Hey fellow stockers,

I have a similar thread up on istock I created a while back, but now I am more sure of what I want to get and just wanted to hear other stockers opinion on it. I am a beginner when it comes to studio lighting, but I have been doing research and trying to put together an affordable setup that will produce solid results. As of now im looking to purchase:

3 Alienbees B800 Flash Units
3 Alienbees 13 ft. Heavy Duty stands for each flash unit.
1 Alienbees 32x40 softbox for one of the flashes.
1 10x24 High Key white muslin backdrop, http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=229

Basically, I want to get that stock image of a person on a nice white background with this setup. The plan is to aim two of the flashes at the backdrop and the flash with the softbox on the model. Not only do I want this setup for stock, but also to learn my way around studio photography, as I plan to make a career out of photography. Also in the future I plan to pick up a black backdrop for more possibilities.

Anyway, would just like to hear your thoughts on this setup and approach, and if you think I will be able to get the shots I want with this setup. Also if anyone is using a similar setup how is it working for you?

Many thanks for any input.

chode how long did it take them to review your initial application of 5 images? I applied over a week ago and still no response.

Hello,

I am a newbie to this forum, and still fairly new to the microstock world. I was hoping you guys could critique my image process and just let me know if there is something I may be doing wrong, or something I could be doing better. I shoot with a Nikon D80, I have a custom setting set up in my menu so that no sharpening, or saturation or anything at all is added. I shoot in RAW always at ISO 100. I import these images from my camera into Apple Aperture were I organize them, from there I export them as JPEG original size. Then from there they go to photoshop CS3 for any editing, usually the only editing I do is removing logos, and playing with the levels, then export from photoshop as JPEG maximum size.

This is the process I have been using for around a year now, so far it seems to be working ok, I have a 170 image portfolio at istock and was planning to go exclusive there. However, since istock has been becoming pretty strict on model releases etc, I decided to start submitting to multiple websites. Currently im submitting to istock, dreamstime, 123rf, bigstock and fotolia. I have applied twice at shutterstock but got murdered both times heh, also have an application waiting at stockxpert, but it seems they take a while.

I was also going to consider setting up another custom setting on my D80 with maybe a little sharpening, plus saturation so I get a more pleasing RAW image straight out of the camera. I think maybe with nothing added at all my RAW images may be a little dull. It is quite a bit of work submitting to multiple sites but I have to imagine in the long run its the best approach to trying to make any money in this business. I am still having trouble grasping that "concept" image that seems to be what microstock is all about but im working on it heh.

Anyway, appreciate those of you who can give any tips or any information, especially those who shoot with a D80. If you have any custom settings that have produced quality RAW images for you. This is a great forum with lots of knowledgeable people so I will always be checking in, I am a photography student in college and love to shoot, its hard to get into that "stock" frame of mind but im working on it.

Thanks for reading 

- Trevor