(Even if it took some time) Veer seems to listen to us, thanks!

Sorry but even if all intellectual property laws were adhered to how many images of concentration camps would you sell? I'll tell you, exactly zilch.

Why wouldn't they sell if they are good?

Some examples:
>30 sales http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-6666326-no-escape.php
>80 sales http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-2104949-jewish-memorial-gates-at-dachau-germany.php

Might not be much, but more than zilch.

Too bad their name is "leftovers", the name doesn't sound like premium quality to me..

Just to set things straight, that "Perry" isn't me, I use another pseudonym/nick on stock sites than I use here!

(But I managed to search my portfolio by changing the name on the link - Thanks!)

But judging by your tone you sure sound like someone with extraordinary abilities in the field of microstock .

Sorry to dissappoint you, but I consider my portfolio only average. But I do have been around in terms of microstock in six years: been uploading, getting stuff accepted, rejected and sold. I still haven't openly bashed anyone's portfolio behind him/her back. I have given harsh (but IMO constructive) critique to some, but they have all asked for it.

But you sound definitely like someone that does have some extraordinary stuff in your potfolio by saying that some average joe has "poor photography - lighting , composition ( the lack of ) , subject choice ..." in his portfolio. The funny thing is that there are much more weaker portfolios on SS, but I won't be linking them here.

And please next time use "show me" not "show us" . You're not MSG

It's more simple than you think:

Show us = post a link here
Show me = post the link in private message

Quote from: Perry on October 12, 2010, 06:47

I have no idea why you chose to bash some individuals portfolio just because you got a rejection. And you are not even showing YOUR rejected image.
BTW I can't see anything special (either way) in the portfolio you linked. I think there are many saleable images there.

Now I know more than enough about your quality standards .

This is not about my quality standards, it's about the customers' quality standards. I'm pretty sure the person with the portfolio has sold some images.

Why don't you show us your magnificent amazing wonderful portfolio?

I am logged in and I see nothing about the new improved user interface that's coming in July of 2009.

Oh... I didn't even look at the date...!

Quote from: Perry on October 09, 2010, 10:06

They should hire a photographer that is up to the task...

They should ban people from the internet who don't have anything helpful to contribute.

I think my advice was helpful. The original post was about a 100 people group outdoors and 3 speedlights... I thought this was so far off that it would be a gig for an experienced photographer instead of bothering 100 people and taking their time.

Here is my advice if the original photographer really wants to shoot this: Put the group on a slope or stairs or something so everyone is visible. Alternatively you could climb on a ladder or such to get a higher viewpoint. It's also important to instruct everyone to look at the camera. There will still be a few persons in the group that will be looking somewhere else. If you use a tripod and shoot a lot you might be able to change some heads from different pictures in Photoshop. 4 rows feels too little, the group will be very wide. 6 rows would be much better.

Shoot at a medium aperture like f/11 to get everyone sharp, focus somewhere in the middle area, like if you have 6 rows of people, focus on the third one. To achieve that f/11 and low iso you need to have three strobes at for example 600Ws and some big light modifiers. Three speedflashes with about 100Ws on their full effect isn't going to cut it. And your flashes will fall even in the smallest wind, especially when they need to be set up higher than the back row, lower position will cast some nasty shadows. The best thing would to have some really heavy extra weights and/or assistants holding the stands so they don't tip over.

Oh, and don't shoot too close with a too wide lens; that would make the people in the front row look gigantic compared to the back row.

I still think the same as in my first post.

iStockphoto.com - The Designer's Dirty Big Secret

I have some photomanipulations in my portfolio. Some of them sell very well, in those cases I have been compensated for the work I have done.

I just finished reading this text on a Swedish (macro/trad) agency website http://www.johner.se/static.php?menu=about_headings.htm&page=agneta_chronical2.htm
It had some fine insight, too bad it's in Swedish, so most of you can't read it.

This is an interesting month... I have been uploading a lot in the last few months and now everything seems to pay off.

IS is very close to BME (Best Month Ever), but I have to get the partner earnings in before I can judge if it's BME or just close.
SS is also very close to BME, I need about $6 more this day to get there... I have no idea how this will end up either. I have never hoped for an EL this hard
DT weak weak weak. If I don't get a few dollars more, this will be the weakest month of this year.
FT BME!

My Big4 as a whole is also very close to BME, I'm hoping now for some great sales for the last day....!

ALAMY a weak month, just a few low sales. But in case of Alamy things tend to turn around very quicky: a couple of decent sales next month will bring back the smile on my face.

VEER some nice extended licences makes my earnings very close to DT, I might include Veer in my Big5 (Now I have only Big4) next year if they perform well enough the rest of the year.
Other low earners are doing their job quietly, nothing to cheer about, but some money for christmas.

EDIT: Wow, I just got an EL at SS, that makes it BME, what a nice surprise!