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Agency Based Discussion => Shutterstock.com => Topic started by: houtze on July 07, 2016, 20:13

Title: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: houtze on July 07, 2016, 20:13

Hello everyone,

I am new here and also very new to micro stock. I have just been accepted by Shutterstock as contributor.

I started to upload some of my photos on city landscape. I am trying to understand their categories. They have a category for building and landmarks which I can see as the closest category to my photo. And there is definitely no suitable second category. How would you guys categorise your photos if it is a sunset aerial city landscape?

Some advise be great. Thanks ! :) :-\

Cheers.

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on July 07, 2016, 20:21

You don't need to pick two categories, and other than rules for illustrations (which require using at least that category) you're free to pick the closest you can find.

I have to think that categories don't matter much given how awful the choices are (many photos just don't have a good fit), so pick at least one and don't worry too much if you choose Parks & Outdoors - more sunset, less city - or Buildings & Landmarks (more city and just happens to be at sunset).

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Pauws99 on July 08, 2016, 01:07

Quote from: Jo Ann Snover on July 07, 2016, 20:21

You don't need to pick two categories, and other than rules for illustrations (which require using at least that category) you're free to pick the closest you can find.

I have to think that categories don't matter much given how awful the choices are (many photos just don't have a good fit), so pick at least one and don't worry too much if you choose Parks & Outdoors - more sunset, less city - or Buildings & Landmarks (more city and just happens to be at sunset).

I pick two often Parks and Outdoor in addition  but I really wonder how many buyers search by category seems an archaic way of doing things these days

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Mantis on July 08, 2016, 18:37

I still reflect on Peter at SF who stated that categories don't do anything and that's why he didn't integrate them into his site after leaving StockXpert. So I don't place a lot of emphasis on categories, pick one then move on.

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Rinderart on July 08, 2016, 20:21

I pick one and no matter what the other is I click Background...LOL

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Minsc on July 08, 2016, 20:43

Quote from: Rinderart on July 08, 2016, 20:21

I pick one and no matter what the other is I click Background...LOL

That's useful for photos most of the time. If it's not...Miscellaneous is always my favorite backup.

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: Justanotherphotographer on July 09, 2016, 03:15

Quote from: Jo Ann Snover on July 07, 2016, 20:21

You don't need to pick two categories, and other than rules for illustrations (which require using at least that category) you're free to pick the closest you can find.

I have to think that categories don't matter much given how awful the choices are (many photos just don't have a good fit), so pick at least one and don't worry too much if you choose Parks & Outdoors - more sunset, less city - or Buildings & Landmarks (more city and just happens to be at sunset).

There's a tick box for illustrations now so no need to pick a particular category

Title: Re: Shutter stock Categories
Post by: houtze on July 10, 2016, 19:58

Thanks a bunch for your replies and suggestions.