Craig Yates Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 It's a no from me. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and find it really fiddly to take pictures with and if you were key-wording on top of that well more fiddling around.(re-arrange the technology a little and i might get interested). I am looking instead at a carry round camera either Fuji X100S OR the X PRO1. I favour the latter at the moment with the interchangeable lenses and a free lens deal that Fuji are currently doing. The initial excitement from Stockimo will fade away and we will be back to talking about falling prices, QC , in the sin bin, the grey beard gang and the Saturday morning club to name but a few. Or maybe a whole new raft of subjects, "all my Stockimo images are getting rejected, it should have scored a 4 and someone only gave it 1". " i have just sold my first Stockimo image for 9 dollars how will that pay for the investment on my Iphone" Regards Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Gaffen Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Research tells me that there is little difference in quality between the images taken with a 5S series iPhone, compared to the 4S series. The camera specs are near identical. The images on the 5S looks better because of the improved display saturation etc., but, compared side by side, there is little to choose between them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Gaffen Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 After borrowing my daughter-in-law's IPhone 4S, I can't believe I am seriously considering buying one, to take images on. How can you take serious photographs with a thin, ergonomically-challenged, small rectangular device which does not even have a strap and does not fit comfortably into ones hands. Cameras, over the years, have been designed to be a certain shape for very good reasons. So I for one am out, as they say on Dragon's Den! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Rooney Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks for the info, MDM. Oddly, for non-Stockimo reasons, I need to buy myself a new cell phone. But I'm not thinking of getting involved with Stockimo (and I'm not involved in News Images, either). It's not that I think either of these outlets are a bad idea for all Alamy shooters or for the agency itself . . . they are just not for me at this point in my life. I remember long ago when I owned and used three film systems: a 4x5" view, some 6x6 cameras, and my 35mm Nikons and LeicaM's. The work I was getting evolved so that 35mm became the only sensible choice. Now, in the 21st century, while I'm still active in stock, I'll stay with my Sony RX10 and my Sony NEX gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mitchell Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 If some decent Stockimo sales start being reported on the forum, I might consider getting a used iPhone. Right now, I'm maintaining a holding pattern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Bell Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 iPhones are not known to be very robust, I have dropped my Android phone a number of times. It bounces but no damage. No it does not have a cover of any kind, not even rubber. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broad Norfolk Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 No. I can't imagine turning up for a job or commission or the like with an iPhone. Even for stock this, to me, compromises quality - just my opinion. Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Crean Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 No. Silly price, better quality cameras cost less Also, just spent some hard earned dosh on a 100mm macro so nothing spare for a while. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedSnapper Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Really? such negativity here...it's not a question of DSLR *or* iPhone...no one is suggesting abandoning 'traditional' high end resources...just adding another way of image making... if you can't see the emotional appeal of this sort of imagery then its probably the case that you could never make that sort of work anyway km Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mitchell Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Really? such negativity here...it's not a question of DSLR *or* iPhone...no one is suggesting abandoning 'traditional' high end resources...just adding another way of image making... if you can't see the emotional appeal of this sort of imagery then its probably the case that you could never make that sort of work anyway km Hmmm... I don't see a lot of negativity expressed in this thread, just a certain amount of caution. After Novel Use and the UK newspaper scheme, some of us would rather wait to see where Stockimo is headed revenue-wise. This seems a legitimate concern to me given that finding the cash for new equipment (i.e. an iPhone) is not always easy these days. For those who already have an iPhone and enjoy using it for photography, I guess submitting to Stockimo is a no-brainer. Why not? Might as well give it a try. As far as seeing the appeal and emotional impact of this type of imagery goes, I don't think most people here would have any trouble in that regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin P Wilson Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 I agree the quality is not what you would get from a "proper" camera but then people like Sarah Moon have had a very successful multi-decade career with what many would regard as low quality (too much grain, lack of shaprness) using serious cameras. It is all about the effect needed to get the response that is desired - not everyone will get it or like it; that's art for you. And to answer the original question: No I will not be buying an iPhone anytime soon but I will be practicing with my 5 month old Galaxy S4 Android phone ready for when the Android App becomes available or there is an alternative way of uploading to Stockimo. Quite comfortable with the idea of submitting opportunistic pics that I would not get with a proper camera (which I will be keeping) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Coombs Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Well, yeah, I actually collected an iPhone 5s yesterday. Reason? I'm somewhat bored with what I am doing, having done it for so long, despite a degree of success. I don't intend to depart from "conventional" stock photography anytime soon. I took a long, hard look at the material on Stockimo and decided that it offered an interesting departure, and something that I would like to try. Could be a fad, could fall flat on its ass, don't know. Needed a new phone anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Clemson Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 There's no chance of me investing in an iPhone to take Stockimo pictures. I'd rather get a better lens for my Canon 60D. I really can't see that the images I've seen submitted so far have a genuine unique selling point, there are plenty of similar images already on microstock and I just can't imagine any significant return on investment from this work. If you've already got an iPhone, then, fine, go for it as all you've got to lose is a bit of time and effort (assuming the Stockimo ingestion doesn't adversely affect the main collection). Not me though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustydingo Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Why, as some seem to be suggesting, do you have to have an iPhone to take certain types of photos? I like some of the images I've seen in the Stockimo collection, and I submit similarly "non-conventional" stuff to another place that pretty well deals only in that sort of stuff, but I don't take it with an iPhone. In fact, what I take it with is totally irelevant. It does seem some are saying that by using an iPhone your work will become more creative, more cutting-edge . . . balderdash imo . . . imo . . . hang on . . . StockIMO . . . hmmmm???? dd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broad Norfolk Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Why, as some seem to be suggesting, do you have to have an iPhone to take certain types of photos? I like some of the images I've seen in the Stockimo collection, and I submit similarly "non-conventional" stuff to another place that pretty well deals only in that sort of stuff, but I don't take it with an iPhone. In fact, what I take it with is totally irelevant. It does seem some are saying that by using an iPhone your work will become more creative, more cutting-edge . . . balderdash imo . . . imo . . . hang on . . . StockIMO . . . hmmmm???? dd dd, that's pretty much me too, and my 60 years of experience in photography is not going to change the way I do things by acquiring an iPhone. But good luck to those giving it a go - it is after all yet another way of making an image. Ouch - I've just realised I've given my age away! Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gervais Montacute Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 One thing always worth remembering about Apple Corps. They change things ALL the time. Far too quickly imo. You get an iPhone now just to take pictures because seemingly it 'seems like the right thing to do' that's great. But remember, in about 10 minutes time Apple will bring out 3 more models of the iPhone with more MPs etc. The big worry I would have for contributors that take fairly run of the mill subjects (I include myself), is that an iPhone will do that too. Maybe not as good quality, but it will do the same thing and I'm not sure that buyers will care, if it's cheaper through Stockimo. I hardly sell any images as it is anyway so don't really care too much. I won't be contributing to Stockimo, but good luck all and sundry that do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDM Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Why, as some seem to be suggesting, do you have to have an iPhone to take certain types of photos? I like some of the images I've seen in the Stockimo collection, and I submit similarly "non-conventional" stuff to another place that pretty well deals only in that sort of stuff, but I don't take it with an iPhone. In fact, what I take it with is totally irelevant. It does seem some are saying that by using an iPhone your work will become more creative, more cutting-edge . . . balderdash imo . . . imo . . . hang on . . . StockIMO . . . hmmmm???? dd It seems to me that the idea is not to worry too much about the technical side - pretty much the opposite to normal Alamy stock which has basic technical quality as the only real criterion. So anybody with a phone (not necessarily an iPhone as long as you have access to a device that runs the app) that takes pictures can contribute. And this may or may not free up your right brain to be creeeative. Like it or not it's happening. I don't think I'm going to contribute too many images to Stockimo but it is very quick and easy compared to my normal process so maybe I will upload a few if I'm in the mood. No worries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin P Wilson Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Alamy may not be so much looking for existing contributors to be more creative but to tap into new contributors who do not come with the mindset or baggage of experienced photographers. The "creativity" then comes from a new viewpoint uninhibited by technical issues or expectations of what photography is about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariaJ Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Sounds a bit like Nikon and Canon too! There have been two upgrades of my camera since I bought it less than 2 years ago. One thing always worth remembering about Apple Corps. They change things ALL the time. Far too quickly imo. You get an iPhone now just to take pictures because seemingly it 'seems like the right thing to do' that's great. But remember, in about 10 minutes time Apple will bring out 3 more models of the iPhone with more MPs etc. I do plan to get an iPhone. I've been meaning to get a smart phone for ages, my old 2006 cell phone is literally falling apart. All my other tech stuff is Apple so I was leaning towards an iPhone anyways. Just haven't yet decided on the model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Thompson Images Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 ...contributors who do not come with the mindset or baggage of experienced photographers. The "creativity" then comes from a new viewpoint uninhibited by technical issues or expectations of what photography is about. At last - the definitive answer! - couldn't have put it better myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Alamy may not be so much looking for existing contributors to be more creative but to tap into new contributors who do not come with the mindset or baggage of experienced photographers. The "creativity" then comes from a new viewpoint uninhibited by technical issues or expectations of what photography is about. Very well put! Even a glance through this forum shows the (over-) emphasis on technical topics, and very little interest for content (the reason why buyers license images in the first place!). If the iPhone helps to renew the paradigm, then power to it! However, I'm sure the technologists will show up sooner or later, chasing technology developments, and feeling inadequate when the next version of iPhone is released! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustydingo Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Alamy may not be so much looking for existing contributors to be more creative but to tap into new contributors who do not come with the mindset or baggage of experienced photographers. The "creativity" then comes from a new viewpoint uninhibited by technical issues or expectations of what photography is about. Very well put! Even a glance through this forum shows the (over-) emphasis on technical topics, and very little interest for content (the reason why buyers license images in the first place!). If the iPhone helps to renew the paradigm, then power to it! However, I'm sure the technologists will show up sooner or later, chasing technology developments, and feeling inadequate when the next version of iPhone is released! If that's the thinking behind this more recent initiative (I forget the name of the last one . . . it disappeared in a puff of logic/reality I think), then I feel it's no more than meaningless spin. I, and many others I know, have absolutely no problem with the technical side of things. It's second nature, we're photographers for a deity's sake, we've been using these tools for long enough to be their master, not vice versa. Some never have the slightest problem with QC, all we have to worry about is what we're shooting, not how and with what. To use the tiny percentage of contributors who post currently in the forum to determine the degree of interest for content is statistically weak . . . remember, the vast majority of contributors are not active in the forum, so to hint that current contributors aren't interested or capable enough to be creative, based on what you see in the forum, is perhaps a liberty. But even if you ignore the insignificant size of the sample (the forum) and try to read more relevance into it, it still comes up short . . . for example, the reason I and others I have contact with talk little about creativity and its application to photography is that we don't really need to discuss it, especially in an open forum with what in the wash-up are commercial competitors . . . and the reason I (and some others) don't submit my more "creative" work here is because a), as many have pointed out, the categorising of an image as "creative" here follows rules most of us can't fathom, and B ) the returns for such are exponentially better elsewhere--as many know, there are agencies that specialise in cutting edge creativity, and more importantly, feed a hungry market. I do not know if this is relevant to the contributor mass in gereral, but it's just as valid to assume so as to assume not. Then to think that accepting images taken from iPhones is going to make the collection ooze with outstandingly creative work is post-event spin, imo. If it were not, then the equipment you used to capture it wouldn't be the definiing parameter, the image woud be.However, while two identical images are presented for QC, and one is taken on an iPhone and the content is passed and it's accepted, and the other is taken on a DSLR and the content is identical to that taken on the iPhone, but the DSLR image fails because it's slightly noisy, the image has become secondary to the tool used to take it. That is what mystifies many, and that is what has not been and is not being addressed by talk of the tool determining the creative content of the image. dd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Lawrence Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Buy an iPhone ? Not on your Nellie. I suppose they are okay for ' happy snappers', of which Alamy, has thousands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mitchell Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Why, as some seem to be suggesting, do you have to have an iPhone to take certain types of photos? I like some of the images I've seen in the Stockimo collection, and I submit similarly "non-conventional" stuff to another place that pretty well deals only in that sort of stuff, but I don't take it with an iPhone. In fact, what I take it with is totally irelevant. It does seem some are saying that by using an iPhone your work will become more creative, more cutting-edge . . . balderdash imo . . . imo . . . hang on . . . StockIMO . . . hmmmm???? dd dd, that's pretty much me too, and my 60 years of experience in photography is not going to change the way I do things by acquiring an iPhone. But good luck to those giving it a go - it is after all yet another way of making an image. Ouch - I've just realised I've given my age away! Jim. How about a "creative images" upload option on Alamy that would allow us to submit iPhone-like images (i.e. similar subject matter) taken with our existing "real" cameras. Like the Stockimo images, they would be judged for emotional impact and creativity rather than on purely technical matters. That is what I would like to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morrison Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Buy an iPhone ? Not on your Nellie. I suppose they are okay for ' happy snappers', of which Alamy, has thousands. Why the sneering, Brian? I'm a snapper for sure, and happiness can be elusive. But I understand the fashion for a different, less formal kind of photography, and the 'snapshot' aesthetic. These pictures may here here today, gone tomorrow; it looks like they could date as fast as mullet haircuts. I don't know. But I'd planned to get an iPhone soon, and I will now have a valid reason to use its camera. Maybe free myself up to new ideas. My qualms about this new Alamy direction have more to do with having two very different means of acceptance/rejection for contributors' pix, and the fact that all the pix seem to be ending up in the same collection. So most of the Alamy pix will have passed QC, suggesting they've passed a technical benchmark. And now they're being joined by pix which are being hand-picked on aesthetic grounds alone. Sounds rather confusing to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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