yes I did receivethe same letter.

I am currently silver at Fotolia. I looked at the royalty structure (for non-exclusives) and this offer makes no sense for me (from an increased rank perspective, not sure about increased traffic).

If I would be gold and could make it to emerald, now that would be a completely different matter ...

Could SS (or someone) pls explain why this ITIN is required?

I did quite a bit of business via US banks (investment/ brokerage) and they all wanted a W8 form. But never was I required do get an ITIN/ W7.

From what I read so far, it is very difficult to meet the certification requirements to get the iTIN (unless you are a citizen of an English speaking country and living there - certification must be in English language I guess). I am a German Citizen (issuing authority of passport in Germany) living in Australia and the below is seems pretty much impossible to me. Any tips are welcome.

You can submit copies of original documents if you do any of the
following.

Have the copies certified by the issuing agency or official
custodian of the original record.

Have the copies notarized by a U.S. notary public legally
authorized within his or her local jurisdiction to certify that the
document is a true copy of the original. To do this, the notary must
see the valid, unaltered original document and verify that the copy
conforms to the original. Consular offices at U.S. Embassies and
Consulates overseas may not certify true copies of foreign public
documents and will refer applicants to the foreign authority that
issued the document.

Have the copies notarized by a foreign notary. However, foreign
notaries are only acceptable as outlined by the Hague Convention.
The Hague Convention provides for the simplified certification of
public (including notarized) documents to be used in countries that
have joined the Convention. A certification will be issued in the form
of an "apostille," which will be attached to the copy of the
document. If the document originates in a country that is not party to
the Convention, applicants should have the document certified by
the foreign authority that issued it.

Note. The apostille must stay attached to the copy of the document
when it is sent to the IRS.

Hey guys, if you know me from other microstock forums, I am Katrina Brown (tobkatrina). I am so excited to have tried a new microstock service and they even did an interview with me WooHooo!

Anyway, let me know what you think!?

iSyndica Interview With a Stock Photographer

Interesting Earning Distribution. Did you miss iStock?

Do you downsize images for certain agencies? Which ones?

Currently I submit all images full-res to all stock agencies.

However, I read that some people here downsize to 4MP for SS?
Does this make sense?
Does it reduce OD sale potential on SS?
Does it lead to improved sales on other agencies?

Thanks.

Again, thx for the tips. Just a quick feedback.

I got the 5D II. Charged the battery over night and fired off a few shots. Did not use video yet. Most impressive � coming from the 20D � are the viewfinder and the display. Very nice. Camera handles very nice too, bit more heavy than 20D. Did not check the files on the computer yet. Will do that tonight.

Just for anyone in Sydney. I bought at http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/
It�s a imported  cam, but DD makes that very clear in their FAQ and they provide their own warranty. But I guess you never know it�s worth, until you need it � It�s mainly a internet business, but they have outlets in North Sydney and Brisbane.  Staff was friendly, got a tax invoice with my address and all details and payed by credit card without surcharge. I bought the body only, but got it in the �kit box� � obviously they took the 24-105L out.

So far so good. Will get busy on the weekend enjoying the new toy , aeh tool ;-)))

Thx. I give it a go.

Hi LisaFX,

thanks for tips. Seems you really tried all the models ;-) ok, 5D1 or 5D2. I am very tempted by the 5D2.

Although I am not sure if microstock alone would justify the higher cost for me. Sure, I would get the larger MP and better image quality ... however a 5D1 might comes "close enough"?!

.... on the other hand, it's nice to have the latest technology and "not run behind" ... decisions, decisions ... I already see my self spending the largest amount on a photography related item I ever did ...

Thx guys.

Hi All,

I took a 4-5 month break from microstock and photography in general.  Would love to get back into it �. Preferably with a new cam. So far I am using my good old 20D. I am going on a trip back to Berlin and Bali soon. That would be a good opportunity to get a new cam .. and get some tax back here at the Sydney airport.

Guess it comes down to 50D (or 40D) vs. 5D Mk2.  I hear various things about the 50D being noisy compared with the 40D. True? How is the noise of the 50D compared to the 20D? I would like to get a high MP cam, so I do not really consider the 40D.

My stock income could finance the 5D2 in a few months. However, I am not sure if this cam would be overkill for me?! Also I am used to the 1.6 crop factor.  Usage would be about 70-80% stock, the rest travel and personal stuff.

Any opinions / experiences with a similar choice or these cameras?

Does someone have experience with: http://www.camerastore.com.au
They list the 5D2 for 3,849 A$ (inc GST) and say it has Australian warranty (no grey import) (see their FAQ)


Btw, I have 24-105 F4, 70-300 IS, 90mm Tamron macro  and a couple of accessories (tripod, flash, studio heads).

Just for everyone interested. After I stopped to upload my SS income basically halfed within 1-2 months and then stayed at this level.  All other agencies basically stayed the same or only dropped marginally (<10%).  One of the reasons I stopped uploading was that I questioned the effort/ returns. However, it�s nice to take a break and still see the money rolling in. However, I think it�s time to get back into it  ;-)

Seems Getty buys Jupiter: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/081023/ny41091.html?.v=1


Does that mean all my StockXpert sales will go to IS exclusives now 

Interesting. I normally ordered from B&H into Oz. However, I bought most of my stuff when the exchange rate was pretty much 1:1.

Normally D-D in North Sydney has good prices. Also imported. You can pick-up and test stuff if you are in Sydney.

However, these guys seem to be even a bit cheaper. Pls let us know your buying experience. have you used them before?

What worries me a bit is: "Q. Does your listed price include GST and import duty? A. No. We do not charge tax on any of our products."

Is that my poor English or does that sound strange? "No" means to me the prices do NOT include GST. "We do not charge tax on any of our products." .... well I guess that means you get charged additional 10% GST via customs once your shipment arrives in Oz from overseas. Otherwise selling without GST in Australia would be illegal?!

Seems a bit misleading as well, because they advertise AU$ prices, which would indicate to me that 10% GST is included in the price (unless otherwise mentioned)?!

However, AFAIK everything under 1000 A$ is can be imported without GST.

Good luck ...

I have the 24-105 F4L and use it a lot ... on a 20D

It depends really what you want to shoot.

Its a great (convenient) walk around lens due to the focal length and weight.

For "standard stock" (f = 35 -100mm + studio strobes + F8 and higher) it probably is overkill. get a good copy of the 28-135 IS if money matters.

CA at the wide-angle is quite strong. Especially in bright sunlight on high contrast lines in corners.

for weddings 2.8 is nicer, but it works ... or use primes.

thx. see what you mean.