Shutterstock has acquired BigStockPhoto. It doesn’t look like there will be any changes for BigStockPhoto photographers at the moment; however, Shutterstock plans to grow BigStockPhoto in the future.
More details below. [Read more…]
Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
By Eric Reagan
Shutterstock has acquired BigStockPhoto. It doesn’t look like there will be any changes for BigStockPhoto photographers at the moment; however, Shutterstock plans to grow BigStockPhoto in the future.
More details below. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
Yesterday, iStockphoto made an important announcement for designers and photographers. In an attempt to build trust with their customers who purchase royalty-free content, iStockphoto implemented a guarantee that all image, video and audio files purchased on the site will be guaranteed, such that iStock will cover all files for legal costs and damages up to $10,000.
However, purchasers who demand additional peace of mind may purchase greater coverage under the guarantee on a file-by-file basis at a price of 100 iStock credits. The credits vary in price/value depending on the bulk amount in which customers pre-purchase those credits. For example, a package of 12 credits will run $18 or $1.50 per credit; however, a package of 2000 credits will run $1900 or $0.95 per credit. As a result, this “insurance” can run anywhere between $95 and $150 out-of-pocket per file.
While that seems like a bit much to pay per file, companies running a national or global campaign probably wouldn’t mind a little more peace of mind. Just ask Virgin Mobile. Designers working on or quoting these major campaigns should probably think about which ones to build this into their budgets or quotes. When you think about the scale, it sounds like a pretty good deal on insurance.
What does it mean for photographers? iStock has a history of being sticklers on trademark and copyright elements in submitted photos, as well as obtaining appropriate model releases. iStock does a good job of covering its butt (and photographers’ butts too) when evaluating submitted files. If a file is questionable as to whether there is a copyrightable or trademark element within, the safe thing to do is reject it. While iStock uses a fine tooth comb in reviewing files, iStock is not your momma or your lawyer. When submitting files to iStock, the artist makes some heavy representations and warranties as to his or her authority to submit the files for commercial use.
If iStock gets called on the carpet for a file, you can bet your $1.06 commission that iStock will be dragging the photographer along with them. Just a little reminder to conduct your own, personal inspection of files for potentially troubling elements before clicking submit.
With the scary part out there now, I think this move by iStock can increase the marketability and visibility of stock photography as a valuable resource for bigger customers.
More reading on this topic from John Harrington and Thomas Hawk.
Also see the news release below. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
Yuri Arcurs shows off his sweet stock photography studio in this lastest video from Crestock.com. As you can see, stock photography is big business for Yuri.
A guided tour in Yuri Arcurs’ studio at Aarhus in Denmark – see how he works and organize his sets and get a unique look behind the scenes at one of the most successful and productive stock photography studios
There are several other great videos on the Crestock YouTube channel. There’s also a nice blog at Crestock as well.
By Eric Reagan
Recently, BrightQube contacted me to let me know about their service for stock photographers and stock purchasers, which gives purchasers the ability to search over 40 stock libraries. It has a very cool search and view function, with which I have only spent a few minutes and I’m not ready to pass judgment on the overall effectiveness of the site. However, it seems to be rather powerful. I’m interested in what you stock shooters out there think of BrightQube, particularly with regard to the distinguishing of “everyday” and “professional” images. Take a look at the introduction from BrightQube below, check out BrightQube.com and let me know what think in the comments or the forum. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
Advanced Dynamic MosaicTM Interface Enables Rapid Access To
‘All the Photos You Need, All in One Place’
San Diego, CA, November 11, 2008 – BrightQube (www.brightqube.com), the award-winning online stock photography destination, is now offering image buyers the most efficient way to find royalty-free stock photos from its collection of more than three million images with new and enhanced features to its revolutionary Web site. Fast becoming the go-to creative resource for designers, BrightQube continues to anticipate its customers’ needs for every project and budget by offering a range of helpful navigation options to quickly pinpoint and purchase stock photos faster than ever before.
Each of the new Web site features, including updates to the home page’s appearance, new search tips and additional options for navigation, was created to help simplify the process of buying stock photography. Buyers can now use their mouse, arrow keys or a navigational grid to move and filter their findings and to zoom in or to pan out from their search results. New “Tool Tips” provide brief explanations of ways customers can find photos and scan them rapidly, and a redesigned and simplified home page supplies a clean workspace for customers.
“BrightQube’s mission is to provide image buyers with the most straightforward and inspirational venue to review and compare thousands of stock images all at once, both easily and intuitively. We are always listening to our customers and continuously optimizing our Web site to ensure our service is useful and fast and that buyers feel an emotional connection with their purchase,” said Lee Corkran, president and CEO of BrightQube. “Our Dynamic Mosaic ensures beautiful images will appear on a single page of search results, in the online digital equivalent of a light table, a common industry viewing tool used by photographers and image buyers for years.”
Many of the new features further innovate BrightQube’s unique patent-pending Dynamic Mosaic technology, which quickly delivers thousands of images in one interactive, photo landscape. Built on Adobe’s ActionScript 3.0, the powerful programming engine beneath Flash, the Dynamic Mosaic is a spry rich Internet application that searches in seconds across BrightQube’s vast photo database, pulling from dozens of unique worldwide collections such as Eyecandy, Juice Images and Ojo Images, select imagery from Corbis, Getty Images including Stockbyte and Digital Vision, Jupiter Images’ Bananastock, Comstock and Thinkstock, as well as microstock provider Dreamstime.
BrightQube’s ever-increasing library of more than three million royalty-free images brings together more than 40 premium commercial photography brands and professional stock from individual photographers from around the world. BrightQube’s breadth of images encompasses advertising and corporate photography and illustrations focused on a wide range of subjects including wildlife and nature, family, business, lifestyle, travel and landscape imagery.
About BrightQube
BrightQube brings together more than three million royalty-free stock photos to allow image buyers to find the right image for every need, design and budget. BrightQube’s unique, patent-pending Dynamic Mosaic™ interface enables customers to efficiently review stock photography at a rate hundreds of times faster than on other sites. Its ever-increasing collection includes royalty-free images from more than 40 premium photography brands, along with high-quality, low-cost microstock and images from individual photographers from around the world. A privately held company, BrightQube was founded in 2007 and is based in San Diego, California. More information is available at www.BrightQube.com.