Author Topic: SS portfolio critique need for advice. (Read 6079 times)

denw · « **on:** September 22, 2017, 12:03 »

Hello microstock community,

I started about 1 year ago in the microstock business. I sold 81 just in Shutterstock, earned about 30 dollars.

Now I have only 84 photo in my portfolio. I need you to advice that I can improve it.

newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/g/denwi [nonactive]

Thank you,

Den W.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2017, 07:28 »

Hi Den,

Welcome.

I can see you've put in time and effort into every image, which clearly shows.

I don't do still life so I'm probably not the best person to advise. What I can say is that some of your concepts aren't so original even if they're well-executed.

I would advise to come up with unique concepts revolving around trending themes, such as VR, drones, automation, dystopia, etc. Also, I didn't see you use any models and these types of images, when executed well and with a strong theme, are automatically premium.

Good luck

Alex

denw · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2017, 09:14 »

Thank you very much Brasilnut.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2017, 11:39 »

I would suggest that you think more about the styling and content of an image - variations on the "who would use this" and "what story or setting is the image showing" questions. There are also a couple of food items with white balance that's off and it makes the food look really unpleasant - food images should make you want to reach out and start eating the food. This bread is an example

As examples of odd styling - an odd mish-mash of costume jewelry and a safety pin will limit who can use it - fewer items and a better setting would work for more buyers; why are Cheerios being poured out of a water glass?; if the story is saving egg shells (to use in the garden), perhaps a setting that suggests what they'll be used for?; these wrapped boxes look industrial, not like gift boxes, not really sure what a buyer could do with this, especially as it has a background (versus isolated)

Also watch your keywords - on the jewelry tray image you have girl, woman, wedding, pirate, dream, wooden - none of these are in the image; the yellow slice of bread has toast, bakery, diet - it's not showing a bakery and the bread isn't toasted.

Good luck

denw · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2017, 07:48 »

Quote from: Jo Ann Snover on September 23, 2017, 11:39

I would suggest that you think more about the styling and content of an image - variations on the "who would use this" and "what story or setting is the image showing" questions. There are also a couple of food items with white balance that's off and it makes the food look really unpleasant - food images should make you want to reach out and start eating the food. newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/closeup-potato-bread-on-wood-table-432070291 [nonactive] is an example

As examples of odd styling - an odd newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/jewelry-tray-449588785 [nonactive]will limit who can use it - fewer items and a better setting would work for more buyers; why are newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/pour-cereals-324898859 [nonactive]; if the story is newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/egg-shells-stainless-bowl-328332131 [nonactive] (to use in the garden), perhaps a setting that suggests what they'll be used for?; these newbielink:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/many-red-box-light-background-328331807 [nonactive] look industrial, not like gift boxes, not really sure what a buyer could do with this, especially as it has a background (versus isolated)

Also watch your keywords - on the jewelry tray image you have girl, woman, wedding, pirate, dream, wooden - none of these are in the image; the yellow slice of bread has toast, bakery, diet - it's not showing a bakery and the bread isn't toasted.

Good luck

Thank you very much.

rinderart · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2017, 14:40 »

Read again very slowly what JoAnn wrote. try to wrap your head around "Making" Photographs Instead of just "TAKING" pictures that anyone can do. and Loose the Blurred shots...ReallY? be unique, shot people doing what people do. Thats called Lifestyle and what stock really is. Not just "Things and stuff" a artistic blur is useful, Just a Blur is not. and Most of all remember 1.2 Million was added Just last week think about that. search before you submit. they don't need more of just stuff. They have enough...trust me. Now.......get out there and make a difference.

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Author Topic: SS portfolio critique need for advice. (Read 6079 times)

denw

Brasilnut

denw

Jo Ann Snover

denw

rinderart

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