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####PhotoAimLite monthly newsletter for July## 418 ##

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Key words in this issue: Photobuyers | Selling | Specialized Photos | Sell Photos | Documentary | Submission Guidelines | Digital Marketing Guide | Jpegs | CS2 | PhotoShop | Optical Lens | Noise Reduction | Code | Web Page | Html | Privacy | Windows XP | Domain | ICANN | Kracker Barrel | U.S. Postal Service | First Impression | Black & White | Tax Tips | 1099 | Stock Photo Agencies | Micro | Google | Scenics |

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PhotoAimLite, the monthly newsletter from PhotoSource International. http://www.photosource.com

ISSN 1530-0511

If you no longer wish to receive PhotoAimLite, see the instructions at the end of this newsletter.

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It’s nice to be wanted and to sell your photos. The good news: If your collection of stock photos matches a particular photobuyer’s photo needs, you become an important resource for that photobuyer.

I’ve just described what "marketing" is all about. "Selling" is producing top-quality umbrellas and trying to sell them in Egypt and Nevada. "Marketing" is producing "pretty good" umbrellas and easily selling them in London and Seattle.

Most entry-level stock photographers produce quality images of grapes, oranges and apples and try to sell them to photobuyers who buy images of pineapples, lemons and pears.

LESSON: Determine what your interest area is and focus on taking pictures in that area, where you have or will develop expertise. You’ll not only speak the language of the photobuyers that need pictures in that special interest area, but you will be the person they contact for assignment when they need someone.

Your photobuyers need pictures that go beyond the general stock pictures (sometimes called "stockshlock"). They want photos that allow the viewer to "read into the image." That is, you present images that allow the viewer to be a collaborator, and you bring your own meanings and dimension to the seeing of the image.

Photobuyers will recognize your talent to "illustrate" as well as your knowledge and passion for the subject area. Your photos will augment and bring a completeness to an article that a standard stock photo cannot do.

But how do you find the photobuyers who are, at this moment, waiting to see your specialized photos? You may have two or three interest areas where you feel you have expertise (or are eager to develop it). Let’s take one example, since this system to search out your buyers will work for most subject areas.

Children’s Health. You don’t need a degree in nursing or medicine to be qualified as a stock photographer in this area. Nor do you need to be a parent. All you need is the passion to express your interest and share it with your viewers.

Most photobuyers are not interested in purchasing documentary or general pictures in this area. Such images are readily available as free stock images from pharmaceutical companies, staff photographers at hospitals, and insurance agencies. Buyers want the intimate, personalized, and current images offered by independent photographers familiar with their field of interest.

By David Arnold & Gail Rutman

Another Photoshop upgrade? Yes. And it’s worth the investment. Adobe’s latest, Photoshop CS2, is loaded with must-have new or improved features. And for less money: upgrade from any prior version for $149 (formerly $169), or buy the full package for $599, down from $649). Here’s what’s new:

Smart Sharpening. Photoshop’s traditional sharpening filter, Unsharp Mask (USM), increases edge contrast to give the illusion of greater sharpness. In CS2, USM is still available, but in most cases Smart Sharpening, which actually increases sharpness (and provides independent control of highlight and shadow sharpness), does a much better job.

Optical Lens Correction. Pincushion or barrel distortion problems? Wide-angle perspective distortion? Chromatic aberration? Vignetting? This new tool’s intuitive interface can fix them all.

Noise Reduction. Increase the ISO on your DSLR in low light situations and you’ll get that shot, but also more noise. Photoshop CS2’s new Noise Reduction tool minimizes this unsightly result. Our first impression is that for mild or moderate noise this tool compares favorably with dedicated third-party plug-ins such as Dfine, Noise Ninja, or Neat Image. But in more extreme situations the plug-ins appear to work better. We’ll do more extensive testing, and report the results in a future column.

Designing a web page in HTML? Designing a database in PHP? Do you pick up a pencil and start designing a layout, or draw pictures on your computer screen? No, you use text (plain ol’ every day words and numbers).

Your eventual goal is to produce a successful digital design. The tool you use is not a pencil or stylus, it is text. Text is the sweetheart of the Digital Era. Yes, it can produce beautiful layouts and illustrations. You start with text.

Think text when you are cataloging your images. Photobuyers now and in the future, forever, will use text to locate specific images.*

You can enter up to 3,000 words of text, to describe hundreds of your photos, when you are a member of the PhotoSourceBANK. Your text descriptions pinpoint the exact picture photobuyers are searching for –if, you have described your photo in text. –RE

* To make a test: In the Google search bar, type in the name of an obscure location or subject, then a space, then the word ‘photosource’. Click. Presto!

by Bill Hopkins

Psst! Want to get some info on your neighbor? Or someone in your past (or present)? Check out zabasearch.com, one of many "investigative" sites on the Internet not requiring a password or fee for the initial probe. You may or may not find a listing, but if you do, you'll likely find an address, phone number, and date of birth. Gives you a nice warm feeling about privacy in America, doesn't it?

For quite some time, there have been places on the Internet where you could get detailed satellite (or similar high-altitude) images of terrestrial features. But there was a catch - they cost money. Now, major search engines are including such features for free. Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) is one instance. To see the PhotoSource farm, click here: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1910+35th+ave+osceola+wi&spn=0.031929,0.056906&t=k&hl=en. Amazon.com has their Block View, which shows photos of store fronts with local search results. MSN will enter the fray shortly and offer 45-degree views. They've signed on with Pictometry International, which uses a fleet of small planes to take the aerial photos that will form the backbone of this service, set to premiere later this year. MapQuest offered the service before, but quit amid dwindling usage, and may start up again as interest grows once more. Is anyone thinking paranoia?

If your Windows XP computer is having problems, such as a messed-up screen or blank display, or simply stops responding when waking up after hibernation (or from a wake-on-LAN signal if you're connected to a local area network), this may help you. Check out Microsoft's Hotfix article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;815304. Of course, you can always use the Control Panel, Power Options icon and turn off hibernation.

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NOTE: At the gray bar at the top of the posts section where it says, "GoTo" – Click on the word, Log In.

This will allow you to register for the Kracker Barrel. (Be sure to save your password.)

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You can get your foot in a photobuyer's door if you "look like a pro."

In today's world, photobuyers at book and magazine publishers rarely have face-to-face meetings with their suppliers. There's no need to. If you supply on-target photos -- they'll supply checks.

So the "foot in the door" strategy translates to the techniques you use to attract the attention of the photobuyer. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance at a first impression.

If you have a Web page, and can send scanned images, the techniques for producing a pro presentation have a separate chapter of their own. Here, we’ll talk about when you deal by mail.

We’re in a transition period between paper delivery and dealing through electronics, and many markets still accept mail submissions. If you want first class attention from a photobuyer, you'll want to give the photobuyer first class treatment by sending him/her a first class package.

In my thirty years of dealing by mail with buyers, it's extremely rare that anything gets lost by the U.S. Postal Service. Other means of delivery -- Fedex, UPS, etc. -- have good records, too, and are certainly convenient, but they may not be in your budget. U.S. mail does just fine, with some assistance from you.

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BACK from Vacation ? Back from Assignment?

The SUMMER Sale has been extended to August 1st.

Sign up now. www.photosource.com/products

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by Julian Block, Esq.

In these increasingly tough times, it is more important than ever for freelance photographers to familiarize themselves with the steps they can take to keep their taxes to the legal minimum -- and, of course, keep themselves out of trouble. To help you take year-round advantage of legitimate breaks while not running afoul of the rules, here is some expert advice on common tax problems. If you need additional information or guidance in specific areas, contact the Internal Revenue Service, or consult your personal tax advisor.

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Question: In addition to my stock business, I've authored photo and software instruction books, and I also do photo decor work. Presently, I am represented by two agents -- one for books, and another rep for my decor work. Under the contracts with my agents, each gets a percentage of my earnings.

When filing time rolls around, both agents send me 1099 forms, and I understand that copies also go to the Internal Revenue. The 1099 forms show what they have sent me during the year in terms of advances, royalties received from publishers, and other payments related to my books or decor contracts. But they do different kinds of bookkeeping!

One agent's 1099 lists the gross (full) amount she received from clients as my income; that is, she does not allow for the commission subtracted by her up front before sending a check for the balance to me. The other one handles things differently; his 1099 lists only the net (after commission) payment he actually sent to me.

How should I report these payments on my return? I know that I have to include payments received from agents in the total figure shown on line 1 (gross receipts) of Schedule C of Form 1040, but I'm not sure which figures to report!

Answer: Let consistency be your guide. The amount of income you declare should be consistent with the figures shown on your 1099 forms. Otherwise, the Revenue Service's ever-vigilant computers might go bananas, with unpleasant consequences to you.

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"Thanks for providing your service. I will be using it a lot now that I know about it. It really makes photo sourcing easy."

- Carrie Patrick, Managing Editor, EnCompass Magazine

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Photo libraries, commonly known as stock photo agencies, provide photographers a channel for sales. You can expect to be paid 30%, 40%, 50%, or even 90%. Most agencies, today, pay 50% of each sale of your photos.

When I first began selling ("renting" is the better word) my photos, only a dozen or so stock agencies existed. Today there are more than 300 -- ranging from general agencies to micro agencies that handle only specific areas, e.g. medical photography, underwater photography, reptiles, winter sports, etc.

GETTING IN AN AGENCY

You can start with a stock photo agency in your closest major city. Consult a website (e.g. Google, Alta Vista, etc.) or the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory to locate a regional agency, and call or e-mail for their "Photographer's Guidelines."

If you're just breaking into the field, it's sometimes easier to get started with a smaller start up agency. But at the same time there is a drawback: the files of a local agency usually hold "general" categories of pictures. Big buyers of such general pictures tend to prefer to deal with the larger national "supermarket" (Corbis, Getty) agencies which can provide a wide selection of photos on-line immediately (or next day) by carrier services. The local Ma 'n Pa "general" agency usually loses out to these giants who have tremendous depth in many categories. The result is that when you have your photos with a smaller regional agency, you won't experience as many calls for your work.

The secret to successful sales through the stock agency route is to place specific categories of your photos with highly specialized stock agencies. When photobuyers need a specific, specialized photo, and very often they do, they search out the specialized agencies. If your photos are with one of these agencies, that handle specialties ranging from rodeos to Civil War enactments, you have an excellent chance of scoring.

THOSE LANDSCAPES AND SUNSETS

In contrast, the law of probability is not on your side with your general pictures (scenics, sunsets, hot air balloons, etc.) in a general agency. They might gather as much dust there as they do at home; but not because they aren't good quality photos. There's a huge demand for these kinds of photos. But there are enormous numbers of them out there in the marketplace, making the chances yours have to be used, quite rare. You'll make the now-and-then sale, but not consistent sales with regularity.

Note: If the URL is long, it may extend to two lines. In that case - clicking on it won't work. Instead, "copy and paste" the URL.

The Art of BUSINESS: The Secrets of Sustaining Success - Starting a business is easy. Sustaining it is hard. Here's what successful creative professionals say about what makes them stay successful.

http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/23132.html

Framed and Exposed: When More is Less - Photographers are almost always on the lookout for contrast. Watch experienced digital photographers and you'll see them constantly check their camera's HISTOGRAM, partly to ensure that they haven't over- or under-exposed, but also to make certain they've captured as much tonal range, or contrast, as possible.

http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/23146.html

Indian photographer faces SUIT over Coke billboard - An Indian photographer has been threatened with legal action by beverage giant Coca-Cola Co. for displaying one of his photographs -- depicting water shortages against a backdrop of the company's ubiquitous logo -- on a giant billboard.

http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=177168&source=r_general

Photographer goes 'Wild' for nature - "Anytime you're taking pictures of a WILD ANIMAL , especially in a national park, if you disturb the animal, you could get in trouble," Gross said. "You can tell by their reactions if you are.

http://www.lafayettejc.com/news20050717/200507178local_news1121577862.shtml

Photo in the News: Bum Steer at Running of the BULLS - Putting a whole new twist on the term "bum steer," a calf rear-ends a reveler at Pamplona's running of the bulls yesterday.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/07/0711_050711_runningbulls.html

Bet on this - Lifelong Hoboken resident Michael Lisa knows which ponies to pick - at least, with his camera. Whether it's freezing, snowing, raining or a perfectly clear evening, Lisa can be seen taking photos of dozens rumbling RACEHORSES at the Meadowlands Racetrack nightly.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14874163&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523585&rfi=6

Shooting in the RAW - Snap shooters don't bother, but serious photographers like to do things the way professionals do: setting their camera's menus to RAW. Working with RAW also allows you to undo mistakes you may have made while shooting.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050609.gtrawjun9/BNStory/TechReviews/?query=photographer

With Digital Focus, KODAK Future Fuzzy - The new CEO, Antonio Perez, a

former Hewlett-Packard executive, has said Kodak must complete its

metamorphosis to digital within the next two years. He predicts its digital businesses, representing 41 percent of sales last year, will account for 70 percent by 2007.

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-ymleckey0717.artjul17,0,6385880.story?&track=rss

Boca Museum of Art to spotlight renowned, BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=12044&category=Local%20News

Two brothers, photographers _and innovators - at SHUTTLE launches

http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/local/12154035.htm

Art and the Big Book of BREASTS Benedikt Taschen sells photographs of everything from Van Gogh to Fetish Girls.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3348036a4501,00.html

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PhotoAimLite is a collection of excerpts from our weekly newsletter, PhotoStockNotes, available through the web anywhere in the world $14.99 per year. http://www.photosource.com/psnintro.html

Feel free to forward this issue of PhotoAimLite to your photographer friends.

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PhotoAimLite weekly newsletter is a product of PhotoSource International, Rohn Engh, Director, who is solely responsible for its contents. Sell Photos !

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