Strictly speaking as a commercial artist and NOT a photographer:
I would have to venture a guess that 90% of my inspiration comes from reviewing other peoples portfolios.

Sometimes I capitalize on only one element from another's portfolio. Other times, I will copy the entire idea, and improve on it,  thus making my image outshine the original.

I rely on my ability to pick out what are the important elements of an image, evaluate them, and then decide whether I am able to  improve upon the theme or elements.

Speaking strictly as a photographer:
I don't feel qualified enough to call myself a "Stock Photographer". I use photographic elements in all but maybe 10% of my images. However I am classified as a "Fine Art Photographer"...the kind of photographer who would starve in the world of stock.

My photography is better served in private galleries, rather than on the stock circuit. This is why I have turned to being a "Hybrid Contributor".... Half artist half photographer. sort of a digital artist if I may.

Just so I make myself clear, I get my inspiration from everyone one of your images. I also incorporate TV ads, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and even greeting cards. Nothing is original in my portfolio that has not been inspired from somewhere else.

The MIZ

Pardon me, I did not mean your post. I meant the one just above me by Waldo4

I have my own Advil, and have taken care of the issue.
The MIZ

OK in spite of the fact that I dont experience such problems....this is to serve as a warning to
others about to embark on a path to the Twilight Zone.

All Beware!

The MIZ

Photoshop Tutorial - for Beginners and Intermediate Users

One of many methods you can use to clean up a hazy landscape image.
I chose this method to show you because it is fairly simple, and I believe
anyone with a minimum of photoshop experience will be able to follow along.

As always, if you have any questions I am available here.

http://microstockpix.com/tuts/haze/haze.html

The MIZ

May I add a comment:

In your post you write "OK a few I can understand."

Thats NOT acceptable in my minds eye. When I submit my images, I only submit those that are
by my standards 100%. When I submit I don't expect any to be rejected. Of course there are
rejects anyway, but my point is I did not submit any images that when they do get rejected
I can say "OK I understand why it got rejected".

The MIZ

If you get accepted (I hope) you will find StockXpert a very lucrative site. I am only there 1 1/2 months and my
designers are just * my images off the site.

I wish I had uploaded to the 2 years ago when I first started.

The MIZ

I just want to inform all the readers of this forum, that my therapist has been contacted on this issue.
She says "I have nothing to worry about, and that I should just ignore that mean person. (so there you mean person)

I of course am quite upset because my therapist plays to the tune of $150.00 an hour.
There goes all the money I made on StockXpert last month. 

Of course I having my moments of deep depression brought about that evil doer "Mr AAC6D63" I hate you!.....yes yes yes...
You are lucky Mr AAC6D63 that I don't commit an act of self destruction like eating  too much chocolate, or causing me to kick my dog.

I demand a letter of apology from you at once. Otherwise I shall be compelled to take further drastic action like forcibly
making you smell my underwear. For those who dont have any idea what I'm talking about I invite you to view my underwear

Click hear to view my underwear tutorial http://www.microstockpix.com/laundry/index.html

Its all about experimenting and looking for what suits you.
There are a thousand options at you command buddy....use them to your own fancy

Why would you even ask a silly question like that?

This is quite a surprise because I own the domain name "unfortunatecantstopphoto.com

how ever if you wish to have it, I am willing to relinquish it if you agree to turn over your first born son to me.

Photoshop Tutorial - for Beginners and Intermediate Users

Sudden explosion BAM!
Try this multi part tutorial for some extreme concept images.
This is part 1 which will take some of the way. The next part will come soon.





You be able to create your own images just like these
 Click the link to the right http://www.microstockpix.com//forum/bits1/bits1.html

The MIZ

As some of you know, I post tutorials here in this forum occasionally.
When I do, I usually pick tutorials the would generally serve all of us "Stockies".
Of course the idea is usually to introduce new comers some new ideas.

Well I recently developed a new technique that is rather simple, but I'm not
sure if it would serve your portfolios well. The technique is rather along
the  concept type imagery. (Rather selective) Its quite dynamic and unusual which
is why I'm not sure anyone would be interested.

Below I have posted three images of a whole series I am presently working on.

If you  think you could use this tutorial, please indicate so here. If it appears people on this forum
can use it I will make one.

http://www.microstockpix.com/pages/explode%20card.htm

http://www.microstockpix.com/pages/explode.htm

http://www.microstockpix.com/pages/explode%20earth.htm


Let me know,
The MIZ

I'm baffled by the word you use so often "Clip Art".
I have had it in my mind that clip art was a collection of icons, buttons, cartoons, and small graphic pictures.

I hardly think that dominates the stock community. Perhaps you will elaborate on why you think
stock is all presented as clip art.

The MIZ