Mon - May 12, 2008

Do You Shoot Microstock Cliché ?



Certain photos are a right of passage into the microstock market. You know them. They pop up everywhere and everyone seems to have one or two in their portfolio. They are microstock cliché.
Lee Torrens is writing about microstock cliché in his recent article in Microstock Diaries. He gives several examples:
  • isolated apple (cliché of clichés)
  • isolated laptop (the very obvious thing to start shooting )
  • a person with laptop (people are selling better - add a person)
  • businessmen shaking hands (two right hands and two suits)
  • customer service with a smile (a job obviously dominated by beautiful young ladies)
  • thumbs up
  • jumping goldfish (very busy with that activity)
  • young plant in tender hands

Do I shoot microstock cliché? Of course, I am browsing through files of other photographers to see their bestsellers and to look for inspiration. However, it doesn't seem that I directly copied any popular shots. I am sure that I don't have a jumping goldfish, shaking hands or customer service girl. Here is what I found in my portfolio that may be somewhat inspired by these popular themes.

two apples I have only one apple shot in my microstock portfolio. It is not the isolated apple. And, perhaps, it is not really a stock material, but it was sold a few times on Shutterstock.
laptop charging The only laptop or computer in my portfolio. More often, I am using my old HP scientific calculator as a prop.
after paddling workout - Boyd Lake, Colorado Thumbs up! After looking very hard I found them in this self portrait with a kayak shot after one of my paddling workouts in March.

I hope to shoot better versions of this picture in a nicer weather and location. And, a better looking model would be good... Anybody? This kayak is only 30lb!

new life - young lettuce on tablespoon Finally, my version of a "new life" picture featuring a lettuce from our garden and an old measuring tablespoon which is always present in my table top studio.

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