Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Accepted at first submit

kallitu · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

I was “lucky” enough to get an approval message from SS after submitting first batch - 9/10 were accepted. A photo of my lovely dog was not approved due to low commercial value.

In order to help other newbies to improve chances to get accepted, I have listed down workflow steps that I have followed:

1. After joining in I spent a couple of months by getting familiar with the guidelines and rules of SS, and by reading posts from Critique forum and other forums - This helped me to figure out the requested quality level and what kind of photos are needed for stock markets. I also was able to improve my skills (like isolation technique) by reading posts from tutorials threads.

2. Carefully selected 20 of my photos that I thought would meet the requirements for contents and quality. Many of those photos were recently shot in purpose for stock. At this point I would like to add one important question for each photo: does the photo have commercial value for photo buyers? If not, you can reject it in this phase.

In case you have problems in finding 20 good quality shots at this time, it might be better to continue shooting and try again later on.

3. Reviewed critically all of those 20 and reduced the selection down to 14 photos

4. Worked out those photos in photo editing software starting always from original RAW material.

5. Checked all photos in 100% - 200% view in order to track down noise, artifacts and other defects that might jeopardize the approval.

6. Uploaded photos to my web site including 100% crop, and linked photo album to critique forum asking critique. There is also more recommended alternative - read this post: http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42889

7. Based on received critique and recommendations I rejected 4 photos from the set and finally ended up to a batch of 10 photos.

8. Based on critique and advices I also made some final adjustments for the photos.

9. Downsized all photos slightly over 4 MP (MegaPixels) size limit. This was recommended somewhere in the forum but I think it is not necessary.

10. Before uploading photos I made a separate MS Word file with a table showing photo ID, Title, Category and Keywords. I selected relevant keywords for each photo carefully according to the rules.

11. Uploaded first batch of 10 photos to SS server by using FTP transfer (Filezilla worked well)

12. After downloading I went to submitting page and copied photo title and keywords form MSWord file mentioned in section 10. I also selected 1 - 2 categories for each photo. Finally I pushed submit for review button.

SIGH - tough work was finally over this time!

After one day from submit I received an approval message from SS. I think this was exceptionally short review time. Approved photos showed up in my portfolio after less than one day from approval message.

This 12 steps workflow might sound complicated and too tough but I think it is better to spend more time in the first round and try to make your best in the first place. This will pay back later on.

I like to thank all the comments I have received in critique forum. Now it is time to start building up my portfolio.

Good luck to other newbies!
Br, kallitu

kaycee · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:34 am

Hi first of all congratzz with your 9 out of 10 accepted pictures ,maybe you could write your story in this sticky topic http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42889
This topic is specially created for newbies who are looking for some advice.

Gr karin

choweth · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 31 Location: Western US

It sure is nice to see someone do their homework and be an example for new submitters to follow. Continue to apply your process and you will grow your portfolio quickly and with quality images. Congrats and good luck with sales. Chris

pharm · Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 9406 Location: Never quite sure

rinder99 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:16 pm

I'll third it. Only comment is why word? just go to file info and embed the info there. saving a step.But, Either way you found what works for you. Salute!!!!

hospitalera · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 5:41 pm

Very well done and welcome to the team ;-) Many, many downloads I wish you ;-) SY

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 5:54 pm

Congrats on getting accepted and for doing the work and putting forth the effort to produce good stock shots. From your lips to all other newbies!! :) Keep up the good work.

camdoc3 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:30 pm

Congrats and welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Kallitu’s initial post should be required reading for all newbie’s.

davidcrehner · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 4839

Not only was your first submission a success, but your first post as a new contributor is an outstanding success! :-) Excellent advice, and if only everyone would follow it!

jeffbanke · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:26 pm

ktgraphics · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 819 Location: Ont, Canada

Congratulations and welcome to the 9 out 10 club. ;)
Happy up and downloads. :D

kallitu · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Thanks to everybody about nice words!
Hopefully some of the newbies will see my workflow post too.

marilynv · Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 608 Location: California, USA

Welcome and much success here! Congratulations!!

Best regards,
Marilynv

lyanna · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 141 Location: the Netherlands

markbeckwith · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:28 am

I got accepted on my first attempt. Blind luck I call it.