Lets get us all talking...

[dpw-shane]

I think it's time that some of the photographers and designers (and web owners/developers) on here starting talking so let's start with an introduction (I know that photographers get their own profile on microstockphoto.com but it's still nice to say hello).

Hello to everybody reading this I'm an amateur photographer from Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom. I've been interested in digital photography now since 2001 when I bought my first Kodak DC-265 camera. I quickly developed an interest in computer manipulation and have pursued it as a hobby ever since. I'm obviously here with the intention of making a little bit of money but to me enjoying the photography is more important than the sales. You can tell from my portfolio that I don't take the kind of photographs that sell in huge amounts and I'd rather take photographs of things/landscapes/objects that interest me when I'm out and about rather than setting something up simply because it'll sell (although that could change ).

I had my first photograph accepted on this site on 05/08/06 and so far have a portfolio comprising of 58 photographs (I'm still uploading but don't always get a lot of spare time to devote to it).

Okay so now it's over to you: at current count there are 121 members of this forum so somebody else must want to introduce themselves.

Shane

[Ann]

Good idea Shane!

I'm one of the web owners/developers and also amateur photographer and buyer. I'm one of the persons that reviews your photos and I know I can be very critical
My profession is graphical design and for the most I work with web design and design for print. I review the photos with a graphical designers eye, and this means that if I reject your photo it is probably useless for print design.

I started with digital photography about 3 years ago and I have a Canon EOS 350D that I'm still learning to use.
My photography portfolio is small because of the lack of spare time.

Ann

[dpw-shane]

It's nice to get to know a bit about you Ann - I hope you won't be rejecting too many of my photographs .

It's still very quiet on these boards at the moment so is there anybody else out there that wants to introduce themselves?

Shane

[xprtshot]

Joined today, waiting for first accepted photos, have seven pending which was all I had time to upload.  I use a Canon 350D which I am still learning to use, got it in August 06.  I reside in upstate NY where the weather can be a little rough on electronics at times.  I have been useing a Sony DSC85 P & S prior to the Canon.  It is a very rugged camers as it was dipped in the ocean (accidentally) for a second or two and still works like new. I still use it as a back up. This stock thing is new to me and am doing it as a hobby, not to really make any cash.  I have been told I take good photos but I am aware that stock is different than "snapshot" photography.  I have been requested to shoot a couple of weddings but I do not feel I am proficient enough, at least not yet to do this so declined.  Some will say this was not the smartest thing to do as there was a lot of cash involved but I would rather learn to take great photos first so a good reputation can be built.  I currently am looking to purchase a couple of more lenses for the Canon.  I currently have the kit lense, and a Quantaray 28 - 200mm lense.  I know the Quantaray is a "no - name" brand but I have learned they are made by Sigma and Tamron and it has served me well.  I will be upgrading soon and am looking at the Tamron 28 - 300mm lense.  Several reviews I have read praise this particular lense.  i am also looking at the Canon 50mm F1.8 prime lense.  Any suggestions would be helpful

[xprtshot]

Joined today and got 5 of seven accepted for sale, not too shabby.  Now to upload more and see if I get any sales.  I am impressed by the prompt review of the photos.  Other sites I have used have taken a LONG time for apporvals/rejections.  Question, my refected photos, can they be photoshopped and resubmitted?  Also, being new, are there anything like r=groups of individuals who can see my portfolio and critique/review the photos as well as my looking at theirs?

[Ruben]

Question, my refected photos, can they be photoshopped and resubmitted?  Also, being new, are there anything like r=groups of individuals who can see my portfolio and critique/review the photos as well as my looking at theirs?

Wayne,

You can certainly re-submit the rejected photos. delete the ones that are rejected from your account and upload the new ones.
Anybody is able to see the photographers gallery. yours is for example: http://microstockphoto.com/view_photog.php?photogid=560

The only way to critique photos here is in the "Photo Critique Forum"  http://forum.microstockphoto.com/index.php/board,8.0.html

Ruben

[dpw-shane]

Wayne, welcome to the site from a fellow photographer. I've just taken a quick look at your portfolio and like your photo's.

I agree the reviewing of the pictures is very quick on this site which is very impressive for a stock photography site.

Shane

[xprtshot]

Shane, thanks for the welcome.  Being new here, I find it refreshing to see a place for true amatuers to test out their skills.  I do not claim to be a pro at this but have learned a lot since I started in August 06.  I have just started using Photoshop Elements 4 since CS appeared very daunting and Elements is more "newbie" friendly.  I also have a copy of Photoshop 6 but elements gets all my attention at this time.  I reviewed your portfolio and was supprised to see that your photo, Brushes, has not had any sales.  This appears to be true stock and should be very saleable.
Oh well, what do I know.  Designers will choose what they feel best fits what they need.  This is one reason I am trying to vary my submissions.  Good to talk with you, speak with you later.
Wayne