Hi All, and Merry Christmas.

I am very keen in returning to contributing.

I was exclusive with iStock and now I'm looking to bring all the new skills and tools I've learnt in the past years back to them and build a bigger and better portfolio (I remember the "good old days" at IS! but my interest with them dwindled).

The last time I can say I was actively contributing was back in 2011 which may as well be 20 years ago! since then I have been a photographer in my day job and taken on private projects which has introduced me to working in studios with other pro togs and the use of professional models over the years.

As my portfolio on IS is amature (but amassed +9000 dls with -500 images) i think I can really introduce a new level to my port, generate a decent income and have fun and learn more.

I recognise a few names on here that I remember helped me out in the past and hope they and other members can educate me on the current climate, so to speak.

Background and intro over!

Main questions really are as follows:

What are the major changes in stock photography?
Where (apart from here) is the community talking.(I hear IS no longer has a forum) where do we critique images, find inspiration, help others etc?
What are the trends (ie analog look is in, cheesy high key is out)?
Why has the i$tock app stopped working?
do contributors meet up and collaborate?
Finally as I've been away so long I think its safe to assume I don't know the correct questions to ask, so if you have any helpful tips or advice its very much appreciated


I hope to be submitting again soon and talking with you in the future

I opted in to the PP programme about 1-2 months ago. I know its all very slow, but how will I be able to see if and what images are available on the PP sites and how well they are doing

Thank you

Hi.

From what I have learned, shooting below/facing up an object/person makes it/them look like the hero/strong. shooting down gives the opposite. low key = moodie. I understand these concepts

But I was looking at FTs newsletter at some cherries. It was a great shot and then I saw the two softbox reflections either side of every cherry and now I'm finding myself asking Why this shot works with such unnatural lighting. I realise this is somewhat a subjective question but I imagine there is phsycology/schema involved, At least the answer I am looking for.

Any ideas, (I would like to post the image but there are so many similar i won't).

Hi, I would like to ask "When can copyrighted images be used without concent" (assuming all images are copyrighted as soon as they are taken, that means all/any image)

I'm not interested in your opinions here, just facts, and I am talking about the UK.

I read that one could use (take from the web) images, of a playstation for example, without concent from the copyright owners, sony for example, and provided the image is used in the context of reporting in a newsworthy fashion in newspapers and the like, about exploding playstations for example, that fell into some kind of allowable use.

I understand that for advertising and promotional this is not allowed, but for reporting and newsworthy content do other rules apply and where can i find them

Links to creditable sources of information are very much appreciated

Thank you

I used google image finder to locate some of my images and there is this guy who has a web portfolio. On his site he is displaying website pages he has created and one uses my images, clearly as a mock up, but watermarked nonetheless. is this allowed?

http://www.lintzadesign.ro/#work

design portfolio with the watches

Thanks

If this were true, what would you choose.

please indicate if you shoot FF or crop.

(I'm hoping this will get me thinking differently)

Hello.

I had decided to keep all of my images available at the lowest price possible a while back because I thought Istock would be killing sales by increasing the price. Much time has passed since then and I would be gratefull of your opinions/results in adding images to the E+ collection.

Should it only be for images that you feel worth the extra?
Has anybody had positive results from making all their files E+ (less DL more �)?
Does it work best to make you best sellers E+ or are they best sellers because they are kept to a low price point etc�

Hopefully this will guide me in maximising my profitability at IS.

Thank you

on istock, haven't looked for it in ages and now have no idea where it's hidden

thanks

Hi again. I'm posting in the IS part as the images will be submitted to IS so its their standards that will be the target.

On a DX I have a 50mm and 105mm leaving me short in the wider angle area. I also own a 18-55vr and I am wondering what  the pitfalls of this lens for stock are and if there is any tips/situations to avoid for using it (I used to own the 12-24 which was great , but sold it to prepare for going FF)

Thanks

Hello.

Back in Feb 2010, because I mistakenly wrote from my self (malamus) using the company buyer account (LL) here is the mistake ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=180261&messageid=3118701#post3118701) I wrote this to Istock in December...

At present I do have access to another account created and funded and owned by my employer, I am employed as a graphic designer, who needs to be able to purchase images on behalf on my employer. But due to my exposure to iStock I decided to become a contributor my self and create the account malamus-uk. Is this OK? I don't see why not. here is the link in which it appeared ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=282442&page=1)

There was no answer given, just a lot of banter. This morning I (malamus-uk) received a site mail threatening the closure of my Istock account as a contributor with no reason given. It appears that recently, the company I work for's account (strictly a buyer) has requested a refund on mis-purchased files. here is the link ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=330630&page=1 ) Is this a scare tactic?

So are buyers allowed to contribute, and more accurately, as a contribute am I allowed to purchase files on behalf of my employer under their account.

I have tried very hard not to be rude in forums, but with all the hard work I have put into photography, to be treated this way is annoying. Also I cannot be responsible for the closure of my company's account.

Does any body have any advice? (appart from lobo whos advice is close one account) not an option unless I am happy to give up all my hard work as a contributer.