brandeeecrop
The photo above is an outstanding example of a microstock part time freelance training technique progressing to independent website projects. The confidence I have gained from working taking photographs allowed me to ask a stranger to use their computer as a “model”. My attitude was probably as practical and no-nonsense as a mom getting her stroller through a narrow door or a man moving his car to get out of the driveway.
 
Taking pictures has really thickened my skin and provided for some captured photo opportunities that never would have existed without me getting out and there and working the shutter. Getting out there with batteries, snacks, insulated pockets, hand warmers, a good attitude and a clear set of eyes produces saleable image material.
 
Look at the result. The shimmering surface of the netbook computer reflected the intricate pattern (and colors) of the carpet in front of it. The focus of the image shifts to the possibilities cerated by the abstract presentation of the mirror image. The reflection gave an added dimension to the image I couldn’t have planned. The whole point of the picture was to function as an illustration for a website featuring small computer information (www.quicknetbook.com) but the picture ended up looking almost too good for one site. I really am not sure if this might not work better in a microstock sales portal.
 
Fashioning a finished microstock photo means looking at every aspect of the photo file. Is the color right? Do you have every type of shadow resolution been enhanced to a professional standard? is every part of the image balanced against a central or pivotal perspective? Is a border needed to provide edge contrast? how does the image stack up against current low cost legal image offerings?
Scrutiny is necessary. Is the background too rich or neutral to stand out against white? If you are relying on black background to make your color punch out, don’t use it for microstock. If you can’t bring up some color contrasts from within the photo at the bitmap level the image file may not be destined in its current state for the microstock Hall of Fame.

The gallery offerings for microstock sites are almost all white boxes. Borders are not what image submission editors are looking for. Don’t think you can mask or disguise significant visual artifacts either. Fuzzy or blurry areas must be addressed or cropped out.

Filters and sharpeners may kill your picture clarity despite their lauded effects. “Blanding’ the picture won’t make it sing to a microstock screening administrator either. Unless you perfect the image, don’t expect acceptance.

 

 

  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Facebook
  • Share/Bookmark

Most Popular