Photoshelter Collection

[Maddog12]

Has anyone had any experience with Photoshelter Collection?

Generally speaking, it is a stock website, but it differs so greatly from istock and the like....mainly because the photographer gets to set the price and gets 70% of the sale price.

I wondering what you guys thought of this website?

Is it worth trying?
Has anyone generated any sales?

[bieber]

I'm signed up, but haven't put much effort into it. When they first opened, I was really worried about the volumes of crap they were accepting, but the collection seems to have increased significantly in quality since I last checked. Only sure way to find out how well it would work for you is to sign up and try it, can't hurt...

[Maddog12]

I have signed up, just need to dig through my photos and submit some.

About two years ago I tried a microstock website (big mistake and wet behind the ears). I had to have 7 of the 10 photos pass the initial review to get in. Is Photoshelter Collection like that?

[bieber]

You have to submit at least three photos, I think, you can submit up to ten, three have to pass to get in.

[robgr85]

Do I have to pay for something when starting photog account there, or they only incomes comes from my sells?

[Maddog12]

Do I have to pay for something when starting photog account there, or they only incomes comes from my sells?

I dont think you have to pay to "join" the Collection. It is a lot like Digital Railroad (I have heard), but you dont have to pay a "membership" fee. They just take 30% from the sale of your photo(s).

[bieber]

Do I have to pay for something when starting photog account there, or they only incomes comes from my sells?

No joining fee, they just take their 30% cut

[robgr85]

No joining fee, they just take their 30% cut

thank You for short answer, It's time to join photoshelter.

Cheers,
Rob

[New Hobby]

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure I have the images they are looking for but its worth a shot. Now I need to rummage through my shots.

[robgr85]

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure I have the images they are looking for but its worth a shot. Now I need to rummage through my shots.

hopefully I do not have that problem, I did some photos dedicated to microstock, so those should work on photoshelter too. I think that If You have some good landscape photos, animals, macro, you can try sending them.

Cheers,
Rob

P.S. Hope that they will like my photog application (set of my example photos)

[bieber]

Don't worry. To be honest, I didn't expect to be accepted initially, since I just did a quick app with the first three decent-ish shots I came across browsing through my library, and they still took me...

[robgr85]

Don't worry. To be honest, I didn't expect to be accepted initially, since I just did a quick app with the first three decent-ish shots I came across browsing through my library, and they still took me...


can You PM with Your profile link? How long was Your pending time?

Cheers,
Rob

[bieber]

http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/bieber

Heh, I still haven't gotten around to adding anything new...I'll get there sometime. IIRC, it took something on the order of a week to get accepted, but that's all dependent on how many people have applications pending at the time.

[ajayclicks]

hopefully I do not have that problem, I did some photos dedicated to microstock, so those should work on photoshelter too. I think that If You have some good landscape photos, animals, macro, you can try sending them.

Cheers,
Rob

P.S. Hope that they will like my photog application (set of my example photos)


Ethically, photographs that are on micro stock sites sites should not be on macro stock sites. Besides, Photoshelter will not allow you to set the price of a photograph below 50 USD.

[robgr85]

Ethically, photographs that are on micro stock sites sites should not be on macro stock sites. Besides, Photoshelter will not allow you to set the price of a photograph below 50 USD.


why not? someone want to get the photo from real stock, so he will get it ;) I have read some faq sections on photoshelter, and they have written that most serious designers do not visit microstock sites... if they do not, why to cut Your potential buyers?

seriously, If it will work for me, I will stop uploading photos on microstock sites and do it just to photoshelter.

[ajayclicks]

why not? someone want to get the photo from real stock, so he will get it ;) I have read some faq sections on photoshelter, and they have written that most serious designers do not visit microstock sites... if they do not, why to cut Your potential buyers?

seriously, If it will work for me, I will stop uploading photos on microstock sites and do it just to photoshelter.


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Suppose u are a picture buyer and u purchase a pic from Photoshelter for say 500 USD for some appropriate use. Now, a few weeks later u realise that the same image is on sale at another site for 10 USD. What would your reaction be.

You use the word "potential buyers". You have to take that call now- you have to define your market. Who do u want your potential buyer to be? A budget guy visiting Micro, or a deep pocket client visiting Macro. And, I havent even come to RF vs. RM

Cheers

[New Hobby]

I suggest if your going to use both, then have some images on one and some images on the other. The more basic ones go to the microstock, the better ones go to Photoshelter. No overlap.

Mind you I'm not saying microstock is a good place for photographers. I personal still do not like them and will not use them but if someone does I suggest keeping the above in mind.

[bieber]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Suppose u are a picture buyer and u purchase a pic from Photoshelter for say 500 USD for some appropriate use. Now, a few weeks later u realise that the same image is on sale at another site for 10 USD. What would your reaction be.

You use the word "potential buyers". You have to take that call now- you have to define your market. Who do u want your potential buyer to be? A budget guy visiting Micro, or a deep pocket client visiting Macro. And, I havent even come to RF vs. RM

Cheers

It's called price discrimination: airlines do it, utility companies do it, any business that can does it. You maximize your profit by charging as close as you can to the highest price each individual buyer is willing to pay. If I bought a cheapo watch for $500 at a jeweler's, and then found the exact same watch for $50 at Wal-Mart, should I complain to the manufacturer for supplying more than one retailer?

[New Hobby]

It's called price discrimination: airlines do it, utility companies do it, any business that can does it. You maximize your profit by charging as close as you can to the highest price each individual buyer is willing to pay. If I bought a cheapo watch for $500 at a jeweler's, and then found the exact same watch for $50 at Wal-Mart, should I complain to the manufacturer for supplying more than one retailer?

I think there is a difference between this and airlines. A good part of the price difference airlines charge is based on when someone buys the ticket. If you buy it 3 months in advance you normally get a much better price then if you buy it 3 days before the trip. Using this idea one might first use put the image up on something like Photoshelter and then after x amount of time move it over to a microstock.

The reseller idea is a bit different and most companies that uses a reseller model fight so the above does not happen. The reason is they find they are cannibalizing their own margins. I'm not saying it does not happen but when it does there needs to be a very good reason for it. The companies that try to use as many resellers as possible soon find they have major channel problems.

[robgr85]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Suppose u are a picture buyer and u purchase a pic from Photoshelter for say 500 USD for some appropriate use. Now, a few weeks later u realise that the same image is on sale at another site for 10 USD. What would your reaction be.


if I am buying something, firstly I do research on the market to get the best price. If somebody does not, why should I care? That is not my problem, but buyer's, don't You think? I can buy a car in one dealer, but in another it can set better prices. Is it dealers problem, that I didn't check other sources?

Or lets say that You bought watch from ebay... but You could get it for better price in local shop. Is it ebay sellers problem?

Feelings? I do not believe that bouyer from macro stock will change his place of buying photos to microstock... if so... lets say, some designer made projects with macro stock photos, and he realized that in the last past 5 Years he could get photos of the same quailty for just few bucks... what will he do? jump out of window? scream? He hadn't made research and so what? That is his problem.

By uploading my photos to multiple sites, I give the opportunity for wider audience to find my photo. If somebody is looking for images on photoshelter, surely he is prepared to spend certain amount of money buying a photo. If somebody does not want to pay such prices, he visits microstock sites.

Of course, If photoshelter will work for me, an I will get there higher profits than from my microstock portfolios I will stop uploading to microstock and become exclusive with photoshelter.

Cheers,
Robert

[ChrisRabior]

If I bought a cheapo watch for $500 at a jeweler's, and then found the exact same watch for $50 at Wal-Mart, should I complain to the manufacturer for supplying more than one retailer?


No, not at all. But you're missing the point. In your scenario, the manufacturer doesn't care how much the reseller profits. In your case, you ARE the reseller. Expect the photo buyer to get a quick refund on the image purchased from you with the $500 site and quickly purchase the $50 version. Who's losing out then?

Oh, btw.. assume that this image buyer with deep pockets did figure it out, get the refund, and purchase the cheap version. Where do you think the buyer is going to look for images down the line? It's certainly not going to be your $500 collection. So again, who's losing out?

If you're happier with the $50 sale than the $500, then stick to micro.


Some of you need to be looking at this from the seller standpoint. Sure, as a buyer, you want the cheapest one possible. As a seller, why on earth would you offer your potential clients a cheap version of the same image when you'd otherwise be making a killing on your images?

[robgr85]

Still don't feel such good to be accepted by getty or alamy, but I will give it a try.

Got some plans. If my photog application will be accepted by some macro stock (photoshelter etc), I will send my photos there, and rejected ones will be send to my microstock portfolios.

[bieber]

I certainly don't mean to say that selling on both is a good idea, don't get me wrong. If your deep-pocketed clients catch on that you're also selling on microstock, you're going to be cannibalizing your more profitable sales. My point is just that there's nothing morally objectionable about it.

[ajayclicks]

If I bought a cheapo watch for $500 at a jeweler's, and then found the exact same watch for $50 at Wal-Mart, should I complain to the manufacturer for supplying more than one retailer?


I'll bet that you will never purchase that watch again, or go straight to walmart. Besides if it is a branded watch, that will not happen. Here in India, I have personally seen the entire credibility of a premium (by Indian standards) brand of car being eroded simply becaues they gave discounts too often- People stopped buying- lets wait for a few days- these chaps will give a discount.

A few years ago, i worked for a while with a "discount card" company. We would recruit shops who would then offer discounts to the card holders. Many branded retail shops declined to sign up saying that the prices were decided by the company and they had strict written agreements on (not) giving personal discounts.

Everyday I get spam in my gmail on replica watches. IIRC there are threads on POTN talking about fake memory cards on ebay. What will be my reaction if I see a watch too cheap....

You have to take a call- is ur image (and the efforts that go into it) worth $$$ or just a few cents.

When you sign up on Alamy or even PSC, take some time to browse their forums. There are stock photogs with much more experience and perception than me who have written abt the merits and demerits of Macro/ Micro, RF/ RM- including one who was travelling in both the Micro as well as Macro boat.

Cheers

[ajayclicks]

To continue, in Micro, apparently you dont sell the image for a few cents, rather you sell the licence for a few cents...

Cheers

[robgr85]

I certainly don't mean to say that selling on both is a good idea, don't get me wrong. If your deep-pocketed clients catch on that you're also selling on microstock, you're going to be cannibalizing your more profitable sales. My point is just that there's nothing morally objectionable about it.

I totally understand, I also would not have any moral problems from selling both on micro and macro ones... I think that with my growing skills I will be able to jump onto higher standards (from micro to macro), I know it needs time, and surely at the beginning I do not want to cut of my micro portfolio, thus the better images will go to macro, and the rest to microstock. I believe that with some time, the ratio of acceptance on macrostock will increase, and then micro-portfolios growing speed will probably be very slow or stop.

Cheers,
Robert

[nwa2]

The reseller idea is a bit different and most companies that uses a reseller model fight so the above does not happen. The reason is they find they are cannibalizing their own margins. I'm not saying it does not happen but when it does there needs to be a very good reason for it. The companies that try to use as many resellers as possible soon find they have major channel problems.

Readers Digest are another company that actively pursue price discrimination, selling the same product for different prices in different markets. Reasons for this include maximising sales and also testing price appetite.

[Binning]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you're actually making money on microstock aren't you selling yourself short? They pay so little and if the photos are popular, one could do much better at a site like Photoshelter. Maybe you sell fewer photos, but you make 25 or 50 times more per photo sold.

Unless microstock is really for a more targeted audience of web developers who need only small resolution pics and wouldn't every pay the higher rate.

[robgr85]

Hi again :)

I was just accepted on photoshelter (cool!!! not even one photo was 'hard rejected' from my aplication, just one must me resubmitted because of my mistake in categorizing it). Now only the photos rejected at photoshelter would go to my microstock portfolios...

Cheers,
Robert

P.S. Here is link to my profile :) http://my.photoshelter.com/robertgrubba

[bieber]

Congrats! Hope you do well on Photoshelter

[Maddog12]

Update:

I submitted 9 photos...2 were soft rejected and the other 7 were accepted.

I'll post a link a little later.

[Maddog12]

I'll post a link a little later.

http://my.photoshelter.com/moimages (http://my.photoshelter.com/moimages)

have to download a model release on the seventh image.

[robgr85]

http://my.photoshelter.com/moimages (http://my.photoshelter.com/moimages)

have to download a model release on the seventh image.


the fire in the glass looks awesome... how did You do that?

[New Hobby]

Well I got accepted with 4 soft rejects. It looks like travel imagery needs to go under news+ not creative. Fixed those and resubmitted.

BTW do not bother to submit images of flowers. It looks like they have more then they want right now.

[Maddog12]

the fire in the glass looks awesome... how did You do that?

thanks

safety first...then poured some rubbing alcohol (not much) in the glass, lit it, and took the pic.

Used a shutter release, bulb exposure, but I dont recall how long the exposure was (need to look at the exif).

[Maddog12]

BTW do not bother to submit images of flowers. It looks like they have more then they want right now.


Dont bother with sunset pics either. they have plenty of those too I found out.

[bieber]

Dont bother with sunset pics either. they have plenty of those too I found out.

hehe. I think you can safely say that any stock collection already has more than enough flowers, sunsets, and peoples' dogs ;)

[chakalakasp]

why not? someone want to get the photo from real stock, so he will get it ;) I have read some faq sections on photoshelter, and they have written that most serious designers do not visit microstock sites... if they do not, why to cut Your potential buyers?

seriously, If it will work for me, I will stop uploading photos on microstock sites and do it just to photoshelter.

Because when your client sees your RM image for sale over at PhotographyForADollar.com, they're going to refund their purchase over at the real stock agency -- and will be rather pissed off, at that. You are assuming that image purchasers do no research, which is far from the reality.

[chakalakasp]

Still don't feel such good to be accepted by getty or alamy, but I will give it a try.

A trained monkey will get accepted to Alamy. Their collection is unedited. Unless your photos are out of focus, noisy, or have some other technical issue with them, they will be accepted, even if they suck. :)

[robgr85]

Because when your client sees your RM image for sale over at PhotographyForADollar.com, they're going to refund their purchase over at the real stock agency -- and will be rather pissed off, at that. You are assuming that image purchasers do no research, which is far from the reality.


I would never upload photo with RF license as RM to other. I would be pissed off to at that.

You have very nice gallery on photoshelter :) could You share Your experience? How about downloads (if You do not want to say in public please PM me, I would love to hear how sales go there)?.

Cheers,
Robert

[bieber]

Yes, I'd very much like to hear about anyone else's experience's with Photoshelter. Are the buyers coming, or is it just a bunch of photographers sitting around giddy at the idea of getting paid? Hopefully I'll find some time soon to upload some of my other shots and find out for myself...

[chakalakasp]

There are sales, but even if Photoshelter weren't a startup it's common to wait around a year after submission before you start seeing sales. That's the standard over at Alamy. Once the sales start rolling in, apparently they're fairly consistant. Photoshelter may or may not succeed; since there is no disincentive to join other than the time it takes to submit (they don't require exclusivity), submitting there is a pretty attractive option for anyone with some time on their hands.

[robgr85]

There are sales, but even if Photoshelter weren't a startup it's common to wait around a year after submission before you start seeing sales. That's the standard over at Alamy. Once the sales start rolling in, apparently they're fairly consistant. Photoshelter may or may not succeed; since there is no disincentive to join other than the time it takes to submit (they don't require exclusivity), submitting there is a pretty attractive option for anyone with some time on their hands.

nice to hear that there are some sales. Sumbled upon their forums, and people wondered if there are any sales at all :). Could You tell if on RM or RF license (which of them do sales better)? I know that photoshelter is growing in power, just wonder when it's googlerank or alexa will be as high as the most powerful ones...

Cheers,
Robert

[chakalakasp]

nice to hear that there are some sales. Sumbled upon their forums, and people wondered if there are any sales at all :). Could You tell if on RM or RF license (which of them do sales better)? I know that photoshelter is growing in power, just wonder when it's googlerank or alexa will be as high as the most powerful ones...

Cheers,
Robert

Personally I like the RM model, though it varies from picture to picture. For example, if you have a photo that is easily duplicated and swims in a sea of similar images, then RF is probably the best way to go. This is assuming that there you have secured model and property releases -- if you haven't, most catalogs won't let you submit it as RF. On the other hand, if your photo is at all difficult to reproduce or if it is a editorial (i.e., photojournalism) shot, then RM is the way to go.

There's no guarantee that Photoshelter will ever become as popular as the most powerful ones. I tend to doubt it, though they have a very promising organization. But what's to lose? Unless you're already shooting with exclusive stock galleries like Corbis or Getty, the only thing Photoshelter will cost you is the time it takes to upload and keyword the images.

[ChrisRabior]

A trained monkey will get accepted to Alamy. Their collection is unedited. Unless your photos are out of focus, noisy, or have some other technical issue with them, they will be accepted, even if they suck. :)

That's been at issue with the members in the forum at Alamy lately. It really ticks off a lot of the quality contributers to see their images buried in a mass of garbage. You really have to search to find what you're looking for in some cases, and that's not a good situation. I do believe they'll eventually pick their QC up to higher and higher standards.. just not soon enough.

[blackshadow]

I have just submitted 10 images to PSC after being contacted by one of their editors through flickr.

I've done a bit of research and if PSC can achieve half of what they hope to I think they will be very successful and become a major player in the stock photo business.

Here are a couple of article about PSC that might be of interest to people:

http://gigaom.com/2007/11/27/photoshelter-wants-to-take-on-getty-images/

http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2008/02/let-exodus-begin-resume-while.html

[robgr85]

I also hope they will achieve their goals... however they almost do not exist in alexa rank when compared to some microstock sites like shutterstock or istockphoto :/

take a look:

http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details/mozilla.com?site0=photoshelter.com&site1=shutterstock.com&site2=istockphoto.com&y=r&z=3&h=300&w=610&range=3m&size=Medium

[bieber]

I'm sure the established microstock sites are still driving more business than Photoshelter, but keep in mind that Alexa isn't even an accurate measure of a site's traffic, and it doesn't tell you anything about how much business they're doing. Besides, one PSC sale could generate as much revenue as hundreds or thousands of iStock sales...

[blackshadow]

My 10 images I submitted as an application were all approved - 7 with the Editor's Choice gold star. I now have about 300 pending, waiting for approval. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

For those interested the link to my photos there is http://my.photoshelter.com/blackshadow

[robgr85]

My 10 images I submitted as an application were all approved - 7 with the Editor's Choice gold star. I now have about 300 pending, waiting for approval. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

For those interested the link to my photos there is http://my.photoshelter.com/blackshadow


nice collection... be prepared for logner pending time... do not know how for others, but my last set was waiting over 10days for verification... now only ~80 pics in pending queue :) Finaly decided to publish one exclusively with RM licence...

Cheers,
Robert

[blackshadow]

Thanks Robert. I expect to be waiting a week or so for the next lot to be verified as I have about 300 pending.

[robgr85]

Thanks Robert. I expect to be waiting a week or so for the next lot to be verified as I have about 300 pending.


now I know why it took them so long to review my pictures :)

I think it is a good idea to post links to our photoshelter profiles in our forum signatures, the more links to photoshelter, the better its position in google. The better position in google, the better traffic to photoshelter... the better traffic, the more sales.... the more sales on photoshelter, the more we get ;)

Cheers,
Robert

[blackshadow]

I think it is a good idea to post links to our photoshelter profiles in our forum signatures, the more links to photoshelter, the better its position in google. The better position in google, the better traffic to photoshelter... the better traffic, the more sales.... the more sales on photoshelter, the more we get ;)

Good idea

[robgr85]

does anybody of POTN members got any sales there on photoshelter since the time when the topic was started?? got some pics, there are some views, but still zero sales... :(

[wackedpixel]

I just signed up and going to drop a good collection of shots there. Let you guys know how it goes. We should keep this thread definitely ALIVE and share our experiences from PS with everyone here, so we can motivate people etc.

Have a great day all

Wacked pixel

[robgr85]

I just signed up and going to drop a good collection of shots there. Let you guys know how it goes. We should keep this thread definitely ALIVE and share our experiences from PS with everyone here, so we can motivate people etc.

Have a great day all

Wacked pixel


do not forget about putting link to Your photoshelter collection in signature...

Cheers,
Rob

edit: what does 'comp dls' stands for? I got one, but there are no money from that... please explain me it :)

[slappy sam]

Unfortunately I only got 2/10 accepted... however this isn't terribly surprising as all of my photos (pretty much) were taken with my very soft 28-80mm lens and my XT. I was just wondering how sharp these photos really need to be - if any of you guys who have had a lot accepted could post a 100% crop, or send me your original file (although I obviously understand you wouldn't want to do this) I'd really appreciate it.

My 10-22 and 50 1.4 are pretty sharp, so hopefully if I shoot at low ISO the rest should be fine.

[blackshadow]

does anybody of POTN members got any sales there on photoshelter since the time when the topic was started?? got some pics, there are some views, but still zero sales... :(

No sales yet - 2 pix have gone into lightboxes.

To date I have an acceptance rate of 86.4% with 401 images live there, 77 of which have made editor's choice and have been given a three star rating as a photographer.

A heap more photos went live today so I'm hoping that the sales will start in the near future.

[Burrelly]

Does anyone make much money from stock photography?

[blackshadow]

Does anyone make much money from stock photography?

In a word yes, there are plenty of threads on this topic if you go looking for them.

[robgr85]

Unfortunately I only got 2/10 accepted... however this isn't terribly surprising as all of my photos (pretty much) were taken with my very soft 28-80mm lens and my XT. I was just wondering how sharp these photos really need to be - if any of you guys who have had a lot accepted could post a 100% crop, or send me your original file (although I obviously understand you wouldn't want to do this) I'd really appreciate it.

My 10-22 and 50 1.4 are pretty sharp, so hopefully if I shoot at low ISO the rest should be fine.

lot of mine were taken with XTi kit lens :)

Photos have to be sharp... how? enough... hard to define precisely. Do You USM your photos before editing in photoshop? As far as I remember canon recommends UltraSharpMask (250,0.3,0) as pre sharpening before editing. Of course You have to adjust USM and do not stay sticked to those values.

@blackshadow 400photos - that is impressive! Do they raise status of photographer depending on the percentage or number of 'star selected' photos?

Cheers.
Rob

edit: 9 of my images are in lightboxes :) got 'view:lightbox' 11:1 ratio :)

[slappy sam]

Well PSC says not to sharpen, so I am just sending the files as I took them (most of the time in RAW but converted to JPEG).

What does lightbox mean? I guess I'll go look it up on their site. Hopefully my next few submitted images will all go smoothly, though I don't know whether to sharpen them or not.

[robgr85]

Well PSC says not to sharpen, so I am just sending the files as I took them (most of the time in RAW but converted to JPEG).

What does lightbox mean? I guess I'll go look it up on their site. Hopefully my next few submitted images will all go smoothly, though I don't know whether to sharpen them or not.

lightbox is a collection/set of photos, which were choosen by other photogs/designers etc. In long term those lightbox adds will generate more views to my photos from buyers.

Cheers.

[wackedpixel]

yo guys,

Of the 10 pics i've submitted there where 7 accepted. 4 are online for sale right now.
In the next few days i submit about 50 more..

my collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/sacredpixels)

[wackedpixel]

of all the shots i've submitted..
22 rejects & 27 approved with one editor's choice.

i really like PS, now i need to make my first sale...


what about everybody else? news? sales?

come one folks, post some thoughts


the shots (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/sacredpixels)

[slappy sam]

of all the shots i've submitted..
22 rejects & 27 approved with one editor's choice.

i really like PS, now i need to make my first sale...


what about everybody else? news? sales?

come one folks, post some thoughts


the shots (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/sacredpixels)
Those are really good, I'm surprised you didn't get more editor's choice.

[robgr85]

Those are really good, I'm surprised you didn't get more editor's choice.


me too. Really good photos there!

[digirebelva]

I have got about a 60% acceptance ratio only 6 photos so far with more pending.
Gonna take me awhile to get the number of "good" photos some of you guys/gals have to submit.

[robgr85]

I have got about a 60% acceptance ratio only 6 photos so far with more pending.
Gonna take me awhile to get the number of "good" photos some of you guys/gals have to submit.

no worries... Your portfolio will grow faster than You believe now, btw. do You know how much time did we spent on building our 'big' ;) portfolios?

[inthedeck]

Hey, just happened to find this thread. Here's my photoshelter account...and now, I just need to get more there. I've only had one rejected, and 3 that are editors' choice...and when the sales happen, they happen. I took the pics off of shutterstock, once they were accepted by PSC. Obviously, I don't want to compete against myself.

Here's the link to my collection...

PSC Collection (http://my.photoshelter.com/mcsquared2)

I'll be looking to post more up there, just trying to send them different things, for now...we'll see how it goes. And yes, I make money in shutterstock, as well...but, haven't quite gotten to the 'payout' limit yet...

[digirebelva]

no worries... Your portfolio will grow faster than You believe now, btw. do You know how much time did we spent on building our 'big' ;) portfolios?

Not sure I want to know...then I know what I have to look forward to:rolleyes:
Might be better off not knowng:):D:lol:

[Rubi Jane]

My Photoshelter collection is underway. Submitted 4 shots, all accepted. Now to find/make the time to add more shots.

Here's my Photoshelter Collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/ryderphoto/set/)

[digirebelva]

Okay heres my Collection
Photoshelter Collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/twilson)

[neilwood32]

Right - thats it decided then - time for me to upload some work tonight and hope its accepted!

[narlus]

No sales yet - 2 pix have gone into lightboxes.

To date I have an acceptance rate of 86.4% with 401 images live there, 77 of which have made editor's choice and have been given a three star rating as a photographer.

A heap more photos went live today so I'm hoping that the sales will start in the near future.

hey Richard -

how does one control how the photos are used? i am assuming that for the live shots, you don't have a signed model release, so they could only be used for editorial purposes. is there a way to guarantee that?

[splitslim]

Mine is pretty new as well. I started posting in March.

Photoshelter Collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/rafanelli)

[blackshadow]

hey Richard -

how does one control how the photos are used? i am assuming that for the live shots, you don't have a signed model release, so they could only be used for editorial purposes. is there a way to guarantee that?

They go into the News+ section which is for editorial.

[robgr85]

just got some question. I've never done some type of photography before, and do not know how it goes with editorial type.

Supposing I was shooting pics at concert /(other public event - soccer, basketball etc), but without written permission (or any at all), can I sell those photos on 'editorial license'?

Lets say I was shooting pics at some place (for example coal mine), but also do not have written permission (or any at all), can I sell those photos as 'editorial'?

Cheers,
Rob

[tomdi]

I've submitted my pictures as well. You can have a look here:

My PSC collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/tomdimaggio)

The funny thing is that when I search by Photographer name I can't find myself. Does anybody have the same issue?

I've also been accepted with Alamy, which seem to be a tad faster.

My Alamy (http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography-search-results.asp?qt=Tom+Di+Maggio&ns=1&lic=6&lic=1)

In both cases I was accepted last week only. There's more pictures pending.

Tom

[robgr85]

I've submitted my pictures as well. You can have a look here:

My PSC collection (http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/tomdimaggio)

The funny thing is that when I search by Photographer name I can't find myself. Does anybody have the same issue?

I've also been accepted with Alamy, which seem to be a tad faster.

My Alamy (http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography-search-results.asp?qt=Tom+Di+Maggio&ns=1&lic=6&lic=1)

In both cases I was accepted last week only. There's more pictures pending.

Tom

I believe that You send Your pics to alamy and photoshelter at the same time. Please notify us if there will be any sales (would like to know which one goes better alamy or photoshelter).

Do anyone know answer to my question from previous post?


Cheers,
Rob

[inthedeck]

just got some question. I've never done some type of photography before, and do not know how it goes with editorial type.

Supposing I was shooting pics at concert /(other public event - soccer, basketball etc), but without written permission (or any at all), can I sell those photos on 'editorial license'?

Lets say I was shooting pics at some place (for example coal mine), but also do not have written permission (or any at all), can I sell those photos as 'editorial'?

Cheers,
Rob

Yes, they can be sold as Editorial. I've done that with pictures of Cruise Ships, since they are technically 'owned' by the company, but I don't have 'permission' to sell pictures of a specific ship, otherwise. I think you should be OK, as long as it's editorial. You can also send the staff at Photoshelter an email, and they'll let you know more information. They are pretty quick to respond...which helps.

[digirebelva]

Okay does anybody have any sales yet????

[inthedeck]

Lots of hits, but nothing yet. I've even switched a couple of images to RF, rather than RM...to see how those do. But, then again, I've only been on there a month, or so.

I suspect that Shutterstock (though it pays .25 cents an image) gets more volume for this type of stuff. I've sold the same shots there (prior to removal) about 80 times. Now, on Photoshelter, I've gotten lots of hits, but, no sales, as yet.

I guess it's all about patience...since people don't want to pay the 'actual' fair price for images. This is why I play the game. Submit to shutterstock first, let the pics generate a 'set' amount of sales, and then pull the picture off, and send it to photoshelter. I'm patient...so, we'll see how it goes.

[digirebelva]

Lots of hits, but nothing yet. I've even switched a couple of images to RF, rather than RM...to see how those do. But, then again, I've only been on there a month, or so.

I suspect that Shutterstock (though it pays .25 cents an image) gets more volume for this type of stuff. I've sold the same shots there (prior to removal) about 80 times. Now, on Photoshelter, I've gotten lots of hits, but, no sales, as yet.

I guess it's all about patience...since people don't want to pay the 'actual' fair price for images. This is why I play the game. Submit to shutterstock first, let the pics generate a 'set' amount of sales, and then pull the picture off, and send it to photoshelter. I'm patient...so, we'll see how it goes.

But wouldnt that backfire on you. If someone saw your photo on Shutterstock for $3 and then a month later saw it on Photoshelter for $99, I would think they would not want to pay the higher price since to them you seem willing to let it go for much cheaper.:?:

[blackshadow]

Currently I have 586 photos live on PSC with 17.5% of these being editor's choice and 12.7% of submitted images being rejected.

To date though I haven't cracked a single sale.

[inthedeck]

But wouldnt that backfire on you. If someone saw your photo on Shutterstock for $3 and then a month later saw it on Photoshelter for $99, I would think they would not want to pay the higher price since to them you seem willing to let it go for much cheaper.:?:

Once they are listed in Photoshelter, they come off of Shutterstock. I won't compete with myself. Now, I don't upload anything to Shutterstock, that I would otherwise list on Photoshelter.

I see it this way...the best of the best shots, go into the PSC. The ones that make it there, always go through shutterstock for a limited amount of downloads.

That's my model, anyway...you can feel free to choose what you may. None of my images are on two sites, at once.

[inthedeck]

Currently I have 586 photos live on PSC with 17.5% of these being editor's choice and 12.7% of submitted images being rejected.

To date though I haven't cracked a single sale.

Gotta remember, the pricing model has to be pretty fair, from one's end. One can't upload a POS picture, and expect to sell it like gold. It has to be printable to large sizes, have excellent quality, and be well presented. Of course, I'll have to look at your collection...but, with those numbers, I'm sure you're very capable, and should get sales, once Photoshelter gets larger.

Good luck, though...first one to post a sale...whomever that may be...congrats.

[digirebelva]

Yeah I thnk the pricing model might be scaring off quite a few, especially with all of the lower priced stock photo sites its having to compete with. I realize the target market is different than those sites, but I think that with the site being much newer compared to the others, its going to take a little while for that targrt market to find its way there..

Here's hoping its a short wait for someones first sale from here:)

[ChrisRabior]

Non microstock (like Alamy and Photoshelter) take some time to make your first sale.. but once they start coming, they're a bit more regular. I've had two sales w/ Alamy so far. Both came about 3 months after the image was keyworded and put up for sale.

Just keep on building your portfolio, the sales will eventually start rolling in.
I have to say I'm somewhat taken with PS, although I haven't really had the time to dedicate to uploading that much as of yet.

[mikeymike]

Does anyone sale the same photo in fine art print as well as on Photoshelter ?

I do ok selling prints locally but i have started posting them on the internet for print at ImageKind.

i have no plans to list my photos anywhere else besides photoshelter, and prints at imagekind. if photoshelter rejects them and they dont sell well as art then there life will be as a screen saver on my computer :D.

I am waiting on a good 30inch digital picture frame for my photos so the can all go on the wall.

[inthedeck]

I've posted a couple more up for review...on two sites...so, let's see which one keeps them, for now. If they both approve them, then, the shots will stay on the PSC.

[digirebelva]

Okay besides me, who has trouble keywording their photos. Usually the most I can come up with is 5 or 6 keywords. For you folks who have no problem keywording, what process do you use to keyword your photos?

[robgr85]

Okay besides me, who has trouble keywording their photos. Usually the most I can come up with is 5 or 6 keywords. For you folks who have no problem keywording, what process do you use to keyword your photos?

if keywording is tough for You, You should look for similar images on stocks and check keywords used there :)

I usually get about 30-40 keywords without using the above method.

[digirebelva]

Okay a qestion for everyone..what is the fastest you have had photos accepted..I just got 2 accepted that were part of a larger set I submitted less than 2 days ago..I am baffled because everything else has been taking the normal 9-10 days..and it not like the photos were exceptionaly different...heck they didnt even make editors choice..:confused:

[inthedeck]

Usually, about 5 day turnaround, but then again, I submit maybe 2-3 shots at a time. Last batch was 4 shots with 3 soft rejections for the 'name' of places in the captions. Of course, now those go back in the loop, and haven't been re-reviewed as of yet. Since then, I've submitted a few more shots, and those are still pending, as well.

The way I look at it, there's no one knocking on my door, 'waiting' for the 'next' shot...hehe...so, even if it takes some time now, when PSC gets better, it'll get faster. Or so we can hope.

[slappy sam]

I just submitted 10 more, hopefully these ones will go a lot better (taken with a better lens, not that ole 28-80 kit that was incredibly soft)

[robgr85]

I've noticed one sad thing. Never got 'editors choice' for set of pictures. Got to submit more of them alone.

I was accepted at alamy... submited about 50photos and have no rejections (half of the same photos was rejected at photoshelter without written reason why :/)

[cloose]

Photoshelter is edited, so they reject for composition, subject, etc.
Alamy is unedited, and they only reject for technical reasons (dust, etc)
Alamy does not care what your picture is of, or even if they think it will sell, while Photoshelter does.

[digirebelva]

Well I just got a editors choice on one of my approved photos.. I am stoked
still no sales but I dont think it has been long enough..heck my rejected photos are still there...
Anywho anybody had any luck yet?

http://psc.photoshelter.com/image/PSC000968098/p

[inthedeck]

I've had 68 image views, 68 portfolio views, one pic added to a lightbox, but, no sales. Also, are your images in the 'Collection' or the 'Archive' section? I'm not sure how we sell images, through the 'Collection.' Does anyone know?

[digirebelva]

I've had 68 image views, 68 portfolio views, one pic added to a lightbox, but, no sales. Also, are your images in the 'Collection' or the 'Archive' section? I'm not sure how we sell images, through the 'Collection.' Does anyone know?

The way I understand it you sell thru the collection..that part is public while the archive is private...do a keyword search and see if your images show up.

[robgr85]

images in gallery: 133
views:515
lightbox adds:17
comp downloads:1

still no 'real' downloads :|

Cheers,
Rob

[digirebelva]

How long has everybody had their images up?

[inthedeck]

I've had mine up for about 2 months or so...I get lots of hits, but, still no sales. I was makin' money with microstock...and since I haven't been uploading there, I'm making nothing. I need to get some more shots up on shutterstock...at least it was making small increments for me...and keep the really good stuff in photoshelter.

[robgr85]

Hey folks!

I've found something interesting both for You and me. Check it out:

http://flickr.com/groups/photosheltercollection/discuss/72157605194237000/

Cheers.
Robert

[inthedeck]

Yeap, sounds like I need to get crackin' and visit some places. I just need to put up more images in general...in hopes that they will some day sell. Who knows what'll happen...in time?

[bazair2air]

So I have just read through 8 pages of posts and didn't see any mention of sales. Anyone getting sales on Photoshelter?

[inthedeck]

Not really...but, it's OK. I've gotten some lightbox ads, lots of views (so, it's getting out there). Statistics wise, it looks real good. Sales wise, nothing yet. Again, no rush. At least I know I'm getting hits.

[blackshadow]

No sales yet.

[robgr85]

So I have just read through 8 pages of posts and didn't see any mention of sales. Anyone getting sales on Photoshelter?


no sales to me too. But do not worry, look at psc forum - some people got sales there :)

The time will come also for me (week by week there are more&more views & lightbox adds from my portfolio).

Cheers,
Robert

[blackshadow]

I just checked my stats and there have been 16 lightbox adds in the last couple of days. Hopefully sales are afoot.

[namasste]

I just got accepted so I am too new to PSC to have any sales but I went there on the recommendation of a local pro who has done quite well with PSC. Secondhand info and naturally I didn't ask exactly how much he makes there but he says it's enough to make a nice income.

[inthedeck]

I am sure it does well, the more images you have up. My portfolio has gotten 130+ hits, in the past few months, a few lightbox ads, and lots of 'views' on the images. I'll still keep posting...it's like a 'free' gallery, of sorts.

[digirebelva]

No sales yet.

They have added a new section so you can see what has sold & when

[jbimages]

They have added a new section so you can see what has sold & when


Oh? and where have they hidden it?

[digirebelva]

Oh? and where have they hidden it?

After you log in go to "community" and then go to the sales tab

[inthedeck]

I don't see that menu, digirebelva? Maybe a different account type, or something?

[MJPhotos24]

Don't see that menu either?

I've done well using it as a stock for myself but nothing on the collection yet as just started using that. Use it very frequently to sell to clients already established and the fact that the pages come up in google searches I've gotten a lot of emails from those results - at least a few have told me google so assuming all the others are using a search engine to considering it's people I never promoted to.

[Yogue]

I'm fairly new to this too. Haven't got any sales yet, of course. I only have 3 images approved.

Here's my account : http://my.photoshelter.com/guydaudelin

[inthedeck]

I wonder if the 'free' accounts are a little 'different' than that paying acccounts, in that you'd actually get sales with a paid account?

Digirebelva...what kinds of pricing profiles do you use, to be selling shots in the capacity that you are. Also, what type of account do you have?

[digirebelva]

I wonder if the 'free' accounts are a little 'different' than that paying acccounts, in that you'd actually get sales with a paid account? I dont really think that matters..Some have sold almost instantly from what I have read, others took months to sell the first one...

Digirebelva...what kinds of pricing profiles do you use, to be selling shots in the capacity that you are. Also, what type of account do you have?

I have a regular (free user account)..
And as far as selling, I personally dont have any yet....eventually..:D
What I captured on the screen shot was not my photos..:(

have you guys checked your bubblemail..the admins sent out an announcement not to long ago about some new things on the site, one of which was the ability to see what was selling..

try doing a search for sales..it turned up recent sold photos

[digirebelva]

Sorry guys, I was having a blonde moment, I was writing about one site while thinking about another site..the screen shot came from another photo site that I am a member of..

[robgr85]

Sorry guys, I was having a blonde moment, I was writing about one site while thinking about another site..the screen shot came from another photo site that I am a member of..

thanks for that post. I was searching and in few hours I would probably start thinking that I am some kind of retard, as I can not find that :P

[Paparazzo]

I joined PhotoShelter a couple of months ago, but have only just uploaded my first few photos:

http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/webeffects

Anyone had any stock sales recently?

[inthedeck]

I have not, but, my account is growing every day. I'd imagine my 60 or so pics are 60 in a sea of millions. However, I'm flattered that people actually put mine in light boxes, and took a couple of comp. downloads. At least I know they like what I am putting out there...and that to me, is good. I know it'll only get better, with time.

Cheers, and nice start, Mark. Love the city at night, in the fog.

[adblink]

stupid alamy, I submitted 8 images on August 28th, and I'm still waiting on them to approve them :S

these sites aren't looking promising :( I was going to give it a chance and maybe wait a few months to see what happens, but you guys have already waited those few months for me and no luck yet. :(

[robgr85]

some of photographers got sales there, I can wait few months more for mine :>

http://psc.photoshelter.com/about/whats-selling

Cheers,

[chrisvl]

Got accepted by PSC but they rejected 3 photos with no explanation. Does this happen often. Has anyone ever tried resubmitting rejected photos?

If Alamy doesn't take them. Then Istock may be the next option.

[robgr85]

Got accepted by PSC but they rejected 3 photos with no explanation. Does this happen often. Has anyone ever tried resubmitting rejected photos?

If Alamy doesn't take them. Then Istock may be the next option.


as far as I can see, istock is more picky than alamy or photoshelter. Photoshelter rejects photographs without telling You why. Do no wory, learn to live with it, just submit more and more. Maybe show these pictures to us, and we can give You some tips about them...

cheers,

[leisa08]

I've been a member there for going on 6 months. I have 27% editors choice but no sales yet.
I'm still hopeful though :)

[inthedeck]

Takes time...that's for sure. As for the rejects, open an account with shutterstock.com, and see if they accept them. At least you'll make incremental money, on rejected shots from photoshelter. Can't hurt...though, the microstock industry really sucks. Just a suggestion.

[bieber]

Well guys, looks like it's all over. Just got an email from PSC saying they're closing the collection. Guess there really weren't enough sales happening...

[inthedeck]

Yeap, I just got the same thing. One more month...

"We're contacting you today with some unfortunate news - we will be closing The PhotoShelter Collection, effective October 10, 2008. Going forward, our team will refocus heavily on enhancing our original product, The PhotoShelter Personal Archive, which several thousand photographers use for bulletproof storage and online image sales directly to their own clients. Our financial position remains solid and we look forward to working with the photography community for years to come. "

Oh well, guess it's off to another stock site, for me. Darn...and all that time wasted. I will also close my archive account, with them...since it didn't help anyway.

Cheers, and good luck in the future. Guess I'll just revert to submitting more stuff on shutterstock, as much as it sucks...or try another stock agency.

See ya..

[namasste]

So where are we all going to wind up? Not sure for me...fortunately I didn't have much up there (maybe 30 images with another 20 waiting for keywording).

[chrisvl]

just when I start to get into it

[slappy sam]

Well that sucks, gotta be a pain for people who had hundreds/thousands of images up there. All that keywording etc. wasted.

I'm going to be submitting to alamy a lot more now, maybe some other ones but I'd rather not submit to micro.

[robgr85]

I'm lost for words. It soulds like bad joke :/ I got so many beliefs to the photoshelter... shoot the blog, school of stock... and now what. Closing? That must be a joke :/

Well... it is time to upload tons of stuff for alamy.

Cheers.

['] for photoshelter.

[bieber]

Yeap, I just got the same thing. One more month...

"We're contacting you today with some unfortunate news - we will be closing The PhotoShelter Collection, effective October 10, 2008. Going forward, our team will refocus heavily on enhancing our original product, The PhotoShelter Personal Archive, which several thousand photographers use for bulletproof storage and online image sales directly to their own clients. Our financial position remains solid and we look forward to working with the photography community for years to come. "

Oh well, guess it's off to another stock site, for me. Darn...and all that time wasted. I will also close my archive account, with them...since it didn't help anyway.

Cheers, and good luck in the future. Guess I'll just revert to submitting more stuff on shutterstock, as much as it sucks...or try another stock agency.

See ya..
Why in the world would you go to Shutterstock? Just move on to Alamy or somesuch. With microstock, all you're doing is selling yourself short...

[Maddog12]

Well shoot.....that sucks. I guess we need to retitle this thread:

Photoshelter Defectees

has anyone had success with Alamy? I am thinking about trying to get in there, but would like to hear some first hand experience.

[inthedeck]

I will look into Alamy, this evening. There's really no point to sell on Shutterstock, imho., but, I can tell you that I've made money there, regardless. I thought Photoshelter would help, but, apparently, that's not the case, so, what can one do.

Thanks for the suggestion. Alamy it is, next up!

[robgr85]

I've started uploading my first batch photos to alamy. Moving my over 800pics collection to alamy (and upsizing exerything to 48M size) will cost me a lot of work. Do anyone has some I hope that Alamy is more reliable than PSC.

Cheers,

[inthedeck]

I haven't the slightest idea about Alamy...but, that's going to take you a long time...with that many files, at those sizes. Sucks, doesn't it?

[slappy sam]

alamy seems to be much more stable and well known than psc

[robgr85]

I haven't the slightest idea about Alamy...but, that's going to take you a long time...with that many files, at those sizes. Sucks, doesn't it?

Yeah, for all the resizing and uploading I will need to spend 8-10hrs for about few next days :( Then all the details like essential, main keywords, all the stuff connected to releases, settings etc. etc. blah

I cant believe that they are shuting the doors in such a way. Going offline in one month... It really sucks. I would made some resizing by CS2 action, but it seems impostible to me, because of different images orientation (both 'portrait' and 'landscape' type crops), or I will sort all those photographs first on two categories ('portrait' and 'landscape'), but it will be still time consuming process :-|

[inthedeck]

Yeah, I hear ya Rob...definately not fun. Sucks that they are shutting down like this...I agree. Guess the stock industry is way too competetive, especially for a new player, like photoshelter.

Oh well, at least there are more stable options, out there.

[bieber]

Yeah, for all the resizing and uploading I will need to spend 8-10hrs for about few next days :( Then all the details like essential, main keywords, all the stuff connected to releases, settings etc. etc. blah

I cant believe that they are shuting the doors in such a way. Going offline in one month... It really sucks. I would made some resizing by CS2 action, but it seems impostible to me, because of different images orientation (both 'portrait' and 'landscape' type crops), or I will sort all those photographs first on two categories ('portrait' and 'landscape'), but it will be still time consuming process :-|
There's definitely multiple different ways you could automate the task. Try looking into ImageMagick

[mjc_ma]

FYI re alamy they will take a look at one or 2 images and judge your entire for collection for review on those 2

[slappy sam]

Yeah, for all the resizing and uploading I will need to spend 8-10hrs for about few next days :( Then all the details like essential, main keywords, all the stuff connected to releases, settings etc. etc. blah

I cant believe that they are shuting the doors in such a way. Going offline in one month... It really sucks. I would made some resizing by CS2 action, but it seems impostible to me, because of different images orientation (both 'portrait' and 'landscape' type crops), or I will sort all those photographs first on two categories ('portrait' and 'landscape'), but it will be still time consuming process :-|
I had this problem as well. However, there is a much easier way. I've found a really awesome way to automate it if you don't need photoshop, or if you do.

Lets say you just use bridge and no photoshop - and want all the selected images in bridge to be resized etc:
1. In bridge go to tools --> photoshop --> image processor
2. Keep "open image to apply settings" unchecked
3. Click the checkbox for save as jpeg and the box for resize to fit. Type in the max dimension (the long side) in both boxes. This means for a portrait photo, it will keep the height at your long dimension, whereas for a photo in landscape orientation, the width will be that dimension.
4. You can run an action if you want to - for alamy you shouldn't need to run anything - they don't want images sharpened.
5. Go do something for 20 min, come back, you have a few hundred images all resized and saved in a new folder.

Alternatively, you can open all the images in photoshop, make your ps adjustments, minimize the images until you've corrected + flattened them all, then use the image processor on "all open files".

[robgr85]

There's definitely multiple different ways you could automate the task. Try looking into ImageMagick


thanks for solution. I just wonder if it gives as good quality while upsizing as photoshop at bicubic smoother algorithm.



Lets say you just use bridge and no photoshop - and want all the selected images in bridge to be resized etc:
1. In bridge go to tools --> photoshop --> image processor
2. Keep "open image to apply settings" unchecked
3. Click the checkbox for save as jpeg and the box for resize to fit. Type in the max dimension (the long side) in both boxes. This means for a portrait photo, it will keep the height at your long dimension, whereas for a photo in landscape orientation, the width will be that dimension.
4. You can run an action if you want to - for alamy you shouldn't need to run anything - they don't want images sharpened.
5. Go do something for 20 min, come back, you have a few hundred images all resized and saved in a new folder.

Alternatively, you can open all the images in photoshop, make your ps adjustments, minimize the images until you've corrected + flattened them all, then use the image processor on "all open files".



Thanks, I will try that method!

At my pc it will not last only 20 minutes, old one core 1.4Ghz celeron +1.5GB of ram and about 800 32bit 10Mpix tiffs usually with some extra layers :) Doesn't matter, with that painless method I can leave my pc doing it for some time.


Thanks Again.

[bieber]

thanks for solution. I just wonder if it gives as good quality while upsizing as photoshop at bicubic smoother algorithm.


http://www.imagemagick.org/script/command-line-options.php#interpolate

Yep, looks like you can tell it to use bicubic interpolation