Steve Bower

JJchris, Defunct or not Shutterstock will not allow it in a commercial image. I would tell you to remove it in "post" using photoshop or some other computer program but it sounds like you don't have access to one. That is the way it is done in stock photography. Hopefully someone else will answer you as I may not understand exactly what you are asking.

Adam, When taking the image I would suggest you increase the exposure on images like this via exposure compensation or increasing the exposure, if you're using manual. I'm not going to advise you on Post Processing, I'm not an expert by any means. As far as the link, I understand if you sign out and then sign back in the link will come up automatically.

Adam, Sorry, we seem to have a case of Attention Deficit Disorder here at SS. As far as the review of your photos is concerned, I think you have done a good job on those that you have shown us. Your horizons are straight which is often a problem for new contributors. In addition, your composition is good however, you have chosen to place the horizon in the center of each landscape image you have selected. This may or may not be the best choice. Artistically, you may want to move the horizon either up or down depending on the interest of the "elements" within the frame of your image (i.e. too much sky or water). Exposure is good but you need to be willing to adjust it from what the camera offers in some cases (last Scottish image), IMO that one is a bit too dark. I've been in Scotland so I know what you had to deal with, dark and gloomy at times. I also have done some wildlife photography, so I know how hard it is to get all of the animal in frame. It doesn't always work but those that don't, often won't sell given the huge collection here at SS. You can upload them but don't expect them to make you much or any money. Your other Elephant image is excellent, however, your "crop" (in camera) is a little tight. Keep uploading and improving, you should do well. Welcome!

Sari, Thanks (I think)! I can't really say if this is the norm or if my case was an exception. You may have been visited by the Premier "fairy", unaware.

Thanks! I was notified that a Premier Customer was purchasing one of my images and I was just wondering how it worked.

Mandritoiu, I understand that Premier is offered to special clients big business, government, etc. but how do we (peons) get our images selected as part of this curated collection? Does the buyer make that selection from SS huge on line portfolio (including ours'), or does SS that make that determination? Sorry, I just read your link. It appears that SS offers to help select an image based upon these clients' needs for an additional cost. Correct? I had looked for this information but failed to find it. Thanks for the link.

tschumi97, You obviously know good photography basics, evidenced by the quality and variety of images in your portfolio. However, as Laurin pointed out post processing might help your images to stand out more. Are you making money from your backgrounds? Since any one can do these, the competition is fierce. Unless you're currently making a sizable income from these, I would expand your horizons and try some new things. You live in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, if your situation allows it, get out there (even more) and share it's beauty through your photographs. I'm not an illustrator so I won't comment on yours but I would suggest you check out the competition (it too, is brutal). When you ask "can I make a good income", you really need to define "good income". A lot of us make enough to support our habit (photography) but I think you'll find few make enough to support themselves from their stock earnings alone (especially in Switzerland). Check out the many "Review my Portfolio" threads as there is often very good suggestions that would be helpful to you. Good Luck!

Holly, I'm sure you are right. Admittedly,my first paragraph was overly harsh, but I don' think you would disagree with my concluding statement (2nd Para.). Aksru44, Feel free to disregard my first sentence.

Aksru44 I did not get a degree in photography but I assume they still teach composition, rule of thirds, etc., don't they? My gut is telling me "you are pulling our leg" but. . . Bottom Line: you're going to have to revisit those basics if you are going to compete as a stock photographer, it's definitely different than art photography. Those basic photographic techniques are very important in stock as they make the point of your image both easily and quickly determined which is essential in advertising or media presentation (stock photography). Review what is being said to other new contributors, much of it is applicable to you. Good Luck!

You are talking about your personal portfolio, correct? I think we've all wondered that. It's got to be SS Algorithm, I guess, it works for them. I think you'll find your "most popular" are still shown on the first few pages, if you look them up using the most pertinent key word you used to describe them. I always assumed this problem has something to do with SS algorithm and how it works when using a small sampling (our portfolios) as compared with how it works when applied to their own huge portfolio. But your guess is as good as mine.

Girlwander, Beautiful images! I know what you're talking about "capturing memories". When my wife says, "remember when we were at . . .". I reply, "what picture did I take there . . .". It may be my advanced age but I am strictly a visual person. If I can't "picture" it, there's no memory. Thanks for participating.

Ron, I'm certain you hit the nail right on the head with your description, however, I can't say I'd know how to apply that to my next photoshoot. Great image, however! In the absence of HodagMedia's help, I'll see if I can bring your explanation down to our level (I've always got Pete in the wings to clean it up for me). Inverse square law applies to how fast light falls off (decreases) over distance and is usually used when determining where to place strobes or flash in a studio setting. Let's assume you get a proper exposure with a strobe 1 meter away (from your subject) and an aperture setting of f16. How much would the light decrease, if you moved the light two meters away or double the distance from the subject? You would think the answer would be 1/2 as much light would be cast on your subject (requiring a one stop adjustment to f11 for a proper exposure) but that would be wrong. The amount of the light on the subject (at 2 meters) would actually be inversely proportionate to the square of the distance from the light. The square would be 2 x 2 = 4 and the inverse of that square would be 1 over 4 (or 1/4). Meaning there would be only 1/4th the amount of the light on the subject, requiring an aperture adjustment of two stops to f8 (for proper exposure), not one. As you continue to double the distance from the light source to the subject, the light falls off more slowly as the mathematical calculation (inverse square law) would imply. I believe the linear relationship between the aperture adjustment and the distance from the light also begins to "fall apart" as the light source is moved farther and farther away from the subject but it is sufficient to say the light falls off much more rapidly than you expect. In the studio, this becomes more of a guideline rather than a law due to a number of factors. Experimentation is recommended Yea, I'm over my head again, if anyone can add to this or provide any necessary correction, I welcome it. Laurin, chime in with your technical expertise any time.

Ron, It sounds like you're a Flash photography expert. We definitely haven't touched much on that so far (I took a stab at it and failed). I know what you are talking about and can apply the principal when shooting portraits and studio shoots but I'm not going to try and explain it. Why don't you and HodagMedia take it from here and run with it. Thanks!

Well, it looks like this thread is dying a natural death so I'm going to leave you with one last post. We all have something we just have to photograph every time we see it such as sunsets, people or architecture. Or It could be a rule or technique you apply to nearly every photograph we take, like bokeh, focus stacking, etc. My guilty pleasure is leading lines, I love the way it pulls you into the frame giving the photograph that three dimensional feel. It doesn't matter whether its nature, architecture or what ever, I stop, find the best angle and shot. Thanks for participating and reading!

Luisa, Welcome back! A beautiful story from a person worth knowing. From my experience, those individuals easily bruised have a greater sensitivity and empathy for people and their feelings. Be thankful for your gift and continue blessing those around you. Your sensitivity shows in your photography, a welcome departure from the typical "brash" images found in stock photography. You'll do well.