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Messages - Faustvasea
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1
« on: July 12, 2025, 14:34 »
Right now the site is OK, but I certainly agree there is something that is stealing resources. The software is getting quite old and I'm also wondering about moving the forum software over to discourse. Has anyone tried discourse? It looks like a very intuitive and more modern feel. I'm open to suggestions.
Why not migrating the forum to a modern software, Woltlab, XenForo or IPB? You can one of my forum for photography https://explorness.com
2
« on: July 12, 2025, 14:32 »
My apologies I clicked on the wrong link. The second link in your post is where I should of navigated to. Yes that looks a whole lot better. I suppose my only suggestion (just in my opinion) is to use a less fancy font for the heading as I didn't read UAV when I looked at it, could be a little confusing when first landing on the page. But other than that, the site and the other images there looks good.
No problem. The style can be chosen easily on the corner. Or you meant the Logo? I own 8 website my own, and I always like to build the website to high standards. You can check these below: https://explorness.com - My Genereal Photography Forum https://macroderie.com - Very niche Forum for Macro Photographers https://dji-pilots.com - My new Forum for DJI Pilots https://iskymedia.io - My Prints Website https://happyfeelings.co.uk - My Photography Business https://finaladventurer.com - And my new Blog site https://uavbbi.com - The Drone Hosting Website Thinking of new one for my video site.
3
« on: July 12, 2025, 02:56 »
What would be the purpose or incentive for uploading drone photos to the site... and paying 10 Euros a month for it?
What does uaubbi mean?
What is the purpose of the site generally? Needs an About page as it has no context or purpose.
There appears to be only one image on the site and no categories or filters I can see?
I have never done 360 degree images but that one image has strange lighting with an obvious transition from dark to light shade (see image attached).
I'd suggest doing some more work on this site before promoting it to prospective users as per my comments above.
Did you checked the site at least mate? There's all sort of information on site including About page. If you aren't into drones, you won't be understanding . Check on google what UAV stands for, BB means BB codes for sharing on social media and forums, with plenty of sharing options including forums such this one. 'I' I'm sure you'll understand what it stands for. There are more images on platform but aren't visible for public unless shared by user. This is not for everyone, I made it for professionals that needs more control over their portfolio and private galleries for clients. I would again suggest to check the features pages before coming here and leaving a comment. That photo is one of mine, it's nothing to do with the platform, is how the photo was taken with a drone. I would recommend always to check something properly before leaving a comment mate. That's an other 360 photo for you. https://uavbbi.com/image/7jN
4
« on: July 11, 2025, 07:37 »
Hello guys. I have opened recently a new platform for drone pilots. If you are a drone pilot, check it out. You can upload and host your files and high resolution and also supports 360 panoramic photos. You can check 360 panoramic photo here: https://uavbbi.com/image/NYTAll platform features can be found. https://uavbbi.com/page/user-featuresAnd only cost 10euro a month with 30days Trial for you to try. Any feedback is welcome.
5
« on: May 12, 2025, 11:46 »
They probably want to get rid of contributors at all.
I usually dont upload anything for a while and then I upload big batches. From 600 images, only around 90 has been accepted, and the rest have been rejected for Quality issue. 😆
I could understand maybe theres something wrong with my camera, but then there no way that there would be something wrong with my drone content which they only accepted around 10 from 250 .
No communication, no transparency. Means we are no longer wanted. They probably have nought content to generate Ai images themselves. So they can save up on server expenses and not paying contributors for the content.
6
« on: April 14, 2025, 08:26 »
I use a tool which I can generate up to 2000 images a day with no cost for images. And different tool for video. Works for me.
I dont intend to invest too much time into this. Especially if the reward is less than 10 pence
I use google gemini to generate metadata for my images on that tool. And use different website to generate Metadata for my videos. Works pretty good for me.
Are you sure these free AI models producing content that is allowed for commercial use?
7
« on: April 12, 2025, 10:37 »
37 files were removed from my port. I dont understand why. No information given at all.
I think I will give up on all this crap. Whats the point to try to take perfect images if these will be removed .
8
« on: April 11, 2025, 14:31 »
I use a tool which I can generate up to 2000 images a day with no cost for images. And different tool for video. Works for me.
I dont intend to invest too much time into this. Especially if the reward is less than 10 pence
9
« on: April 10, 2025, 21:05 »
Its a full circle for me. I started out with most on Alamy/macrostock and RM. Then migrated to the RF/Microstock model.
Now im seriously considering doing the same and retreating back to that. Although to be fair, AS is still growing well for me currently.
And I would also like to go back to Macrostock or Midstock. But does it sell?
On Alamy, my historical average for 910 downloads is $7.52 net (about 20% are RM exclusive) vs SS's 39,000 downloads at an average of 60cents.
40x less volumes for 12x the price but then Alamy sells mainly editorial and no real point sending them generic commercial micro shots.
At the end of the day, for me, it's more about taking back control of our assets and retaining some dignity.
Speaking for myself, I don't know what dignity there is to retain after I sold out to Microstock. A little late to take back anything, after it's out in the wild. New images, yes, that's possible.
You're right about Alamy, and people will argue, the volume isn't there. But last year, and Alamy is down, I made more on Alamy than P5, DT, IS and all of the minor sites I distributed to on Wirestock, all added together!. Selling out for pennies is just as desperate for any last money and this terrible plan from SSTK.
I suppose it's difficult to say goodbye to DT and P5. I spent time uploading, now that's just residual. Mostly, I'm waiting for the "Next Big Thing"  Which is the merger of IS and SS, to see what happens.
Im also thinking of just contributing to Adobe and Alamy. Seems most agencies now pays pennies anyway.
I think that's a good plan to be considering. They don't care if we leave, we don't get paid for the effort. What's the loss?
I wanted to build own website for selling stock , but then this will be a huge project which unfortunately the success is not guaranteed, and requires a strong team. Ive started only 1 year ago in stock, very late. But yes, I dont want to sell my work for pennies, even if these arent the best photos as others.
10
« on: April 10, 2025, 07:37 »
Im also thinking of just contributing to Adobe and Alamy. Seems most agencies now pays pennies anyway.
11
« on: February 27, 2025, 09:51 »
I had this email too.
It seems to have binned 15 out of 20 of my last upload batch and nothing else at all. No idea what criteria they used there. Seems very random.
These were real images not AI (aerial shots of tropical rainforest).
I was expecting to be Ai, because there are more easy to replicate than real images
12
« on: February 27, 2025, 09:38 »
I was expecting this to come after Freepik removed lots of Ai images I have generated. Now the Adobe are following same strategy. Probably they want to offload the tons of Ai duplicates. Glad that I havent wasted money on Ai
We hope this message finds you well.
As part of our commitment to providing the best content discovery experience for both customers and contributors, we have identified duplicates on Adobe Stock that will be removed from the site beginning on March 4, 2025. You are receiving this email because you have 1 or more assets that will be removed.
All removed duplicates can be found in your contributor portal under Uploaded Files - Not Accepted. All assets were evaluated to ensure minimal impact to your portfolio.
Best regards,
Adobe Stock Contributor Relations
13
« on: February 07, 2025, 17:10 »
For that money, you could build your own stock agency. I think they making more money from contributors subscription than actual selling the content.
14
« on: February 07, 2025, 13:22 »
I said the L version. The premium Macro lens you won't find cheaper. Thanks. I use to do weddings and portraits, sadly I can't get more leads, not sure why. I guess because if financial crisis and people don't want to spend money of photography.
Oops, the regular f/2.8 is quite good as well. Yes, any L lens is going to be expensive and, worth it, if someone cares about the extra quality in construction and the images. Smart shopping and being patient is important. A great all around lens.
The 70-200 2.8 peaks at about 45-48 lines per mm at f/5.6. (Varies by focal length). However, the 100mm at f4 and f/5.6 it resolves about 54 lines per mm. Canon 300mm f2.8 II is the sharpest lens Canon has ever made as tested by DXO. Followed closely by the RF 135mm 1.8 and EF 85mm 1.4. I'd ay any of those, would be a good choice, depending on what someone intends to shoot
The RF lenses and cameras have been kicking the heck out of EF lens prices, especially if someone is willing to buy from Japan. But it's not just new RF, the RF lens test ratings are better than the EF.
I was kind of collecting my opinion of the best Canon EF L lenses. The 135mm L is one of them. I probably paid too much, at an auction, no box, no bag, no hood, just a lens and lens cap. But it's every bit as sharp as promised. The 200mm f/1.8 will be hoarded. I'm not so sure that the F/2 isn't just as good. 70-200mm I dropped to the f/4 non-is version, for the value vs the cost. I don't shoot low light, I don't use IS. "good enough" I used the money from selling the big ass, IS USM f/2.8 to buy a 400mm f/5.6. Sometimes finances demand a step down.
I agree with you, the theory for anyone, should be the best lens that someone can afford, that meets the needs of what they shoot the most. That's the first lens they should buy, and then figure out the camera second. That lens will still be great in ten years and often, most people, will have replaced the camera body 2 or 3 times as sensors and electronics are improved.
My plan for this year to upgrade to Canon R6 M2, will be still using my EF L lenses as these have been purchased brand new, and these are in mint condition. Will invest in RF lenses in the future, especially want to get into wildlife photography. But yes, I've looked even here in UK, the price for some EF lenses are still expensive. By the way, feel free to join one of my forum for such gear discussions: https://explorness.com
15
« on: February 06, 2025, 13:57 »
Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...
Not a chance you can get the Canon 100L version for that low money. I just had a look, and the lowest I found was 450. Which is still a lot. I am shocked because this lens on Canon website is now 1300 when I paid for it 890 years ago. Means is still in demand.
I still plan to get a mirrorless camera hopefully soon. Aiming for R6 M2.
But have some gear around me, definitely won't sell any of lenses.
Canon 7D Mark II
Canon M50 M I
Insta360 x3
GoPro12
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 IS L II
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II
Canon EF 100mm macro USM f2.8 IS L
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 STM Wide Angle Zoom
Speedlite 600 EX II-RT
DJI Air 2s
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Avata
DJI OM6
Nice collection and I know how we all do that, more and more.
Yes a chance:
Sold this morning just so it's not some ancient news or stale.
I have a original M now as my car camera. That's a long way from an A1200 that used to ride next to the hand brake. Just in case...
But still the original point is, someone could get started without a huge investment. I think editing software is an investment, and then time, time, time.
I said the L version. The premium Macro lens you won't find cheaper. Thanks. I use to do weddings and portraits, sadly I can't get more leads, not sure why. I guess because if financial crisis and people don't want to spend money of photography.
16
« on: February 06, 2025, 12:40 »
I wont say using a camera is cheaper. I would probably say using Ai is cheaper. To get a decent camera, you need to invest couple of grands, you want awesome quality, you need top notch glass, that aint cheaper. But yes, it is quicker at some point to click the button and take the photo.
Not necessarily true, except probably for wildlife, sports and high-end portrait photography. I often sell files made with an entry level DSLR and glass I bought over 10 years ago. Current value of the whole system is probably below $100. If you are on budget, you can get a perfectly fine used camera and glass for maybe below $300-400.
I guess depends what you are shooting. A good glass still wont be cheap. Example
I have Canon EF macro 100mm L which cost me nearly 1k, and provideds
Me with amazing results compared to the 50mm lens which cost me 130.
Because of mirrorless, the value of the EF for a DSLR has taken a dive. The 100mm Macro is under $250 now. If someone wants to save some money, the supply won't last forever. Someone can get a nice 18MP DSLR used for around $250. Then a nice sharp 70-200 f/4 under $400 but there's a really good, high quality sharp zoom. In my version of what someone could get, that and the memory cards and batteries, for around $1,000 would be a very top quality system, that isn't using lesser quality lenses, which can be a constant cause of flaws and a need for editing.
I'm still not sold on AI, and as others have pointed out, it takes some work, to get a good image from prompts, that's what you want, and then a bit of time to edit and make it right.
I'd say, either can be about the same, in many ways. I can make a photo in minutes, but still the idea, the location, the setup, anything else, takes time. Just like AI, where getting the prompt right and getting a good starting image, takes time.
Editing, depending, could take about the same amount of time. Personally a photo takes less time than going over every inch of an AI image. Since I won't pay for AI, I don't know how the sizes are, straight from the generated output. If they are as small as what I see, then there's another problem, upsizing, cleaning and repairing.
Oh was this, this months sales? Adobe is still best for me. SS is nothing but dimes.
Microstock is Dead! Stock imaging is not...
Not a chance you can get the Canon 100L version for that low money. I just had a look, and the lowest I found was 450. Which is still a lot. I am shocked because this lens on Canon website is now 1300 when I paid for it 890 years ago. Means is still in demand. I still plan to get a mirrorless camera hopefully soon. Aiming for R6 M2. But have some gear around me, definitely won't sell any of lenses. Canon 7D Mark II Canon M50 M I Insta360 x3 GoPro12 Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 IS L II Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II Canon EF 100mm macro USM f2.8 IS L Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 STM Wide Angle Zoom Speedlite 600 EX II-RT DJI Air 2s DJI Mini 3 Pro DJI Avata DJI OM6
17
« on: February 06, 2025, 08:04 »
I wont say using a camera is cheaper. I would probably say using Ai is cheaper. To get a decent camera, you need to invest couple of grands, you want awesome quality, you need top notch glass, that aint cheaper. But yes, it is quicker at some point to click the button and take the photo.
Not necessarily true, except probably for wildlife, sports and high-end portrait photography. I often sell files made with an entry level DSLR and glass I bought over 10 years ago. Current value of the whole system is probably below $100. If you are on budget, you can get a perfectly fine used camera and glass for maybe below $300-400.
I guess depends what you are shooting. A good glass still wont be cheap. Example I have Canon EF macro 100mm L which cost me nearly 1k, and provideds Me with amazing results compared to the 50mm lens which cost me 130.
18
« on: February 06, 2025, 04:59 »
I wont say using a camera is cheaper. I would probably say using Ai is cheaper. To get a decent camera, you need to invest couple of grands, you want awesome quality, you need top notch glass, that aint cheaper. But yes, it is quicker at some point to click the button and take the photo.
19
« on: February 04, 2025, 17:35 »
Ill probably have to delete my account there.
January: 42 downloads -0$ earned. Robbing people
20
« on: January 16, 2025, 07:07 »
I received the email and sent a letter to my MP.
I urge all UK based creatives to do the same.
https://www.creativerightsinai.co.uk
Ive already done it already.
21
« on: January 16, 2025, 05:12 »
Has anyone else received this email ? Whats happening?
The UK government has launched a consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which ends on Feb 25th. They are proposing a new exception to copyright law, which would enable AI companies to train on your content for free unless your rights are proactively reserved.
Although we do proactively reserve your rights, such a system is unworkable in practice as it doesnt work for images/video already scraped or for downstream copies licensed by and distributed to other platforms (where reservations can unavoidably become detached). It also unevenly weights the cost and administrative burden towards creators and their distributors, not on the companies scraping the copyright works.
The UK government suggests there is lack of legal clarity around the use of copyrighted works for AI training data. This is incorrect. UK copyright law is clear that the use of copyrighted content by AI companies for commercial purposes without a licence is illegal. Whilst we agree with the aims of the proposed reforms to stimulate licensing of copyright content where used to train AI, we believe current copyright law must be preserved, not weakened, in order to achieve these aims.
What can you do?
Take just two minutes NOW to protect your creative rights before the consultation ends on Feb 25th: Click below to join the letter writing campaign organized by the Creative Rights in AI Coalition, of which were a member:
22
« on: January 09, 2025, 09:33 »
Thanks Mike. I will review this tonight and make some adjustments.
Im thinking to offer not only canvas as a prints, but other sizes too. Some fort of POD but on my own site. Would you recommend for me to change anything else on the website ?
I had a photography website running on WP and probably some plugins issues, my website broke down completely and decided not to use it. But built my blog on WP.
Thats basically what I do as well, running my website on cheap and reliable hosting. 10 years on same hoating.
You could try using an separate page for each photo - basically like the PODs do it. And offer different materials and sizes on each photo's page. This is what I do and it works for me.
Try to use as few WP plugins as possible. They are slowing down WP and they introduce additional security and maintenance problems. Most customizations can be done through a few lines of PHP code, of course if you are comfortable with a little coding. You could also try chatGPT or an AI of your choice for code suggestions.
I don't think separate page for individual photo will work on my website. Is not running on WP. I'm running few plugins now on my blog website. But still thinking that current CMS with prints is way much faster than WP. Coding is not an issues, can edit something myself, but nothing major.
23
« on: January 09, 2025, 06:55 »
I now focus on quality as well. Any feedback on my website?
https://iskymedia.io
I don't like Wordpress as it's slow, requires expensive server to run fast and sometimes has security issues. But still have 1 website on WP
On the first glance:
- I think you show too many variations of the same subject. Upload only 1-3 best ones, otherwise you require the customer to make a choice from too many variations, which might be annoying and drive them away
- If you are selling prints, add that to your pages meta data or add it as a headline or so or use other SEO techniques - so Google can actually show your pages to people looking to buy prints. For example instead of "Aerials from Liverpool" use something like "Aerials from Liverpool on canvas and fine art paper" (depends on what products you offer).
Yes, WP is slow. But you can use server side caching for all static pages. Also I don't know why you need an expensive server for WP, I guess you mean paying for some kind of integrated solution. But you can also use the cheapest hoster and install WP there yourself - that's what I do. And if you use caching, server performance won't be the limiting factor for page loads.
Thanks Mike. I will review this tonight and make some adjustments. Im thinking to offer not only canvas as a prints, but other sizes too. Some fort of POD but on my own site. Would you recommend for me to change anything else on the website ? I had a photography website running on WP and probably some plugins issues, my website broke down completely and decided not to use it. But built my blog on WP. Thats basically what I do as well, running my website on cheap and reliable hosting. 10 years on same hoating.
24
« on: January 09, 2025, 05:57 »
Congrats, seems you done something good. What you running the shop on? Or if you can share a link.
Thanks!
I use Woocommerce, because it's free. But the underlying platform doesn't matter. Important is to offer quality works, take care of your SEO and make it easy for customers to order - then the sales will come.
I now focus on quality as well. Any feedback on my website? https://iskymedia.ioI don't like Wordpress as it's slow, requires expensive server to run fast and sometimes has security issues. But still have 1 website on WP
25
« on: January 09, 2025, 04:56 »
Most likely, probably I forgot. Are you running ads ? I guess you had your website for a while if you have sales through search engines
No ads (yet). Yes, the shop is online since 2023.
Congrats, seems you done something good. What you running the shop on? Or if you can share a link.
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