Microstock News: Stockfresh enters the ring!

Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff of Dream Group (who used to run microstock sites stockxpert.com and stock.xchng) have just launched a new offering: Stockfresh.

For buyers there are are on-demand and subscription options.  Try searching now in the collection to see if there's something you're after:

It promises some impressive commissions for contributors - from 50%, alongside FTP uploads and only a $50 minimum Paypal or Moneybookers payout.

Sigma news: Potential AF issue with recent zoom lenses

Sigma has discovered that there may be an autofocus issue with some of its recent zoom lenses:

• --- APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10633051 and 10972000
• --- APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10574001 and 10972000
• --- APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10674301 and 10972000

 Details of how they'll help you get it fixed available here.

 

Microstock news: Getty extends Flickr deal

For a couple of years, Getty have had a relationship with Flickr where as they scan the millions of Flickr images, if Getty find something which fits with their requirements, they may invite the photographer to join the Getty collection (100,000 images have done so to-date).  In return, the photographer would earn commission on any sales.

Now, a revised deal has been struck where Flickr members can nominate themselves for consideration.  Predictably, there are two sides of the debate - those that thinks it's an easy, accessible way for photographers to monetise their art... and others who think naive photographers are being exploited (the commission is  30% for Rm and 20% for RF.

More details and an interesting Q&A with Getty available on BJP.  How to join in the process is described on the Flickr blog.

Canon News: 5D Mk II Firmware released v2.0.7

Canon have released a minor firmware update for the full-frame 5D Mk II.  It fixes the following:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.

These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware.

The Version 2.0.7 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 2.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

More instructions available here.

Photography - My Top 5

With manufacturers constantly dangling the latest 'gear carrots' in front of our noses (e.g. for me, it's the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS II USM Lens), tempting us to depart with our hard-earned cash, I thought I'd reflect on what things have actually improved my photography standard.  

It would be great to hear your views too and the whole point of the exercise is that it doesn't have to be new gear, it might be an exhibition you visited, a book you read, another photographer, etc.  

Here's my 'Top 5':

1. Visiting Costa Rica.  I'd always had a passing interest in photography and enjoyed the outdoors, but it was on a trip to Costa Rica where it all came together so magically.  For such a small country, it's crammed with 5% of the globe's biodiversity in it and it's simply breathtaking.  I'd recommend an operator like Exodus, where you can more efficiently get around to the key sites and the local guide that supported our trip was exceptional.
2. Asking for honest feedback.  It's great to hear compliments, but we're probably going to improve more with some honest, constructive feedback.  Although there have been plenty of times I've been excited about a shot (usually because of the story behind the shot), it's sometimes good (albeit sometimes painful) to hear what someone who wasn't there thinks!
3. Photo magazine subscription.  Although there are tons of books that will promise to help improve photography, I find a monthly subscription to a magazine a great way to get regular 'bite-size' chunks of inspiration and guidance.  I'd recommend Digital Camera in the UK.
4. Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Speaking of books, if I can't make the exhibition, I'll always hope that Father Christmas gets me the hardback 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' book.  It's the world's best wildlife photography competition and the winning photos are incredible (except if it's a wolf in sheep's clothing!).
   
5. Other people's photos.  Obvious enough, but before I head anywhere or snap a particular subject, I always check out Flickr to see what other people have done.  Not to copy directly, but to inspire me.

So that's my Top 5 - not a whiff of a piece of gear! What would yours be?

Microstock: A guide to a simple workflow

Microstock is all about selling lots of images, so it's essential to have an efficient workflow when submitting photos for approval, especially if you're submitting to multiple agencies.  Below is a brief guide to the tools/steps I use, but it would be great to hear of other recommendations, as I'd love to keep my uploading time down to a minimum!

• Take great photos (the really hard bit!), ideally with perfect composition, commericial content and great light.  Definitely take in RAW format and with as low an ISO as possible.
• Download photos to a computer and get ready to do the RAW conversion and then any editing.  I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0, but for those with more generous budgets, Adobe have other products available:

•  Do any necessary editing, which may include:
• Cropping, straightening horizons and adjusting perspective
• Removing any copyright/trademarks
• Adding layers to adjust levels, saturation, etc.
• Zooming in, then using the healing tools to remove spot marks
• Sharpening
• [adding keywords and captions, if possible - it isn't in Photoshop Elements 6.0 -grrr!]
• Saving as a .jpg at the highest image quality
• To help think about suitable keywords (essential otherwise buyers wont find your great photos), there are a couple of tools out there which can help.  I use the excellent tool developed by Yuri Arcurs, the legendary microstocker.
• Rather than add keywords at each site individually, it saves a load of time to do this before submission.   I use Geosetter for this, if you can't do it in your editing software
• Now for uploading... I use two approaches:
• For iStockphoto, I use Deepmeta
• For all the other sites (Shutterstock, Dreamstime, DepositPhotos, etc.), I upload by ftp, using Filezilla; then, on each site, find the files, add categories, submit and cross your fingers

Which tricks am I missing?!?

Professional Photographers - a new business strategy?

Microstock is an opportunity for professional photographers, not a threat. In this article, using the simplest form of business strategy analysis (SWOT), I'll help you see why.

What is Microstock?

Microstock is the business model of selling multiple copies of the same image at a price lower than traditional rights-managed images. That doesn't necessarily mean they're of a lower quality. It's a great response to a changing environment. I am one these 'evil' microstock contributors - my portfolios can be viewed at various sites such as iStock, Shutterstock and Dreamstime.


What is a 'SWOT' Analysis?

A SWOT analysis is a simple way to help you analysis the strengths and weaknesses of your business, as well as the external threats and opportunities within which you operate. Using a simple template (example), you can construct one for your own business, but below is some generic analysis about microstock. The aim is to turn the threat of microstock into an opportunity; and your weaknesses into additional strengths.

THREAT - lower 'barriers to entry'

It is essential, as any business should, that it reviews, understands and if necessary, adopts or adapts to the changing external environment. And the major change for photographers is with the advent of digital, the 'barriers to entry' have been demolished. This may be perceived as a threat to some of the traditional ways professional photographers may have made their living. Here are some examples of what's changed:

• Professional level quality images can be taken using prosumer-grade cameras (and cameras are now better, e.g. image stabilisation, better low-light performance, etc.)
  
• The cost of storage space has fallen
• High-power post processing techniques are available in consumer software
• The internet has meant the marketplace is now global in reach - marketing is cheaper and exclusive relationships are less relevant
• Web 2.0 (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) promotes a virtual community of friends, fans and followers
  

All of this means, it's much, much easier for anyone to enter the photography industry. And this isn't going to change in a hurry. So it's time to get used to a marketplace with a greater supply of images.

OPPORTUNITIES?

Hang on a minute though, if we have a careful look at the 'doom and gloom' above, we might notice several opportunities which you might be able to exploit:

• With better kit, can you now take higher-quality photographs than you used to?
  
• The marketplace is now global, not just local/regional/national. And as the cost for others to publish reduces (e.g. via blogs), demand for cheap imagery will continue to sky-rocket
  
• There are new photographers entering the market - what have you got which could help them? (see strengths below)
• You can benefit from lower costs of storage and processing too
• You could use Web 2.0 to find out a lot more about opportunities to sell your services?

STRENGTHS?

Which strengths do you posses, which new entrants to your market do not posses? Well, quite a few I'd expect:

• You're good, possibly exceptional, at photography. That comes with many years of experience and can't be recreated easily
• You have a huge library of images - a ready-made marketing portfolio
• You know other professional photographers
• You have a load of valuable equipment such as lenses, probably out of financial reach of the new entrants
• You may be well-known and have a great reputation in your particular field
• Depending on your area of focus, you're probably a patient person and a perfectionist

Interesting, that's quite a few feathers in your cap, isn't it? But you probably think you have some weaknesses too?

WEAKNESSES

That's for you to think about. But I bet you can get around them!


What now?

You have four choices - denial, adopt, adapt, or a combination of adopt and adapt.

1.) Denial

Some are hoping that the new industry will just go away, or it's a minor, irrelevant, irritant. And some choose to cast microstock in a poor light (example). History would suggest this tactic will not last forever (e.g. the music industry denying digital downloads will be successful; .the US car industry not seeing a threat from the Japanese).

2.) Adopt

Why not join microstock? Rather than replace your existing work, perhaps it can compliment it? And if you think the quality of microstock is so poor, check out iStock's Vetta Collection for some reassurance. I'd also recommend Shutterstock as a site to consider signing-up to - with a royalty-free contract, you can sign-up to as many sites as you wish (although going exclusive may pay higher commissions).

3.) Adapt

Can you adapt the way you make money from photography to exploit the changing industry dynamic? Of course you can - here are some examples:

• Hire my equipment out to local microstock photographers
• Teach local microstock photographers how to be better
• Use the Web 2.0 technologies to market my existing business and find new opportunities
• Upgrade to the latest equipment allowing better use of low-light and new techniques in post-processing (e.g. HDR)

4.) Adopt and adapt

See 2 and 3 above.

Summary

We're living in very exciting times - never before has the photography industry been under such seismic shifts in demand and supply. That isn't a threat - it's an opportunity.

What do you think?

Nikon News: new 200–400mm f/4G ED VR II lens

Nikon have launched new zoom lens - the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 F/4G ED VR II:
Key features:

• Versatile super-telephoto zoom lens
  Powerful super-telephoto zoom lens that’s perfect for sports and wildlife shooting offering constant maximum aperture and VR II Image Stabilization.

• Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
  Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.

• Nano Crystal Coat
  Further reduces ghosting and interior flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.

• 4 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements
  Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.

• Three Focus Modes
  A/M mode joins the familiar M/A and M modes, enhancing AF control versatility with fast, secure switching between auto and manual focus to accommodate personal shooting techniques.

• Internal Focus (IF)
  Provides fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens, retaining working distance throughout the focus range.

• Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
  Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.

• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
  Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.

• Rugged Construction
  Featuring enhanced dust and moisture-resistance, magnesium die-cast barrel construction and a protective meniscus front lens.

• Close Auto Focusing to 6.6 feet at all focal lengths
  Focus to 6.6 feet using AF or 6.4 feet using manual focus enabling striking image perspectives.

• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image areas.

• Compatible with TC-14EII (AF/MF), TC-17EII (MF), TC-20EII (MF) and TC-20EIII (MF) Teleconverters.

More details available here.

What (and when) will Canon respond with...?

Canon News: EOS 7D Firmware 1.2.1 released

Canon have released a firmware update to their EOS 7D DSLR. The following updates have been included:

• Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions.
• Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO.
• Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu.
• Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode.
  (This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to "H". Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0)

Avilable to download from here.

Canon News: EOS 5D MkII Firmware v. 2.0.3 released

***19th March 2010 - Problem (manual sound recording in C1/2/3 modes) resolved - latest version of firmware is 2.0.4***

***18th March 2010 - sounds like Canon have found a problem with the firmware - don't upgrade yet. Please refer to the external link below for an update***

Canon have released the much anticipated firmware upgrade for its popular full-frame 5D Mk II EOS DSLR, hoping to please the growing community who are exploring the video possibilities of the camera.

Version 2.0.3/2.04 includes the following enhancements:

1. Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.
NTSC:
• 1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
• 1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
• 640×480 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
PAL:
• 1920×1080 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)
• 1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
• 640×480 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)


2. Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).
3. Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.
4. Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.
5. Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.
6. Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)

Update is available from Canon's Japan site here.

Tamron News: 70-300 f/4-5.6 USD VC

Tamron have launched a new 70-300 zoom lens. It's got vibration compensation (VC) and uses their new ultra-sonic silent drive (USD), as well as as an extra-low dispersion (XLD) element. Full name is SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005)


Initally launched with a Nikon mount, Canon and Sony to follow.

More details here.

Panasonic News: New Micro Four Thirds launches

Panasonic have continued to innovate in the relatively new 'micro four thirds' format (between a true SLR and a compact) with three new products:

Lumix G Vario 14-42mm (28-84mm equiv) F3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S (H-FS014042)



Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10





Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Microstock News: Bigstock site relaunch

Bigstock Photo have relaunched their website, with improved features. More details are available here*.

Sigma News: New lenses and DSLR

Whilst I was away in Cuba with my camera, it was PMA 2010 in California. Sigma took the opporuntity to launch five new lenses, a DSLR (SD15) and a couple of compacts (DP1x, DP2s). The detailed press release is available to view here.

The lenses are:

• 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM
• 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
• APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM
• APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
• 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

Nikon News: new D3S firmware

New firmware (v1.01) has been launched for the Nikon D3S - Windows and Mac versions available.

Nikon News: new lenses - AF-S 24mm f/1.4 G ED and 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR

Nikon have introduced a couple of new lenses:

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED (more details)

• Professional ultra-fast aperture wide-angle lens
• 24 mm focal length (DX equivalent 36 mm).
• Bright viewfinder image
• 9-blade rounded aperture produces soft and pleasing blur characteristics.
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghost and flare.
• ED (Extra low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Durable magnesium body with rubber mount seal.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR (more details)

• Ultra- wide-angle zoom lens with constant f/4 aperture.
• 16-35mm zoom range (DX equivalent: 24-52mm).
• Vibration Reduction II (VR II) stabilization system. Lets you use shutter speeds that are up to 4 stops slower.
• Exceptionally high optical performance.
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghost and flare.
• ED (Extra low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Durable magnesium body with rubber mount seal.

Canon News: New EOS 550D / Rebel T2i DSLR

Canon have released details about their new DSLR, updating the popular xxxD line-up. The headlines are:

• 18Mp
• Full 1080p HD recording
• iFCL metering (first seen in 7D)
• 3.7fps shooting

Full details can be found here, with the UK site update here.

Available to pre-order in the UK via Amazon (for Feb 28th release):



Helps set expectations high for any upcoming 60D, if there's still room in the lineup between the 550D and the 7D...

Microstock News: DepositPhotos launches paying photographers to upload!

DepositPhotos* is a recently-launched player in the microstock market and is marketing hard to attract photographers to sign-up, with a tempting package:

• Attractive commission rates
• Being paid up to $100 ($0.20 per photo) just for uploading approved photos
• FTP upload
  

All good news for buyers of course, as it should mean the library of RF images available will grow quickly.

Microstock News: Fotolia launch microstock plugin for Wordpress

Fotolia have launched an innovative new plugin for Wordpress bloggers - allowing users to easily license relevant images for their blog postings. Not only that, it also offers affiliation options, so bloggers can earn additional income. More information at MicrostockPhotoPlugin.com

Microstock News: Goodbye to StockXpert

Hot on the heels of Getty's announcement of a new subscription microstock site Thinkstockphotos.com, they have announced that they will be shortly moth-balling StockXpert.

For purchasers of microstock, credits can be transferred over to iStockphoto. Getty also have their free microstock site, Stock.Xchng.com which may serve your needs.

(Yes - it's complicated!)