Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic

Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 8

So, I've done as much reading as I can, as far as what's expected of the contributors here at Shutterstock...And I must say, I'm rather daunted by the requirements, as I've none of the technical equipment that so many of you seem to use to crank out such quality stock art. Just a traveler with Photoscape and a Rebel XTI, lol.

But I'm hoping to turn my hobby into art, so I'm here to hopefully see if it's worth sending the following photos in as my first 10 submission. Please advise and help me get this right off the bat! :c)

semmickphoto · Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:08 am

Please add an avatar to your profile and post 100% crops, longest side 500px. Thanks.

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:47 am

The Maine Coon needs a better composition (BG) needs to be watched.

The Buddha would need to be better then what is already here and not sepia or B&W.

And the last one could work but would need a model release.

Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 8

Crops of below art:

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:51 am

OOF and noise and the last one looks more like an illustration.

matthi · Joined: 30 Sep 2010 Posts: 485

first 2 OOF...
third over filtered...don´t use strange "arty" filters....cause you limit the commercial value

and all are somehow underexposed
and for the cat, there might be a whole bunch of copyrighted material as far as the book covers are recognizable

hhltdave5 · Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 7:37 am

I can see in your work a certain eye for feeling and a sense of drama but it needs to be refined a bit with the technical photography skills. Basically what you need to do is bring up the technical end to match the artistic eye.

As mentioned there are copyright issues with the cat shot and the books but it could be an interesting shot. The white balance looks to be a bit off (a touch too orange).

The one you are using for your avatar could be a good stock shot if it can get by the over use of filters rejection.

Keep this in mind. A good stock shot is something that will help sell or promote a product, concept or idea. Right now you are kind of skirting around stock and leaning more toward the artsy side of things. Now there can be art in a stock shot but you have to make sure that the basic concept of stock is clear and present.

Don't get discouraged. There isn't one of us here who knew it all when we started. We all had that learning curve to get through.

What I usually suggest to those who are coming here to try stock is not to just submit shots they took before stock came to mind. Understand what stock is then go out and create some new images with that in mind and lets have a look at those.

mauijon · Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 4288 Location: Maui, Hawaii

Don't worry about your camera. I've shot a bunch of stuff on SS with the XT (350D). The problem will be with the lenses you use. Most of my shots here were either with the Canon 24-105mm L or the Sigma 50-500mm (for surf shots.) If you only have the kit lens, don't use 18 or 55mm (the extreme ends) and find the sweet spot, around f-8.

And use a tripod.

Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 8

Ah, thanks Mauijon! I was worried I was overdue for an upgrade to my camera if I really wanted crisp shots like I was seeing here...My only other lens is a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II...Just don't have the space in my bag and I'm in a new country every year, haha.

But I've had my eye on a lens with specs like that Sigma for awhile now...Might have to add that to my collection!

And thanks hhltdave, for your ideas. As you've noticed, these shots weren't taken with stock photography specifically in mind. I will have to take a different and more technical approach to my photography in the future, if I want to sell. :)