Quote from: Sammy the Cat on January 14, 2019, 09:59

Quote from: Kokkoros on January 13, 2019, 22:20
Simplify your life and go exclusive at Getty / iStock.

You forgot to add the word "don't" as in don't go exclusive with Getty/istuck

That would make your life simpler and happier

Hey Sammy, I'd love to see your work.  Any links to your portfolio?

Quote from: RRPT on January 13, 2019, 22:59

Quote from: Kokkoros on January 13, 2019, 22:20
Simplify your life and go exclusive at Getty / iStock.

really? you would recommend that? an exclusive deal on istock could surpass the combined sales of the 4-5 biggest?

Quote from: SpaceStockFootage on January 13, 2019, 21:55
The only one you haven't listed which generates me more than 1% is iStock, which comes in at 3% of my total revenue... but the commission split is terrible and they're far from the best of agencies, so it's up to you whether you give them a try or not.

yeah, iStock, i forgot to list it as a potential future "give it a go"... thanks for the opinion, apparently i shouldn't expect too much of any new agency i may come to sell with... i also upload to one other (Nimia) simply for my own use: I upload a very restrict selection of things i consider better, and use it as a sort of a portfolio to show people, without caring much about metadata and actually selling.

Yes.

Simplify your life and go exclusive at Getty / iStock.

What was VideoBlocks' original business model?  Was it doing to video what Shutterstock did to photos?

fyi - not a rhetorical question.

I see a lot of BMEs

Exclusive

omg. it's hard to believe this port is hosted on ss.

I agree with the previous comment.

I suggest the following:

- Take advantage of local elements like cityscapes, significant natural features like vacation hubs (beaches, mountains, etc) that are local to you at optimal times of the day (timelapse, gentle pan, etc) submit your best;

- Shoot to address the needs of specific industries;

- Remember, this is a "best clips take all" business, so research the work of top contributors and set your standards accordingly high;

- Shoot with specific keywords in mind (5-7 max);

- Learn to direct actors by gradually easing them into your concepts;

- Have fun!

Break a leg,

Mark

Quote from: encrenciel on January 09, 2017, 07:27

Quote from: Kokkoros on January 08, 2017, 20:45
encrenciel,

You can succeed but it's hard work.  Here is the formula:

- Focus on industry specific concepts;
- Research your concepts completely - competition, trends, industry, etc;
- Create with essential keywords in mind;
- Fly with eagles. In other words, try to surpass the best examples you can find because mediocre work doesn't sell and creating it is a waste of your time;
- Go exclusive with Getty /  iStock;
- Have fun or don't bother.

Cheers, -m

I see lots of negative assumptions concerning istock. Well i know for everyone it's not the same story, but going exclusive with them is not a good idea for a starter i guess! I might be wrong tho!

Yeah, there's a lot of dogma on this forum regarding Getty / iStock.   It's good that you are seeking advice but remember, most successful stock shooters keep a low profile and rarely comment here.  Focus on the output of these people. Their work is easy to find. -m

encrenciel,

You can succeed but it's hard work.  Here is the formula:

- Focus on industry specific concepts;
- Research your concepts completely - competition, trends, industry, etc;
- Create with essential keywords in mind;
- Fly with eagles. In other words, try to surpass the best examples you can find because mediocre work doesn't sell and creating it is a waste of your time;
- Go exclusive with Getty /  iStock;
- Have fun or don't bother.

Cheers, -m

Quote from: tickstock on December 07, 2016, 18:00

Quote from: Kokkoros on December 07, 2016, 17:58
I shoot with a Canon 24-105mm 4.0 on the Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4.6K and I love it.

The lens covers the range I need for stock (I just leave it on), it's tack sharp, the VR is supported and works like a charm.

Best,

Mark

I've seen some of the reviews mention problems with noise or other issues.  I guess you haven't seen anything like that?

Noise is minimal.  There are occasions noise will appear when pushing the shadows really hard in Blackmagic Da Vinci Resolve during post.  That noise is easily eliminated in Resolve's amazing noise-reduction feature.  My acceptance with this camera is 100 %

I shoot with a Canon 24-105mm 4.0 on the Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4.6K and I love it.

The lens covers the range I need for stock (I just leave it on), it's tack sharp, the VR is supported and works like a charm.

Best,

Mark

Quote from: jjneff on October 13, 2016, 16:17
Glad it is working well for you! I am so glad to see my earnings where they should be now and I sleep better at night knowing my work is spread around. I love see high $$ 4k sales on a regular basis now!

John, I'm happy you are doing well.  4K is ubiquitous now, so I doubt it will command a higher price for long.  Frankly, the higher price likely diminishes the demand for the clips.  YouTube commercials, cable tv commercials, in-house projects, etc usually are engaged by their audience at 720 or on a mobil phone, etc.  In my view, unique, well-shot, well-directed, content with believable diverse actors is all that matters to clients. -m

Quote from: jjneff on October 13, 2016, 13:55
On a positive note I have found other sites to be very fair and treat me very well!

On another positive note, Getty / IS exclusivity does well for me. 

Exclusivity is simple and does not lead to the commoditization of my work.

[/quote]

It's not really an "injustice", since IS allows it in many cases, and you don't really know the situation.
[/quote]

Although some non-exclusive contributors have "Signature" files and a presence on Getty (most are legacy exclusives), their rate is that of non-exclusive.

Thanks Ink!

Duplicitous & crooked people should be called out publicly for their scams.

They know the rules, they broke the rules, they took a risk, and now they should suffer the consequences of their actions.  Simple as that.

Scammers should be called out as a matter of habit.  It has nothing to do with whether or not you want to help or hurt Getty / iStock.

Just post the links in this thread.

Mark

Your desire to improve your work means you are heading in the right direction. 

The GH4 is a fine camera but, at this point, you've only attempted the lower limits of its potential.

As others advise, focus on concept development, directing actors, budgeting for locations, staging, blocking, prop integration, etc.

In my experience (others may argue with me on this), cameras / gear like you describe (RED, etc) require a bit more "care-and-feeding" on set than your GH4.  This slows the shoot down, which is problematic when working with actors or quickly changing lighting conditions, etc.

The primary benefit of a camera like the Red Raven is its dynamic range -- maybe 15 stops or so.  If you plan to do most of your shooting outside where lighting conditions can be harsh and are mostly out of your control (beach, landscapes, etc) then maybe it's the right camera for you to buy now.

Best of luck,

Mark

Hi Everybody,

Does anybody license "main stream concept" stock photos on 500px?

By "main stream" I am referring to popular concepts like:  Business meetings, interactions, teamwork, home lifestyle, etc.

If so, any luck?  If not, why not?

Thanks!  -m

Tickstock & Sean - Thank you for your input!  It helps me see where I need to improve.  Cheers, Mark

Hi Everybody, two posts up ^^ I asked for a portfolio review for my Stocksy application.  No feedback yet, so It occurred to me that this is not the appropriate thread, or it's a case of "if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all." 

Either way, I want to improve and I'm fine with brutal criticism, shall I start an independent thread, maybe there's a different venue?  Thanks Mark

Hi Everybody,

I plan to apply to Stocksy. I'd appreciate some feedback on this portfolio -- what I should throw out, etc?

https://flic.kr/s/aHskiCcQTk

Currently I just shoot video, but on a few recent shoots I brought my DSLR to catch some stills too.  I also included some travel & family shots.

Thanks!

Mark

Does Stocksy accept iStock / Getty model releases?

Thanks, Mark

Although I don't own it, you may want to consider the Nikon 24-120mm f4.0.  Friends love this lens.

Very useful range, sharp, not too big, and VR.  Workhorse for event photographers.

Using VR on the wide side is especially nice for hand held narrative film shooting.

Here is the link:

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/AF-S-NIKKOR-24-120mm-f%252F4G-ED-VR.html

Mark,

What about sharpness at 100%? I had a Nikon 80-400 and it was plain sh!t. Worked only in a small range somewhere between 120-200 focal length. Even on a tripod it was crummy.  I sold it in practically brand new condition for peanuts.
[/quote]

Hi Mantis, the 70-200mm F2.8 II is consistently sharp through the range. 

I never owned the 80-400mm but I did own the 18-200mm f3.5-5 a while back.  The range on this lens was very flexible but the images were soft even under the most ideal conditions. 

I currently own the Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm, and the 70-200mm. These three lenses have their disadvantages, notably cost and weight, but the increase in quality is dramatic.  I use the word 'dramatic' because I am a 3rd-degree pixel peeper.  Most people will not notice however.  That said, if you are a professional that flies to a country, then climbs a mountain at 3 AM, just to get the perfect sunrise, or you rent a specialized location and hire a complement of 8-10 actor / models to shoot a concept you quickly realized that it's crazy not to show up with the best glass.

Mark

Hi, I highly recommend the Nikon 70-200 VR f2.8 II rather than the Nikon 85mm 1.4 G.

I originally purchased the 85mm for my D800e but found, at 1.4, the depth to be so shallow I rarely nailed the focus.  Additionally, at 1.4, there is a lot of chromatic aberration that must be manually removed, etc.  Also, the 85mm does not have VR.  This is a big deal for a lens like this.  I've learned that the 85mm is a highly specialized lens best suited for wedding photographers going after beautiful portrait shots where conditions can be controlled.  Let me be clear, the 85mm is a great lens, but I don't think it is very useful for stock.

So I sold my 85mm and bought the 70-200mm f2.8.  Honestly, I have never encountered such an amazing piece of photographic gear.  The focus is fast, the range is useful, and the VR  effectively buys me another 2 stops, plus the clarity, bokeh, and picture quality is superb.

Just my two cents, I hope it helps.

Cheers,

Mark