lens, i would be surprised if it wasn't sharp.
by the way, it's sharp but not tack-sharp as a 2000$ lens.
so what's the point of this camera, i don't know.
i'm excited to see many companies pushing this market niche but so far i see too many drawbacks, maybe in a few years it will become mainstream, we'll see.
Compared to other cameras, DPxM series are not the best when it comes to handling, battery life, and even postprocessing, but the IQ is incredible. I wouldn't buy it as my main camera, rather as a specialized tool. No problems with handheld shooting, I never used it on a tripod, usually shooting outside at ISO200 at high enough shutter speed, the 30mm lens (on DP2M) is very sharp - not only in the center, but from edge to edge. D40 was a good camera 10 years ago, in many ways better than DP2m, but not when it comes to IQ. The fixed lens has its advantages - there are quite a few shooters, owing all 3 Merill models. So they must like them. On Lula and dpreview forums, they have several multi-page threads showing hi-res images from all 3 Sigma Merill cameras, look at them.
414
« on: August 20, 2013, 04:30 »
Foveon-based, big-pocket Sigma DP2M (or DP3M). Best IQ after D800.
415
« on: August 20, 2013, 03:40 »
and your evidence is?
widely available on the microstock-related blogs and forums. Regrettably, spelling it out in detail would constitute considerably more effort than providing just the aforementioned high-level executive summary.
416
« on: August 18, 2013, 09:43 »
............ and if not a one click process you can do it at least 50 at a time
Did you know that on the "All Images" page you can click on screen options and select the number of images you want to be visible, select them, then choose Bulk Actions - Reprocess to reprocess them
The only caveat is that "Reprocess" option is awfully close to "Trash All"
417
« on: August 18, 2013, 09:30 »
+1
418
« on: August 18, 2013, 04:56 »
Recently, on FAA forums there were several threads re: pricing, and surprisingly, the general consensus by the successful sellers based on their selling experience was that raising the prices (in reasonable range) usually resulted in more sales. On the other hand, lowering the prices connotated lower product quality, and seldom led to sales.
On Shutterstock, if you buy on-demand 2 images at $29, that would work out to $14.50 per image and it could be a 4-6MP size (admittedly, it could be also a 40MP panoramic image). So, pricing a level-3 SYS exclusive image that is not available anywhere else at $15-$20 is really not out of the range.
419
« on: August 18, 2013, 04:41 »
The growth of supply MAY be outstriping the growth of demand not MAY, but IS
420
« on: August 17, 2013, 23:46 »
This post expands on the bulk edit and Search/Select mentioned by other members. I also wrote about it in one of the other threads in the General area.
1. It would be nice to have a general purpose selection/change utility. For instance, select all exclusive images, certain categories, or some collections and apply special pricing just to those images. Excluding some images or narrowing down the previous selection would be also nice. It would be quite useful to have a flexible selection process (select by all kinds of criteria - keyword, category,date, etc), ideally also nested (narrow-down) selections, and then being able to run the pricing utility just on the selected images.
Keep the selection process totally independent, so the selected images could be used potentially as input also for other processes to be added in the future (zipping, export, resizing, applying a new watermark, adding some keywords, etc).
2. The Change Utility (or even a group of small change programs) would accept a selection list (current selection, saved selection, list of images, etc), interpret a mode parameter (i.e. change prices, add keywords, run a new watermark, add/rewrite Editorial notice, etc).
Utilities like this could be integral part of Symbiostock or added as third-party tools, enhancing the functionality and power of the Symbiostock platform.
421
« on: August 17, 2013, 21:36 »
Thank you, Leo for your work, help and vision.
422
« on: August 17, 2013, 21:35 »
I'm on 2.5.6 . I even exited from Symbio and started a new session. Still the same problem (only for the bloggee size) .
EDITED: Half an hour later, and it is working as a charm now. Worst kind of scenarios - intermittent problems. I don't know what happened, maybe some kind of self-healing fix due to the changes in the athmospheric pressure, or perhaps I'll need to take more of those half-hour breaks.
423
« on: August 17, 2013, 20:54 »
For some reason, the bloggee size pricing in My Symbiostock, Settings, Author Options is disabled (striked through). I can access and modify it for an individual image. Is this a bug, or can it be changed somehow?
424
« on: August 17, 2013, 20:46 »
Why do most of you price a full size image at 300 dpi, which will obviously qualify for most print campaigns at $20 or less? Whoever wants to do any prints will probably pay more for the printer (ink, labor, offset etc) than you charge for the most important part of the campaign. Why do you sell yourself that cheap? I do understand the need for cheap blog sized images. Most bloggers are privateers and don't have the budget to pay double digit amounts for pictures. But full sized print quality images? They don't need to be priced at lowest microstock level, IMO. Print campaigns have a budget. Why make one of the most efficient parts of the campaign the cheapest one? There's no practical reason for it, IMO.
I fully agree with Redneck and CrackerClips, and just changed my prices. Keeping the two small size affordable, and raising the prices for the large sizes (I also increased the default size for medium size from 1000 to 1200 pixels). I'm still only setting up my site, and will adjust the prices for premium images as I get to them. I don't worry about competing with the same images of mine on the other agencies, since I don't have them on many sites, and anyway, as my SYS site starts selling, some of the "duplicate" images will be purged systematically from the other agencies. In addition, at this early stage, realistically, not too many images will be sold or seen on SYS sites, or compared with the same images on the other sites (hopefully that will start changing in 2014). Bulk Pricing UtilityWhat I would like to see, is some versatile bulk pricing utility. For instance, select all exclusive images, certain categories, or some collections and apply special pricing just to those images. Excluding some images or narrowing down the previous selection would be also nice. It would be quite useful to have a very flexible selection process (select by all kinds of criteria - keyword, category,date, etc), ideally also nested selections, and then being able to run the pricing utility just on the selected images. Keep the selection process totally independent, so the selected images could be used potentially as input also for other processes to be added in the future (zipping, export, resizing, applying a new watermark. etc).
425
« on: August 17, 2013, 11:13 »
Just got from my server support the following message:
Imagick function does not work on our server. We have ImageMagick binaries. But it is not complied to PHP so IMAGICK wont work. So, you will not be able to use IMAGICK as PHP built-in class.
You have to use the alternative convert utility. Below is a sample code: $location=/usr/local/bin/convert; $command=-thumbnail 150′; $name=Sunset.; $extfrm=jpg; $extto=png; $output={$name}{$extto}; $convert=$location . .$command . . $name . $extfrm . . $name . $extto; exec ($convert); print <img src= . $output . >;
ImageMagick Binary Path
The path will vary depending on which ImageMagick binary you needs to use on the Unix platform. These are the two most common:
/usr/bin/resize /usr/local/bin/convert
What does it all mean? Can I use Imagick by adding the code above to my php.ini (or to another file)?
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