1. Quick Tips & Warnings
2. Problems with iStockPhoto quiz – The answers
3. Keywording of images with ProStockMaster
4. Download a universal model release
5. iSyndica – The universal microstock tool
- Keywords are critically important — that’s how buyers find your images. Just make sure the keywords you choose are relevant or you could get banned for “spamdexing.”
- Take your camera with you whenever you can. You never know when you’ll spot something you want to shoot. If you are going to an event that allows cameras, you may be able to sell editorial imagery from pictures you take if it’s a news-worthy event and you can get some good shots.
- Don’t expect to earn a ton in the first months of submitting. You need to build up a base of images and add to it regularly.
- Take care with your first submissions to the sites when you are applying for approval — if your images don’t pass the inspection you will be forced to wait for a certain length of time before being allowed to submit again.
- Avoid all copyrighted material (logos, copyrighted buildings, objects, etc.) unless it’s an editorial image.
2. Problems with iStockPhoto quiz – The answers
Problems to pass the quiz? Don’t worry! Here are the answers for the istockphoto quiz.
- All recognizable faces require a model release, including crowds: True
- Logos are acceptable in wide angle photographs: False
- Identifiable design marks, such as the 3 stripes for Adidas or the Nike swoosh, are allowed if the name is removed: False
- Landmark buildings such as the Sydney Opera House or Empire State Building require a property release to be used as royalty-free stock: False
- A model release is required for a self portrait: True
- The photographer can witness their own Model/Property Release: False
- A simple snapshot is acceptable; iStock does not require quality in composition: False
- It is acceptable to protest a rejection in the iStock forums: False
- It is acceptable to copy the composition of another photographer’s work: False
- Photographs should be upsampled or interpolated to the maximum XXL size: False
- The above example contains: Compression
- The above example is (light): Unacceptable
- The above example is (Flamingo): Unacceptable
3. Keywording of images with ProStockMaster
ProStockMaster is a software which helps you to keywording your photos on a easy way.
You simply writes down a few keywords, selects similar motives from a choice of images and reveives a list with other suitable keywords.
In addition, you can upload your images immediately to your agency. (only 5 images per day with the free version, the pro version cost 59,99€)
Below you find a list with supported stock agencies.
- Fotolia
- Shutterstock
- Istockphoto
- Panthermedia
- Dreamstime
- Stockxpert
- Crestock
- 123rf
- bigstockphoto
- canstockphoto
- alamy
4. Download a universal model release
You search for a model release template and you are a microstock photographer use this one universal model release. You can use this form with all microstock agencies. I have used this form for all microstock agencies.
5. iSyndica – The universal microstock tool
Who has not been requested? A universal tool to manage and upload the photos on various microstock agencies.
iSyndica has always the feature to upload photos to many different microstock agencies…
- With the new Version it supports video files and illustrations.
- The main feature called “Promotion,” enables users to securely distribute their portfolio on social media and photo-sharing sites for free. Initial supported sites include Flickr, Picasa, Facebook and Twitter. The feature will also be available to videomakers for seven popular video destinations, including BlipTV, Viddler, and YouTube.
- One more feature from iSyndica is online backup and a up to 140GB storage.
- You also have some reporting features like download reporting, sales data and customizable charts.
The heel on the whole Case, iSyndica is a subscription service. There are five different subscription levels starting with a very basic free option to try out the service.
Starter, Basic, Plus, Premium and Max. As I have said it goes from a free version to a 39$per month subscription.
I think for microstocker who produces more than 10-20 images each month and upload it at different agencies would benefit from this service. It’s an easy way to upload fast and helps you not to lose the overview about yoru images.
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