Long story short: I've not yet made up my mind on selling photos at a cheapo site, but so far my faith in iStockPhoto is pretty much shot.
The first two images they rejected of mine are not noisy, I think the guy writing the queries just doesn't know what else to call it, I mean they're not crystal clear At 100% because it's nearly poster size, and I'm not using topnotch glass. Anyhow, I wouldn't sell good images to be used at that size, for that price, no way no how! So I guess, this is a moot point.
Edit: To do the white background stuff...do you lasso and cut, or how do you do that? I've been increasing the contrast on a seperate layer, then using the wand to select the non-subject area and I make some adjustments to what is selected...then increasing lightness on the non-subject area to pure white. Does that make sense, or is there a better way?
As someone who uses stock photos extensively, and is a clipping path "guru," I can tell you that the best way to do the clipping path is with the pen tool and some patience. Your method might work on some select photos, but one photo with a poorly-knocked-out background can completely ruin a designer's day.
My 2 cents.
:)
It really depends on the subject. If it is regularly-shaped, it's fairly easy to create the clipping path directly with the pen tool.
But if it is a fairly detailed image, I find it easier to paint a soft-edged mask to knock out the background and delete it, or, once you have an accurate selection, use THAT to generate the clipping path.
I don't have Elements, but see if you have a Paths palette (usually grouped with Layers and Channels). If you do, when you have an active selection, use Make Work Path to convert the selection to a path, then the Clipping Path option -- you'll probably have to save the path first.
Also, check in the Toolbox to see if you have a Pen tool. If so, you can draw Bezier paths directly with that, then use the Paths palette to save it as a Clipping Path. Use the other tools under the Pen to move the points around.
I wouldn't sell good images to be used at that size, for that price, no way no how! So I guess, this is a moot point.
Nobody's saying you should give them your best images, but if you don't think they're good then why should anyone else want to buy them? As others have mentioned, iStock is a good place to learn what sells. If you look at it that way, it's worth the effort. If you're trying to make money from pictures you don't like yourself, forget it.
Thanks Muck. I was going to submit my photo of Lance Armstrong from this summer (I went to watch a day of the Tour while I was in France) but not sure what model rights etc. are in that sitch, it's not a spectacular photo, and I'm not sure how much value something like that would have. There are a million photos of him out there... Here's the Lance photo:
Thanks Muck. I was going to submit my photo of Lance Armstrong from this summer (I went to watch a day of the Tour while I was in France) but not sure what model rights etc. are in that sitch, it's not a spectacular photo, and I'm not sure how much value something like that would have. There are a million photos of him out there... Here's the Lance photo:
I hope you have a model Release for that photo? and everyone in it, stock phtos are different then news photos I think, someone fix me if I am wrong...and you cannot have any logo's or copyright items in the photo...
Now I'm uploading lots of old outtakes etc that would only be collecting dust on a burnt CD. Hey if I can make a buck from old outtakes while I'm still learning why not!
I hope you have a model Release for that photo? and everyone in it, stock phtos are different then news photos I think, someone fix me if I am wrong...and you cannot have any logo's or copyright items in the photo...
Mel, I think the rule of thumb is you need releases for commercial images. Photos without releases can only be used for editorial purposes.
Okay...I finally got my first photo approved on istockphoto and it's up for the masses to devour! ;0)
It's funny, my photos seem to instantly look professional (in my untrained eyes) with a watermark on them!
Woohoo... I'm right behind ya! they are in just waiting that little tick... Should be available in the next 24 hours I susspect.
Don't you think it's goofy that they don't automatically put your three sample photos into the pot? I've been trying to think of why they would do this (there's obviously a reason), but I can't figure it out...
Willem how many photos have you got there and how long has it taken for you to reach your first payment?
First upload was May 18th, can't remember first download but certainly within two weeks from first upload, gradually built up more, now at 110 images, reached first 100 USD limit a week ago. Now approx at 1 USD per day. my profile
Don't you think it's goofy that they don't automatically put your three sample photos into the pot? I've been trying to think of why they would do this (there's obviously a reason), but I can't figure it out...
Yeah I do find that strange, even if the were pre/quality approved pending completion of details or something would work better. It will be fun to see how these actually do.
ThatCloudThere: Thanks for the info. I would be MOST interested if you wouldn't mind telling us how many of the 20 finally make it thru. And I think the one that you posted the image of looked fine to me...
ThatCloudThere: Thanks for the info. I would be MOST interested if you wouldn't mind telling us how many of the 20 finally make it thru. And I think the one that you posted the image of looked fine to me...
Don't you think it's goofy that they don't automatically put your three sample photos into the pot? I've been trying to think of why they would do this (there's obviously a reason), but I can't figure it out...
Yeah I do find that strange, even if the were pre/quality approved pending completion of details or something would work better. It will be fun to see how these actually do.
I've actually heard of accepting a photographer based on the initial three submissions and then reject the images when they are submitted again for approval. Now that's weird.
