Stock vs MicroStock

[jeffclow]

By the way, here's a new stock site in Europe that is just launching and pays commissions of 50% - really high for a microstock site.

And they are looking for new photographers....

Stockfresh / Info / Contributor info

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Thanks Rick, very interesting. Do you mind sharing what images of your port sell best?
I just want to get a feeling for it.

BTW, right now I really hate iStockPhoto because it's such a pain to upload pics. Do you know of any way to batch upload from a Windows PC?

Sot by downloads ... the burger is the top seller, it has a clipping path (tip of the day)

[Redneck]

Originally Posted by rhoffart

Sot by downloads ... the burger is the top seller, it has a clipping path (tip of the day)

Well, thanks for the tip but I don't get it.

What do you mean by clipping path? How can a .jpg file have such thing?

[rhoffart]

Yes it can be done and if you go to iStock and search the term "clipping path" you will gat a ton of hits.

I'm sure you know how but here is some copy and paste instructions

Here's how to create and save a Clipping Path with your JPG image:

•In Photoshop, open your photo.
•In Paths Palette select "New Path", click OK.
•Using the Pen Tool, create a single path that outlines your subject as CLOSELY as possible, taking care to keep it as tight to the edges of your photo subject as you can.
•Click File... Save As... and choose "JPEG". Name and save your .JPG file, and you're done!

(Note: Using "Save For Web" will cause you to lose your Clipping Path.. you must use the "Save As..." command.)

[rhoffart]

one more tip ... read the agreement

It took me almost a year to shut down the 10 or so microstock sites and get all my images pulled, when I went exclusive with iStock.


I don't know how far concan is from boerne but if your buying ... I'd be willing to tell you all I know ... wont take long :)

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Well, thanks for the tip but I don't get it.

What do you mean by clipping path? How can a .jpg file have such thing?

Articles - Photoshop Clipping Paths | iStockphoto.com

Hopefully this article linked above will explain the whys and hows of a clipping path...

[rhoffart]

crap Andre ... now you got me hooked again. I guess I'll be uploading tonight :)

[Redneck]

Wow, thanks guys. I just tried it and it really does work. Seriously, I never thought you can include such information in a .jpg file.

[Redneck]

Another question.
I just got two files rejected by BigStock with the reason that the model release did not contain name and signature of a witness. That's the first time happening to me and I've uploaded many images with people on it with a model release without witness, even to BigStock and they were accepted.

Do you always need a witness to sign the MR?
Did this ever happen to anybody?

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Another question.
I just got two files rejected by BigStock with the reason that the model release did not contain name and signature of a witness. That's the first time happening to me and I've uploaded many images with people on it with a model release without witness, even to BigStock and they were accepted.

Do you always need a witness to sign the MR?
Did this ever happen to anybody?

Unfortunately, as you've found out - most of the big sites require a witness name and signature. And it can't be the photographer.

However, as long as the model signed the original document - you can get someone else witness it even if the model is not present. Not ideal, but it does work since there is no way for the agency to track down the witness since the model release does not require the witness to fill out address or phone number.

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Do you always need a witness to sign the MR?
Did this ever happen to anybody?

Yes, I know istock requires a witness as well.

[rhoffart]

here is the link to istock

Stock Photography: Search Royalty Free Images & Photos | iStockphoto.com