Photography Tips and Tricks

I’m continually amazed at how photographers and their work are so entwined; Prior to coming to PhotoSpin, I spent 20 years as a commercial photographer and remember all too well those sinking feelings of rejection when I didn’t get chosen for a project or someone didn’t like my work . Let’s face it, it hurts both your ego and your wallet.

I find that it’s just as difficult to deny artists’ work as it is to have my own work rejected . But that’s business. It’s normal for the photographers[/spin[ to take the rejection as a personal front against them, unable to separate the business from the art. Here at PhotoSpin, we can't accept all the images from potential [spin]contributors so you just have to learn to ignore your ego and don’t take the rejection personally. If we accept your images and sign you, that means we like your work, however, that doesn’t mean that all of your photos will be accepted. We need to maintain a certain image quality that our clients have come to expect and your images need to meet that quality in order for us to accept them. If they don’t meet our quality standards your photos will get rejected.

When your work is rejected let it be an inspiration to create even better work . Just remember, it’s your photography that got rejected, not you. Recently I’ve had several photographers question why our rejection rate is so high with certain collections. The simple answer is: Most Stock agencies have very high standards for what is accepted and offered to their customers.

It is important for all contributing artists to remember that, just because they shoot a photo, it doesn’t mean a stock agency we will automatically post it. Stock agencies’ editors evaluate each image for quality and content before they accept an image to their site. Once an image is accepted and makes its home on a stock agency’s site, it is the agency’s customers that ultimately determine the image’s worth.

The following are simple tips to ensure a more successful shoot and higher acceptance rate:

People shots:

*Do the models work together? Are you thinking ethnic diversity?
*What are you trying to say with your image?
*Does your model fit the theme of your image (sticking a crystal ball in front of a model doesn’t make her a fortune teller)?
*Does the wardrobe, styling, hair, and make-up work with your theme?
*Is the location and lighting appropriate for the situation? Try not to force a shot just because you have a model (i.e. don’t just stick a hat on your model and call it a graduation photo).
*If you are a product photographer don’t try to shoot people as a still life. They will look stiff and the photos will reflect it.

Food for Shots:

*Did you hire a food stylist to prep your image or are you just shooting what’s in front of you? The photographers that are getting a higher return for their images are using a food stylist to prep their shots. Even a large restaurant chain will hire a professional to prepare their food for an advertisement.
*Are you using the right utensils, plates, and stemware that fit with your image (i.e. crystal stemware for a black tie dinner)?

Product/Still life Shots:
*Did you remove the labels?
*Consider the lighting: If you are using candles as a prop do not over light. Create a mood, not just record an image.
*If you are not a studio photographer don’t force it. Work with what you know. As you learn studio lighting then shoot for our collection.

These are just a few basic suggestions. Most importantly, remember who is using the image. Here at PhotoSpin, we believe that our customers deserve the very best thus, by accepting only the highest quality images, we intend to deliver it to them.

For more information on becoming a PhotoSpin contributor please visit: www.photospin.com/contribute

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