MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => Stocksy => Topic started by: AYA on November 26, 2013, 12:33
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Hi everyone,
I submitted my portfolio to Stocksy recently trying to make it as a contributor and I wasn't accepted. I was wondering if people could give me feed back and what might be the issue ( color saturation, subject matter, styling...).
here's the sample I sent them: http://www.flickr.com/photos/108268551@N02/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/108268551@N02/)
I'm especially interested to hear about the lucky Stocksy artists that have experience with the editing and acceptance/rejection of their submitted files; have you noticed trends? what is a typical acceptance ratio when you submit?
thanks everyone!
Julie
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They once said they dont want staged images, but you also have candid images. Maybe the look is too stocky for Stocksy.
I hope someone will come in and help you as there has been some heated discussions before, so they might be a bit reluctant.
Good luck, great images.
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Thanks Ron,
I'm finding Stocksy's style a bit hard to understand as there is some images that are definetly more art oriented but some are very nice stock images that are desaturated but lovely.
I also people will give their (constructive) opinion on the post, it would be very appreciated :)
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their loss Julie
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I'm not digging the girl on the grey background, but the rest look like they would fit fine into the collection.
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thanks Sean,
It's nice to hear that I m not that far off. I will edit more for my next submission and hope to be more successful.
As a contributor, would you know if there is any particular subject that is in demand in their collection?
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I'm not digging the girl on the grey background, but the rest look like they would fit fine into the collection.
^^^^^ Exactly my opinion!
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I wonder then why she was rejected.
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Well if your getting rejected I won't bother to apply.
I can understand why your asking for advise because I would have thought that those images show that your more than good enough.
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Well if your getting rejected I won't bother to apply.
I can understand why your asking for advise because I would have thought that those images show that your more than good enough.
My thoughts as well
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thanks for you opinion guys! it's reassuring to know I'm not that far out :) I guess it's a situation of "brush yourself off and get back up" and I'll be more ready for my next submission.
I think Stocksy is pretty big on filters and vintage effects (I use toggle histogram to better understand them: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/image-histogram/kgefpfienchbbehcjnmbmogdigoedhaj?hl=en). I'll be experimenting with that as well in the next few months, they said I could reapply in February but it seems like a long time away!
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Great images! If you cannot get in with those shots and have to wait to Feb 2014 than I will have to wait until Feb 2025 with my images ;)
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
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thanks for you opinion guys! it's reassuring to know I'm not that far out :) I guess it's a situation of "brush yourself off and get back up" and I'll be more ready for my next submission.
I think Stocksy is pretty big on filters and vintage effects (I use toggle histogram to better understand them: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/image-histogram/kgefpfienchbbehcjnmbmogdigoedhaj?hl=en). I'll be experimenting with that as well in the next few months, they said I could reapply in February but it seems like a long time away!
Good luck. Surely you should get in then.
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
http://www.stocksy.com/search?src=head&text=business+man (http://www.stocksy.com/search?src=head&text=business+man)
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
don't you make me go and find a few tons of "unexceptional" images
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..
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5
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I'm out.
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
don't you make me go and find a few tons of "unexceptional" images
It's sad you feel the need to insult other photographers. The images on Stocksy are very nice overall. It's about having an overall aesthetic, I think they've done a good job with that. It would be best to find how you can improve and work towards that rather than trying to bring other people down.
stop quoting me and putting stuff on my mouth I haven't said, its getting quite annoying man, I haven't insulted any photographer I just said Stocksy has a few not that wow pictures like all other agencies, I never said Stocky doesn't have a nice collection (they do!) but putting Julie outside is indeed weird but yeah that is the "cooperative" spirit they have on their core, next time you quote I won't even reply, you need a chill pill dude and my patience with you is over ;)
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
don't you make me go and find a few tons of "unexceptional" images
It's sad you feel the need to insult other photographers. The images on Stocksy are very nice overall. It's about having an overall aesthetic, I think they've done a good job with that. It would be best to find how you can improve and work towards that rather than trying to bring other people down.
Thats not what Luis meant, its even between quotes. He meant there are a ton of staged images on Stocksy. You need to read it in context.
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exactly Ron
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I wonder then why she was rejected.
This is a very fair point. I understood that acceptance was not so much based on individual submissions but on an overall port quality (in Stocksy terms) that indicates the contributor is a good fit. On that basis, if Sean feels the aesthetic is there, why would she be kicked back to February?
Caveat: Could be wrong about the process as it's just the impression I've got from various posts - obviously I haven't actually tried it out.
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I didn't mean to start a heated debate but I see a lot of good point going around. I think when submitting next time, I'll edit tighter and sent them exclusively images that are artsy and not staged and it seams fair enough. Sometimes the standards are much higher to get accepted as a contributor that to get images into an established portfolio and Stocksy wouldn't be an exception amongst agencies in doing that.
I, for exemple, really like what Lumina does (http://www.stocksy.com/lumina (http://www.stocksy.com/lumina)) and they do have a mix of artsy image with more traditionnal stock that is styled and processed in a more modern way. I think once accepted as a contributor it might be possible to submit those images but my next submission will be 100% hipster art ;)
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You have very nice lighting and models but they may be looking for more edgy work which I do not see. And the baby photos and grey background photos may have done you in. What i see is quality stock but generic. show them how you THINK differently with unique images and more edge. go off leash.
good luck
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Don't worry newby514 about heated debates- almost every thread ends up going down in flames :-\
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Don't worry newby514 about heated debates- almost every thread ends up going down in flames :-\
Unfortunately!
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Anyone will consider offset from shutterstock?
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I like your images. I might have done some of the styling and composition differently, but that's just because I have my own stylistic preferences. I like the baby on grey, they are genuine. I don't like the blonde girl, weird ponytail and styrofoam ball/sheet. those ones aren't good enough in my opinion.
but overall your images are sellable and generally speaking I would have said they are a good fit for Stocksy.
even as a Stocksy photographer, image editing continues to be a challenge for many of us. Stocksy has a very prescribed aesthetic. sorry if that isn't overly helpful.
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nice port Newby. I sent my port to stocksy recently but have not heard back from them yet. Could you please tell me after how many days of sending portfolio, did you receive their reply ?
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I didn't mean to start a heated debate but I see a lot of good point going around. I think when submitting next time, I'll edit tighter and sent them exclusively images that are artsy and not staged and it seams fair enough. Sometimes the standards are much higher to get accepted as a contributor that to get images into an established portfolio and Stocksy wouldn't be an exception amongst agencies in doing that.
Yes, I guess that might be the case. I really like most of your images and they show you know your trade. I would mainly skip those images where people are looking into the camera. It looks far more "authentic" if the people in the image are focused on what they do rather than smile at the observer. Not saying those images might not end up on the site for sale once you are accepted but for the application stick to those showing the people do what they do.
You should definitely try to apply again.
And yes, as Stacey also mentioned, even when accepted it is sometimes hard to identify the right images for Stocksy. It is strictly curated and sometimes you get images sent back. Also the number of images accepted from a series is typically smaller than what you might be used to from microstock. With the small overall size of the agency, buyers are likely to find an image easier, so it's not necessary to have twenty variations of the same topic hoping that at least one of them will stick on page 1 of the search results.
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First half is too staged for Stocksy (great images though)
Second half would fit perfectly...
I think they are now already overwhelmed with potential canditates and it is harder to get in.
There are a ton of staged images on Stocksy.
but this is not that they are actually looking for, if it is an exceptional image it will get accepted but that is not the core/heart of the collection.
Agreed. It's the same for when applying to iStock or Shutterstock. if you apply with a pack of landscape images or apples isolated in white you probably aren't going to get in - at least not on Shutterstock. That doesn't mean they don't have those types of shots on their site and doesn't mean those types of shots aren't going to sell.. it just means they aren't wanting photographers who focus on those types of shots or photographers who would hold up those shots as the best of what they've created.... unless of course those apples on white or landscapes are simply jaw dropping.
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I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.
I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.
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I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.
I was nobody's friend and no big name for sure - the curators must have seen my name for the first time when I applied.
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I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.
I was nobody's friend and no big name for sure - the curators must have seen my name for the first time when I applied.
I didnt say it was solely about that. Of course good work gets accepted, regardless of who shot it.
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Well, you seem lucky since you got an answer from them at least. For me they don't even send a reply for months. I would have been happy to join them but never mind, it's not that important.
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Thanks Oxman, SNP and MichaelJay, these were exaclty the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'll keep that in mind for my next shoots.
How is your experience so far at Stocksy? are you getting good support, acceptance rate and sales? Also from what I understand, the images on Stocksy are exclusive (the artists are not but the images are), but are you allowed to submit the images that are declined by them to other agencies? just out of curiosity. thanks!!
Gemmy12, After I applied, I first got an email saying that it might take a while because they are getting a lot of applicants so I had no idea if it would take weeks or months but I got a reply in 16 days.
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Stocksy is series exclusive, not image exclusive. So rejects can go elsewhere as long as they are not part of an accepted series.
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I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.
I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.
Ron, water that down some more. there are some big names from (i)stock accepted to stocksy and then there are a ton of people on stocksy who have not done a whole lot of stock work thus far. It's a nice mixture of folks.
Julie - certainly try again. overall, your images are great and would suit stocksy well, but maybe you can try to bring in some "moodier" images into the mix (if that does not require you to bend over backwards, please, by all means, remain authentic to your own shooting style). (Disclaimer: this advice comes from a small stock shooter, small Stocksy contributor).
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I still find it hard to digest that the people defending the Stocksy collection, and are also accepted at Stocksy are hard core stock shooters, which Stocksy claims not to be. I still have the feeling that the Stocksy start up was more about getting friends and big names in rather then sticking to their own marketing ploy.
I'll take the down votes on the chin, but I am just expressing my thoughts and feelings about this.
Ron, water that down some more. there are some big names from (i)stock accepted to stocksy and then there are a ton of people on stocksy who have not done a whole lot of stock work thus far. It's a nice mixture of folks.
I said at the start up. Its not a ton of people on Stocksy either, its a select few. And I have seen two great portfolios being rejected now so there is no chance in hell I am going to try again. I am still waiting for my rejection email from 6 months ago.
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
No, because it depends on what your best works consist of :)
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Is it possible it was not the images ?? I think Julie's images show plenty of talent when compared with the Stocksy site. Is it possible the port being on Flickr was the problem ??
Julie, do not let this get to you, you are a very talented photographer !!
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Is it possible it was not the images ?? I think Julie's images show plenty of talent when compared with the Stocksy site. Is it possible the port being on Flickr was the problem ??
I don't think so; you had to 'provide a link to your images', and there was no mention of Flickr being forbidden for people applying.
If it was so, they should have said.
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Hi Old Cow, no, I'm not getting discouraged, I find the suggestions very constructive!
I agree and Flikr also wasn't my first choice to put my portfolio but 500px only takes 10 upload a week. I don't think it's a huge factor but since I have a few months ahead of me, I might just showcase my work there instead.
Thanks!
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
No, because it depends on what your best works consist of :)
Let's take as an example your best works :).
Only from financial perspective (if you don't mind and don't tell numbers) would you rather have your Stocksy images there or on Istock ?
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Unfortunately, I have no idea how iStock is performing these days.
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
Yep, and I don't see how the whole thing can work out to anything worthwhile, unless you have plenty of images to start out with.
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Unfortunately, I have no idea how iStock is performing these days.
Yeah, it's difficult to set a benchmark... Maybe your last months with Istock ?
Nonetheless all the best with your current ventures !
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
Yep, and I don't see how the whole thing can work out to anything worthwhile, unless you have plenty of images to start out with.
How many images do you have ?
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
Yep, and I don't see how the whole thing can work out to anything worthwhile, unless you have plenty of images to start out with.
How many images do you have ?
Below 300. The real point is I had almost no stuff to put up there when I started, all my other stuff up on regular micro sites (doing ok)... so I had to produce brand new stuff for stocksy, and I just can't see it working out to anything that way. :/ Especially if you need to do other stuff, which I guess is pretty much the default for most people. But I don't want to keep being a naysayer, because I think the basic idea of the coop is wonderful and very noble, but the curation - policy looks like a pretty bad failure to me (isn't it always the weak point?). If you insist I'll expand a bit.
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
Yep, and I don't see how the whole thing can work out to anything worthwhile, unless you have plenty of images to start out with.
How many images do you have ?
Below 300. The real point is I had almost no stuff to put up there when I started, all my other stuff up on regular micro sites (doing ok)... so I had to produce brand new stuff for stocksy, and I just can't see it working out to anything that way. :/ Especially if you need to do other stuff, which I guess is pretty much the default for most people. But I don't want to keep being a naysayer, because I think the basic idea of the coop is wonderful and very noble, but the curation - policy looks like a pretty bad failure to me (isn't it always the weak point?). If you insist I'll expand a bit.
That's all very valuable what you're saying. As we can see all that glitters is not gold. I've noticed there is a Stocksy myth among photographers. Successful micro photogs see Stocksy as elite and seek the door to get in there being rejected several times and when they are finally in, cold water is poured on their expectations.
It really depends on what you do and what you are good at, but seeing the OP with her lovely, high quality images being rejected and her still dreaming this Stocksy myth is strange.
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Haven't some people been reporting sales better than expected at this stage of the game?
I think also if you were comparing with iS in particular, you'd have to be comparing files uploaded to iS since Stocksy opened its doors. That would tell a different tale than comparing new uploads there with older files.
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I'm very surprised, I think that Julie has very good images. May be they want to see more photos in portfolio? I don't understand this rejection. I'm very confused now because I just finished my portfolio for next submission in December and now I'm not sure if I know what they want to see :-\ I asked for opinion here two months ago but after that I added more photos to my Flickr portfolio so I will be very thankful for your critique again. I prepared also my website on portfoliobox where I focused on my favorite subjects - nature macro and children.
If you want to take a look I will be very thankful. I hoped that I have better portfolio than last time but when I see that they didn't accept Julie, I'm in doubt about it now :-(
My portfolio:
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/)
Portfoliobox: http://www.magdalenakucova.com (http://www.magdalenakucova.com)
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"I just can't see it working out to anything that way. :/ "
It depends on your work, I guess. Most of my new series have sold. I had five sales today so far, one uploaded in the last couple of weeks.
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"I just can't see it working out to anything that way. :/ "
It depends on your work, I guess. Most of my new series have sold. I had five sales today so far, one uploaded in the last couple of weeks.
Sean you are a known famous highly successful stock photographer with a large buyer base. You also have 3k images, or somewhere in that region, on Stocksy. Couldnt it be that buyers look for your images on Stocksy since the images are only available there?
I would like to hear from the 'normal' crowd how their sales are.
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"Couldnt it be that buyers look for your images on Stocksy since the images are only available there? "
Well that's the point, right? All the images are only there.
Lol, I think I discovered I don't have as large a buyer base as I thought...
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Thanks, I know its the point, but it was in combination with buyers only wanting your images. But you answered that in your second line.
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"I just can't see it working out to anything that way. :/ "
It depends on your work, I guess. Most of my new series have sold. I had five sales today so far, one uploaded in the last couple of weeks.
Exactly what I said: if you had plenty of images to start with. Your whole port was freed up from IS.
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It seems to me that one can't really compare sales between Stocksy and any other agency, because Stocksy is highly curated and very few others are. The portfolio that Sean had at iStock was pretty different compared to his Stocksy set. Even once he gets to the same number of images, it will be a very different body of work compared to what he had at iStock; and the buyer base will be different as well.
As to the OP: my guess is that her submission was seen as too "staged", but I'm speculating here. It is great work, but I can see how it might be viewed as being just a little too "traditional" for the Stocksy look.
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Here we go again with the staged look. Leaf wont allow us to post examples, but please, stop saying Stocksy images are not staged.
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Here we go again with the staged look. Leaf wont allow us to post examples, but please, stop saying Stocksy images are not staged.
Someone once said here, to paraphrase, instead if taking most comers and editing for the photo, Stocksy edits the photographer and takes most photos. Maybe they thought we had enough photogs in that vein right now? So it's not that 'staged' is a four letter word, but right now the banks are full? Dunno.
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I only don't understand why they don't reply to my application ... I never receive an answer from them.
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I only don't understand why they don't reply to my application ... I never receive an answer from them.
Maybe the absence of an answer is your answer
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Here we go again with the staged look. Leaf wont allow us to post examples, but please, stop saying Stocksy images are not staged.
Someone once said here, to paraphrase, instead if taking most comers and editing for the photo, Stocksy edits the photographer and takes most photos. Maybe they thought we had enough photogs in that vein right now? So it's not that 'staged' is a four letter word, but right now the banks are full? Dunno.
Fair enough.
I guess instead of closing the intake of photographers then, they let people apply; reject them or dont reply. Just in case, that one true gem might apply so they dont miss out.
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Here we go again with the staged look. Leaf wont allow us to post examples, but please, stop saying Stocksy images are not staged.
Someone once said here, to paraphrase, instead if taking most comers and editing for the photo, Stocksy edits the photographer and takes most photos. Maybe they thought we had enough photogs in that vein right now? So it's not that 'staged' is a four letter word, but right now the banks are full? Dunno.
I don't give a flying frikk what the meaning of the word staged is for this or that individual, but if it's a princinpal for curation it better be very consistent. I had staged, contrived rejections for shots with the sweetest most honest spontenious laugh / smile that my models ever had, as I just caught them with the camera 'off guard'. It's the shot some of them show off to everyone that represents "them"... meanwhile I see pics of people with food falling in and out their mouth in that infamous "smiling while eating and staring into the camera" gesture on site + and that most phoney worn-out cliche of 'people with inappropriate clothes alone in nature staring vacantly in low contrast' is all over the place as ... editors picks! that? really? you would have got fired from ad agencies for picking stuff like that even back in the 90's 8)
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I'm very surprised, I think that Julie has very good images. May be they want to see more photos in portfolio? I don't understand this rejection.
Indeed, Julie's presentation was somewhat small but many images were brilliant.
DISCLAIMER: What I'm going to write below is not advice or recommendation. It's only my personal observation and I may be completely wrong.
Julie shoots lifestyle and lifestyle is probably the best represented category on Stocksy. There are quite many brilliant lifestyle photographers on Stocksy who can submit or already have submitted images of comparable quality / style.
Stocksy is different from microstock because the plan is not to have 10 gazillion contributors submitting 100 fantillion pictures every year. Stocksy is not about growing the contributor base like crazy but rather about building a strong collection. Lifestyle sells nicely, but I would expect that for applicants it is now the most difficult category - there are not so many holes in the collection and the standards are very high.
Are Julie's images beautiful? Yes. Would they fill a hole in the collection? Probably not.
Check out this guy:
http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross (http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross)
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
As I said, I do not recommend anything. I may be completely wrong.
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
To be honest I thought that when I originally sent in a request for review they'd see my underwater work and ask me to submit some for review. Since I never heard a peep back I can only assume that they never got around to looking at my work with any kind of seriousness or it simply didn't match what they were looking for. No big loss, but I will continue to build my underwater collection and maybe apply later.
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I'm very surprised, I think that Julie has very good images. May be they want to see more photos in portfolio? I don't understand this rejection. I'm very confused now because I just finished my portfolio for next submission in December and now I'm not sure if I know what they want to see :-\ I asked for opinion here two months ago but after that I added more photos to my Flickr portfolio so I will be very thankful for your critique again. I prepared also my website on portfoliobox where I focused on my favorite subjects - nature macro and children.
If you want to take a look I will be very thankful. I hoped that I have better portfolio than last time but when I see that they didn't accept Julie, I'm in doubt about it now :-(
My portfolio:
Flickr: [url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/[/url] ([url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/[/url])
Portfoliobox: [url]http://www.magdalenakucova.com[/url] ([url]http://www.magdalenakucova.com[/url])
Hi Magdalena, we have very different style but in a way I think Stocksy is almost a more natural fit for you, your images are candid, soft and in my opinion, close to a lot of things Stocksy select. My one suggestion would be to edit your flickr page and keep a maximum of 50 images. For exemple, I like your first horse images that are muted and backlit but I'm not crazy about the one with the blue sky. I also really like most of you kids picture; they look spontaneous and dreamy.
I liked some of your images in your Flickr page, I hope it helps and don't be too hard on yourself, I get the feeling your Style would match Stocksy quite well ( but again, Stocksy works in mysterious ways ;) )
good luck!
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
You miss the point. What I wrote is that if you are a master in a niche, you might have better chances of being accepted than when you shoot the most common subject matter. Or you might not.
You can replace 'underwater photography' with 'shooting fantastic pictures from the Earth's orbit' or anything else that has a relatively high barrier to entry.
Then again, you might be a master of lifestyle photography and have better chances than somebody who shoots a niche subject matter but is less convincing. There are many factors to consider.
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Interesting, Snufkin.
I'd assumed that Stocksy really wanted lifestyle, but might 'tolerate' other stuff.
I wonder if they didn't accept Mantis because they already 'have' an underwater photographer. That happened in some trad agencies in the old days. Once they had someone with a 'niche' or in a location, they didn't take on rivals.
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
The Stocksy ones are very strong compositions. And the use of light is outstanding.
That is not to say that other people do not also make fantastic underwater pictures - but typically underwater pictures tend to look like they belong in a science book - where as many of the Stocksy ones look to me like they belong on a cinema screen. Look at the scale and ambition of them. Wow. Impossible not to be impressed.
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
The Stocksy ones are very strong compositions. And the use of light is outstanding.
That is not to say that other people do not also make fantastic underwater pictures - but typically underwater pictures tend to look like they belong in a science book - where as many of the Stocksy ones look to me like they belong on a cinema screen. Look at the scale and ambition of them. Wow. Impossible not to be impressed.
Indeed, but Stocksy say they want 'natural'.
Again, what they say and what they choose don't necessarily correspond.
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I'm very surprised, I think that Julie has very good images. May be they want to see more photos in portfolio? I don't understand this rejection. I'm very confused now because I just finished my portfolio for next submission in December and now I'm not sure if I know what they want to see :-\ I asked for opinion here two months ago but after that I added more photos to my Flickr portfolio so I will be very thankful for your critique again. I prepared also my website on portfoliobox where I focused on my favorite subjects - nature macro and children.
If you want to take a look I will be very thankful. I hoped that I have better portfolio than last time but when I see that they didn't accept Julie, I'm in doubt about it now :-(
My portfolio:
Flickr: [url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/[/url] ([url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/102259734@N04/[/url])
Portfoliobox: [url]http://www.magdalenakucova.com[/url] ([url]http://www.magdalenakucova.com[/url])
Hi Magdalena, we have very different style but in a way I think Stocksy is almost a more natural fit for you, your images are candid, soft and in my opinion, close to a lot of things Stocksy select. My one suggestion would be to edit your flickr page and keep a maximum of 50 images. For exemple, I like your first horse images that are muted and backlit but I'm not crazy about the one with the blue sky. I also really like most of you kids picture; they look spontaneous and dreamy.
I liked some of your images in your Flickr page, I hope it helps and don't be too hard on yourself, I get the feeling your Style would match Stocksy quite well ( but again, Stocksy works in mysterious ways ;) )
good luck!
Yes, "Stocksy works in mysterious way" - that's very apt! :D
Thanks for taking a look at my portfolio and your comment. Probably I will review my images in my Flickr page once more.
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Indeed, but Stocksy say they want 'natural'.
I do not know but maybe you are being too literal.
I am not part of it and cannot imagine either applying or being accepted. But I think they are building a very strong collection. It's good to admire what other sites do when they do something really well - and they clearly have very good editors.
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t.
Check out this guy:
[url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url] ([url]http://www.stocksy.com/ShaneGross[/url])
A true master in his niche, he brings something completely new to the table.
Awesome pictures.
Mantis does that too. Is underwater photography new?
The Stocksy ones are very strong compositions. And the use of light is outstanding.
That is not to say that other people do not also make fantastic underwater pictures - but typically underwater pictures tend to look like they belong in a science book - where as many of the Stocksy ones look to me like they belong on a cinema screen. Look at the scale and ambition of them. Wow. Impossible not to be impressed.
That's an interesting point, Bunhill. I had nat geo and science channel use two images that foot the bill of science, as opposed to cinema. Still very strong images, and one very rare. The ones below, however, we're more "natural" I suppose, but lit with a strobe. While they do account for balanced ambient light, you could never get these without artificial lighting. Natural lighting can be powerful, too, like some of the images in the link. Maybe even these don't fit the bill of stocky goods. Who knows. But it's not going to change my style as that has won me many international competitions, gotten me speaking engagements, produced a book, published dozens of magazine articles, etc. So for me personally, my style has gotten me somewhere, at least within the UW photo industry. I am okay if my work does not meet the needs of stocky, and I still wish them great success.
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Thats what I mean, you shouldnt have been rejected. Its nonsense. If the crop of the cream cant get accepted... all there is left to do is forget about Stocksy. Actually all reasons I wanted to be part of Stocksy are gone. Not that I was going to make it in, in the first place.
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I think what makes Stocksy a really great collection is that it has an unformulated elegance to it and I think that it's something to deserve respect. I am trying to understand how to improve my images but in a way, I enjoy the fact that there is still some mystery and that the I can't always put my finger on why I really like one of their images; that's part of the charm! Formulated stock is easy to understand and replicate so too many people are doing it. It might be hard to get into Stocksy but I also feel like it's a good sign for them.
I come from a Stock background so yes, my images are a bit stagged but I think I could learn from being a Stocksy contributor and that my images aren't that far off from what they are looking for, I just have to get accepted. It encourages me to try new stuff, explore in post-processing, be more authentic in my photography... what's not to love, really?
If some members of the forum don't feel like it matches their style, well, that is fair but in the end it's a bit like the dating world, You can't be everyone's cup of tea and it's fine like that! as said earlier, to each their niche :)
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Answer me this, what is their style?
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I think what makes Stocksy a really great collection is that it has an unformulated elegance to it and I think that it's something to deserve respect. I am trying to understand how to improve my images but in a way, I enjoy the fact that there is still some mystery and that the I can't always put my finger on why I really like one of their images; that's part of the charm! Formulated stock is easy to understand and replicate so too many people are doing it. It might be hard to get into Stocksy but I also feel like it's a good sign for them.
I come from a Stock background so yes, my images are a bit stagged but I think I could learn from being a Stocksy contributor and that my images aren't that far off from what they are looking for, I just have to get accepted. It encourages me to try new stuff, explore in post-processing, be more authentic in my photography... what's not to love, really?
If some members of the forum don't feel like it matches their style, well, that is fair but in the end it's a bit like the dating world, You can't be everyone's cup of tea and it's fine like that! as said earlier, to each their niche :)
Your humility is very charming, however, you have a nice style and perhaps are doing well in general stock photography. Perhaps you should focus more on exploring your own individuality insteading of seeking conformity to the existing style on Stocksy. Could that be why you were rejected by Stocksy? I am not a member of Stocksy, what I am saying is purely speculatve.
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Answer me this, what is their style?
I asked that and was told if I couldn't see it, it wasn't for me!
I only asked!!! As I'd assumed it was lifestyle, I never imagined it was for me.
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Answer me this, what is their style?
Ron, As I mentionned, I quite enjoy the fact that Stocksy's style is hard to define; it has charm, mystery and grace. Most of the collection is closer to Art photography than to commercial photography so the rules are a bit different in editing; less about the technical and more about that little something that stands out. I agree that some images are quite boring but they might just not speak to me.
I don't mean to disagree with you but I think that there is different ways of looking at it, that's all.
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Your humility is very charming, however, you have a nice style and perhaps are doing well in general stock photography. Perhaps you should focus more on exploring your own individuality insteading of seeking conformity to the existing style on Stocksy. Could that be why you were rejected by Stocksy? I am not a member of Stocksy, what I am saying is purely speculatve.
Hi Freedom,
I am just starting out so success is still far, faaar away. I agree with what you say about not compromising on your personal style too much, here's a personnal exemple; I was rejeted twice by SS in the last few months ( I am aware that they are a bit weird with rejections right now). I shoot with a very shallow depth of field and I like dramatic light, so everything I find makes an image interesting, SS dislikes. I take no offence in that and I will reapply as a contributor but I would never change my style for them; there's already plenty of people succedding in that style without me changing my style to fit in.
Stocksy on the other hand, has a style that I like so applying as a contributor is an exercise that would make me a better photographer and it would also be a fun experiment. I think that for my style of photography, Stocksy is more of a matter of flexibility than compromise.
BTW, I don't mean to start a heated debate on SS! ;)
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As I'd assumed it was lifestyle, I never imagined it was for me.
Lifestyle is not a photography style, it's subject matter.
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delete
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Your humility is very charming, however, you have a nice style and perhaps are doing well in general stock photography. Perhaps you should focus more on exploring your own individuality insteading of seeking conformity to the existing style on Stocksy. Could that be why you were rejected by Stocksy? I am not a member of Stocksy, what I am saying is purely speculatve.
Hi Freedom,
I am just starting out so success is still far, faaar away. I agree with what you say about not compromising on your personal style too much, here's a personnal exemple; I was rejeted twice by SS in the last few months ( I am aware that they are a bit weird with rejections right now). I shoot with a very shallow depth of field and I like dramatic light, so everything I find makes an image interesting, SS dislikes. I take no offence in that and I will reapply as a contributor but I would never change my style for them; there's already plenty of people succedding in that style without me changing my style to fit in.
Stocksy on the other hand, has a style that I like so applying as a contributor is an exercise that would make me a better photographer and it would also be a fun experiment. I think that for my style of photography, Stocksy is more of a matter of flexibility than compromise.
BTW, I don't mean to start a heated debate on SS! ;)
I know what you mean. SS and other general stock photo agencies actually accept many different styles. Stocksy, again I am speculating, if wants to outperform, cannot only live with one style or few styles either. It must be getting boring for the editors after a while. Therefore, an individualistic approach might be your best bet. But what do I know?
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Interesting! I did search for "fiber optics" looking for strong compositions, natural light something different from others but....
http://www.stocksy.com/search?src=head&text=fiber%20optics (http://www.stocksy.com/search?src=head&text=fiber%20optics)
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As I'd assumed it was lifestyle, I never imagined it was for me.
Lifestyle is not a photography style, it's subject matter.
Indeed; but that's relevant because ... ?
I had asked about the style. I hadn't expected Stocksy to be for me because I'd assumed the preferred subject matter was lifestyle.
So the comment that 'if I didn't understand the style, it wasn't for me' was bizarre.
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OK, I didn't notice Ron had started a new
style thread. Apologies to all.
Taken here frome there:
My honest feeling is this: if you have to ask, you're probably not right.
Can you honestly see a similarity in style between the underwater photos referenced above and those found in a search on Scotland?
Not for a moment criticising either set; but 'similar style', I don't see, despite the totally different subject matter (before anyone feels obliged to point out the bleeding obvuious).
Sue, I don't share your obsession with searches of Scotland.
A totally irrelevant way of avoiding a simple question. I didn't ask what your obsession is.
I was asking about this 'easily discernable Stocksy style', comparing the keyword I'm closest to with a totally different subject-matter.
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How did I start a new style??
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How did I start a new style??
Natural talent. 8)
(typo corrected)
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How did I start a new style??
Natural talent. 8)
(typo corrected)
Hmm, I dont have talent. I know stuff, but I have and always will be average in everything I do. Before you ask, yes I am happy in life :)
Then again, maybe I am too hard on myself and always trying to improve myself.
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Everyone is so excited about the opportunity of being accepted to Stocksy but could anyone, who is already in, confirm that it makes financial sense to devote one's best works for them ?
Not in my experience :/
You mean you are there with your images and you're not satisfied with sales ?
Yep, and I don't see how the whole thing can work out to anything worthwhile, unless you have plenty of images to start out with.
Wow, met the standard into the exclusive club and want to get paid as well? Some folks are just never satisfied. :D
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Hi Julie,
I really like the collection you put together. The images that didn't work for me were the guy with the snake, the blonde with the grey background, and perhaps some of the images with people looking direct to camera (all mentioned by others).
The images with the baby are probably the best for me, but really they all look great.
I'm still not 100% on what will get approved when I submit images (I've had loads of rejections and even been asked to put forward several images I'd previously discarded).
A few things I've noticed tho, are:
- if you're shooting one person, they should be "in their own world", "doing their own thing"
- multiple people engaging with each other rather than the audience/viewer
I think they're also being quite tight on who gets accepted at the moment to deliberately keep the membership small. There's a finite number to this, so they don't want to hit that too quickly. Your folio may well have the goods (I sure think it does), but just didn't get a green light on this occasion for that reason.
Ben
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I love these images, and I think the ones that look right are the cafe ladies. Others a bit posed. Not to say that some contributors aren't getting these type of images through, but most of us have had "too posed" as a rejection. And as the collection grows and the talent increases they are getting stricter and stricter. It's a good thing in the long run, as I suppose they aren't interested in having 200 pages of baby images that look like all the rest. I believe they see what fits in with what's currently in the collection, also a good thing.
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Ben and Gillian,
Thanks for you kind words, I'm planning a few shoots keeping what everyone has said in mind. I'll probably add to this post once I've updated my portfolio to get your feedback so I hope I can get your opinion when comes the time! Its nice to see a spirit of collaboration on MSG :)
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Well, I guess having a Flickr account has it's perks! I just got an invite to participate on Getty images :)