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Post by shp on Feb 22, 2010 22:49:19 GMT -5
The first question is really how would I know when I am truly ready for stock photography?
The rest is how does it exactly work? I know RF is Royalty Free, and RM is Rights Managed - and that I would make more profits off RM but would possibly do just as well, in a sense, with RF. I've learned that RF is typically better for beginners, so might try that but not now.
Next is, the image sizes confuse me. When I go to save from PhotoShop, and as a JPG, a prompt comes up and there's something about the file size in the middle.
1-3 = Low
4-7 = Medium
8-(something) = High
And the last one is Maximum.
When I save the original as a copy, I go with Max. I read on eHow that people usually save for printing the pictures at 300 Resolution, so choose High for that. When I save it for Internet use, which is commonly 72 Resolution, I choose Medium, but I feel that's not right all of a sudden just now.
I know that DeviantArt does stock photography but I don't understand how the money thing works, since I can't really tell how much my photos are usually worth or should be worth.
Oh, and when I do post my pictures, can I ask under them if they are ready to be sold? My mother and I are having financial problems, and I'm so happy I LOVE to do photography otherwise I wouldn't be here today.
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Post by ScottWood on Feb 23, 2010 0:05:16 GMT -5
Please don't take this the wrong way, you are really improving, but you have a long way to go.
First, you really don't have the gear for stock photography. You really do have to have the quality of a DSLR to make images that are clean enough for stock. Second, why the hurry? Stock photography has to be very technically strong to be good enough for sale. There is a lot of stock out there.
As for file sizes, that is simply the number of pixels. What you referred to is the amount of compression for the JPG quality, it is a different thing. All stock images have to be saved at the highest quality possible.
If you are serious about doing this, go over to istockphoto.com and check out their tutorials. You can apply to become a contributor. You have to take a test, and submit images for evaluation. You will get feedback, but as I said, you really do have to have a DSLR. I have a great point and shoot, and even it isn't good enough for stock.
As for sites, I don't know about deviant art, but I would only go with a stock site that actually does stock as their business. They have the traffic going to their site and will help you generate sales, once you are a contributor.
As for what I know about stock, I buy almost all my gear with profits from stock sales.
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Post by shp on Feb 23, 2010 0:09:14 GMT -5
I take it that the Kodak Easyshare Z712 IS camera isn't exactly a DSLR. I would need to brush up my memory on what exactly a DSLR is.
That, and I don't exactly plan to do stock photography until you guys think I'm ready, =p. I will definitely try reading the tutorials from istockphoto when I get a chance to. =).
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Post by Saknika on Feb 23, 2010 0:15:07 GMT -5
A DSLR is a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. Basically, you can change the lenses on it, control all its functions, and other such things. What you have is a point-and-shoot.
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Post by ScottWood on Feb 23, 2010 0:29:21 GMT -5
The advantage of the DLSR is that it has a physically bigger sensor. I am not talking about megapixes here, but the physical size of the sensor itself. The bigger the sensor, the larger the photo-sites are, and that leads to much cleaner images.
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Post by shp on Feb 23, 2010 0:37:15 GMT -5
Oh, I see now! Definitely going to save my money now, lol. I will still practice with the other camera so I would be ready upon having a DSLR. I've been eyeing this camera at Best Buy that's like over a thousand bucks, but I will have to check and see if it's DSLR first.
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Post by ScottWood on Feb 23, 2010 0:47:09 GMT -5
Best Buy is about the worst place on the planet for camera prices, but you can get your hands on them there. I buy 99% of my gear through B&H Photo and Amazon.
Feel free to ask questions over in the equipment section if you have them about specific cameras and brands.
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Post by Lauren MKS on Feb 25, 2010 10:54:11 GMT -5
Can anyone recommend a good book for learning about stock photography? I know there is a ton of information out there, but as I once read - "Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant." -Mitch Kapor
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Post by MarianMurdoch on Feb 25, 2010 14:11:05 GMT -5
When considering doing stock photography, you also have to decide WHAT you want to be shooting. There are thousands of photographers submitting stock, so what will you be doing that will make a business want your image? When submitting your images, you need to be very specific when you title it. "Photo of a man" will not sell as well as "photo of an angry man wearing a blue shirt and sitting at a computer."
I agree with Scott. You are not ready yet, both with skill and with equipment. Not only will you need a DSLR, you will also need a light tent if you are going to be shooting objects. Your skill is on the rise, so don't be discouraged. You just don't want to submit inferior work and ruin your reputation before you even start.
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