William Caram

On 05/12/2020 at 14:50, gvallee said:

I'd like an update on how the Australian office is doing and how is the Australian market in general. Thank you.

I agree with some feedback on how the Australian office is performing...I may be wrong but i feel that Alamy's competitors are doing far better in aquiring sales from Australian image users, as i see far more credits for competitors.I would like to feel that Australian image content can reach and sell in the domestic market, and make more inroads to finding buyers locally..but it is great to know that we do have an office here and that we are in the hunt, and thank you for your efforts.

10 minutes ago, Michael Ventura said:

Thanks William! This was taken from a rooftop deck of a hotel.  After I was shooting a bunch photos, I overheard this guy talking to his wife about all the details of this ship that just passed.  So I started talking to them and he showed me a ship spotting phone app that has all kinds of info, such as, where the ship is flagged, what it is carrying, where it is coming from and going to etc...   He said that they live along the New York City port and view ships every day, from their home, and comes from a line dock workers.  

What a great spot to shoot ships...That's good information you got from that couple...I would certainly be back there...I used access the Port of Melbourne shipping, then depending where the ship was docking i could choose my vantage point..good fun ship chasing..but no ships in Ballarat where i now live....

On 19/09/2020 at 22:44, Michael Ventura said:

A Saturday P.U. for the full U.S. price, low $$.  Savannah, Georgia

 

Nice overview shipping shot Michael...reminds me of Port of Melbourne Docklands, where i used to chase many a container ship coming or going from the port...Really enjoyed photographing ships...Shipping shots made me some big sales....sadly not anymore...but i would still photograph them if i was in the Port area.

Here in Australia i too have noticed Canon's prices rising ..I sold a Canon f4-5.6 100 to 400L ii that i had for 5 years....i actually made money on the resale on eBay..I have bought and sold a few lenses recently on Ebay.If you know what the retail cost is and of course what you are prepared to pay then you can buy very well indeed....You need some luck too in an auction that bidders do not push up the true market value of the lens far too close to new price..( i like to buy mint to new condition ) I have done very well in my purchases..

I too was excited by the new Canon R5 and R lenses...but the cost is just silly so i resisted, i invested more into my excellent EF mount lenses and upgraded my  Canon 5D3 to the 5D4...i am more than happy with that approach....😀

On 30/08/2020 at 13:07, Bella said:

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much Bill, I appreciate your feedback. Nice to see another Aussie, I've never been to Ballarat but I guess we have a history of gold mining in common (I'm in Charters Towers).

 

Sorry about all the duplicates everyone, I had a glitch 😵

 

A really nice looking town Charters Towers with lots of old buildings with character Bella ..Yes the gold rushes did wonders for the growth of many towns and cities...I had a look at the town on Google, and and a great Alamy stock shot with your name credited popped up...Anzac Day with soldiers marching in the street.

On 18/07/2020 at 11:49, Bella said:

 

I also average just one sale per month, haven't had one this month yet. I get hardly any zooms, some months I get none, last month no zooms but one sale. I live in hope too haha  

Well done on your sales Bella..For a small but growing quality portfolio, you have good stock subject variety..keep it up, you inspire others.

ATB Bill

On 11/08/2020 at 20:56, sparks said:

Good morning All....

 

A quick question.

 

I have a Canon 5d mk3...which I am considering upgrading to Mk4.

 

I use Lightroom 5.7.1 for raw to tiff to max jpeg for Alamy….

 

If I get the Canon 5d mk4....do I have to up date lightroom software or can I continue to use what I have??

 

Thank you

 

Hope we are all coping with covid...best regards to all

 

Sparks!!

 

Hello Sparks....Did you end up buying the 5D4 camera?...I have used the excellent 5D3 for 3 years and just upgraded to the 5D4....When the weather clears here in Ballarat i will get out and use the new camera...

Regarding camera raw compatibility  with the new camera....I was using an older version of Photoshop for the 5D3....I had to upgrade to the most recent version of Photoshop to convert raw files...The great thing about it is i have a paid Adobe subscription  so i upgraded to the 2020 versions of both Photoshop and Bridge...of course the raw converter was improved and the look of the application was refreshed...so pleased buying the 5D4 made me download the current versions of Photoshop....

Cheers Bill

27 minutes ago, sb photos said:

 

I haven't used my 5x4 Toyo 45a field camera for around 10 -12 years. Other kit, a MF Linhof with movements that uses dark slides and sheet film, and older 5x4 studio camera with a bag bellows hasn't been used for even longer. I do regularly brush the dust off the Toyo's backpack, and cock and fire the shutters in my lenses too. Last trip out with it was to Dungeness on the UK's Dorset coast. I may take it out again sometime. The cost of sheet film appears to have gone up. The last film I had was ready loads, long expired. I still have the Epson scanner that takes 5x4.

You've got some great gear there, good to hear that you still use and look after it..Also had a look online at the Dungeness area...very picturesque indeed

6 minutes ago, sb photos said:

 

I still have my 5x4 kit, and as long as the lens you we're using had sufficient coverage and the bellows were suitable it was great for correcting verticals. 

Yes the 5x4 and 10x8 View cameras make easy work for perspective corrections in architecture, i assisted photographers that had the skills to use them on assignments..I never got to use view cameras but took to the 35mm shift lenses...You certainly have much more control  with a view camera...The photographer i assisted used to use both 5x4 sheet film, but also had the 120mm roll film back so he used to shoot with more film economy shooting catalogues still life shoots..5x4 had superb quality and made detailed enlargements...Do you ever use your 5x4 for personal work nowadays ? 

On 09/08/2020 at 02:01, Michael Ventura said:

Maybe a Nikkor PC lenses since I do shoot some architecture...but not enough to justify the expenses, they are $2,000 to $3,000.   More realistically, a Nikon Z6 or Z7 kit.

Michael the Perspective Control lenses are a great tool for architecture...I know you can correct verticals etc in Photoshop, but the lens does it so much better...When i used to shoot Nikon 35mm film way back, i did manage to to own a Nikkor PC 35mm and a Nikkor PC 28mm.I was then shooting new housing and display homes, and they came in handy for general stock shots when you wanted to place the horizon line higher or lower in the frame..

About 10 years ago i bought a Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt Shift lens and it is still the widest lens of its kind...Being retired i still like to shoot architectural shots for stock and just love what this lens can do...I need to do more with it and i will, but when i've used it for that taller building when you're in close it is the right lens for the job...I nearly sold it twice lol but i can't part with it..Sure i can do most things with a 16 to 35mm, but this lens is magic and i am very lucky to own it...Nikon have the Nikkor PC 19mm...I hope one comes your way one day, you would do great things with it...

10 hours ago, Alamy said:

 

Sorry, but this is not correct.

 

We've just posted the same message on the other thread on this subject, but here it is for those following this one:

 

Sorry for the delay in us stepping in here but we wanted to get the full details of this.

 

The sale in this case had not cleared and never would have - unfortunately we had to write this off as a bad debt given that the company who owed us (William) money went into liquidation.

 

When this happens it does tend to be rare and it is frustrating for all of us involved - we would only do it when we exhaust all avenues to secure the funds.

 

As you can see from this thread, misinformation can spiral out quite quickly regarding the situation surrounding these types of issues - if you have any questions about a refund (cancellation) of a sale you've received then please get in touch with us first so we can explain and look into things for you.

 

Thanks,

 

Alamy

Apologies to Alamy, and all concerned...Thank you Alamy for your explanation.It was remiss of me to make comments on things i do not understand, and yes i should have contacted you in the first place for an explanation... 

Well done Tony on your first sale..At least you can still get the better sale $ here....it does still happen...Welcome to Alamy

21 hours ago, Bill Allsopp said:

My best ever sale upper $$$

 

Country: United Kingdom
Usage: Advertising and promotion
Media: Television (advertising)
Industry sector: Media, design & publishing
Placement: National
Start: 03 August 2020
End: 03 August 2021
TV plus VOD plus Online plus Social & Digital banners; ITV sponsorship idents & digital banners ;1 year, UK only

 

Well done and thank you Alamy!

 

Well done on the Sale Bill....Nice extreme wide angle view....maybe a 16mm or so view..

Thanks for your debate / comments on my $21.52 Refund.....I think i got my money's worth😄...As for backdated refunds..well anything is possible in Alamy Land..It would be better if they looked after the supplier / photographer a little better...

7 minutes ago, Shergar said:

What happens when its for a larger amount ? Im thinking about an image of mine that was sold for $4250. How long can they refund these images before cleared means cleared . I suspect the contract says anytime they like!!!!

It's a BIG WORRY then...Oh boy 😃

39 minutes ago, Vincent Lowe said:

Were these cleared sales?  Had you actually received the dosh?

Yes it was paid back then by my records..

10 minutes ago, losdemas said:

 

Looks like you're not the only one, though - if that's any consolation at all.

 

Thanks for that i've just seen the other members post...I guess it's the way it is..So that's the end of that LOL......Move along Bill you'll get over it.😀

12 hours ago, Rolf Adlercreutz said:

I just had this refund pop up: 

B5RKY9

_70D0690

Rolf Adlercreutz

(29 July 2020)

Rights Managed

Sale refunded - Original sale date (18 October 2016)

$ -21.52

Almost 4 years ago! Must be a new record!

Rolf

 

 

Yeah just had one too from 18/10/2106 for same amount $21.52....Hey so i'm not alone...

Just had a refund for an Editorial use from 18/10/2016...Australian use for $21.52 full Page!   Start18/10/2116 and End 18/10/2021

Refunded 29/10/2020....So what did client have it all that time and only now say they didn't use it?

I can't be bothered contacting Alamy about it!....just shake my head..I have heard of similar  refunds before i guess it is what it is..

19 hours ago, gvallee said:

 

Yes, I fear that Victorians will not leave their State any time soon. Pariahs!!  We are currently in Mataranka waiting for Kakadu to re-open, which it did, but only for day use only, no camping allowed. So it's no good. Now we're waiting for re-opening Phase 2, which should be on the 5th July and will head for bushcamps there. We will also hopefully redo the sunrise cruise at Yellow Waters where this shot was taken. It will be the third time, I never have enough. Take care William, stay healthy and busy.

Thanks Genevieve ATB to you also...had a look at the early morning Yellow Waters cruises online, looks like great fun..i'm sure you will get more great shots..Cheers

On 26/06/2020 at 16:03, gvallee said:

Presentation - $

 

Great shot Genevieve....and nice warm light...you have some good croc shots...I ended up not buying a 500mm, i  bought a Canon f2.8 300mm and added 1.4 and 2x teleconverters giving me 300 / 420 / 600 mm...a bit  more compact and still versatile kit...I have to put it on my bucket list to head way up North / Darwin and get some pics of crocs and other wildlife....But the way things are at the moment down here in Victoria, is that no other States wants us poor Victorians lol

I have been just catching up on processing past Photo Shoots 😀 so has been a very  productive time for me, and i still have more to do which is a good thing..I managed a few good stock shoots before the lockdown and got some good wildlife pics at a regional zoo, so added some more variety to my folio...Birds, Animals, etc...I also balance my retirement time with gold prospecting and managed a nice find so sold the nugget and got myself a fast sharp F2.8 /300mm tele and a couple of converters 1.4 and 2x so effectively giving me a 300mm / 420mm and 600mm..

During our lockdown exercise time walking around Lake Wendouree here in Ballarat, i of course took the 300mm for a spin 😀 and there was plenty of ducks / swamp hens / swans / and other assorted birdlife...( got some nice people shots too of people just exercising and just chilling out beside the lake ) I am very pleased with the results ( shooting wide open at f2.8 and having that extra reach to pull in tight on timid birdlife) and will continue to capture more wildlife etc..I always wanted a fast long tele so have a lot more subject matter to tackle in future with it...

Like many of us here i am just looking forward to better times...so we have to just do the best we can, and enjoy our photographic opportunities  when we can... 

Keep shooting / snapping / clicking / making pics that sell....

17 hours ago, Allan Bell said:

 

CRAP!

 

Views 532 for the month. Normally averaging about 870 per month.

Zooms 0  for the month. Normally averaging about 5 per month.

Sales  0  for the month.  Normally averaging about 1 per month.

 

I honestly believe that the April poor figures are due to not being able to get images onto Alamy due to them being held in the  QC queue longer the usual in the usual for a one star contributor. Previously QC time would normally be about 5 days per upload. I have had one upload in QC for the whole of April and another now behind it for another week.

Referring back to James Allsworth's posts about longer than usual QC times it is obvious to me that if my images are not going on regular sale then the buyers loose sight of my port due to my CTR dropping to ZERO plus the lack of a sale each month.

 

Allan

 

Alan, that's not a good situation for you...OK a lot has been said about CTR...there are a lot of factors in play....Regular sales and interest in your folio is a good thing for CTR...so like you said  maybe you have to be more consistent with uploading new images ( and hopefully they attract some sales ) but getting your star rating up does help as you do get through QC...faster..So making sure that you uploads are not running into QC fails is important too, so your star rating will improve...

I myself while not selling huge amounts, but getting my few sales a month ( and i am now working on better future sales..relative to image subject diversity / increasing numbers / saleability / )  

My uploads sail through QC quickly as i have 3 stars rating, and try to be regularly uploading new material...There are many here who can surely comment and advise on this better than i can...I just hope you can turn things around for yourself  Alan..

Cheers Bill

6 hours ago, losdemas said:

I'm afraid that this is the best that I can offer right now, but it feels somewhat positive for me.  My uploads for this month are now at 200+.  Now I know that that is chicken-feed and a bog-standard monthly effort for many here (there are those who would do that in a day, every day - I'm thinking in particular of someone who used to post here v regularly for a few years!). But for me this is major - it's my highest monthly upload ever.  🤯 I am well aware that this in no way equates to selling more here (even relative to my own paltry efforts), and I don't just throw everything to the wall to see what sticks, but I'm pretty rubbish at being brave enough to be selective to sell!  I believe (and hope!) that most of my predominately editorial (that's what I've found sells for me here) uploads this month will prove effective a few months down the line.  If they do, then they'll be getting 50% at least.

Still a good effort there....we can only do what's relative to us...but the more pics in the lottery, gives us more chance of a return stating the obvious...I have been catching up on a backlog of images myself....It gives us something to do in these troubled times...It's still positive, you have to appreciate what opportunities we individually have. 

On 21/04/2020 at 21:33, BobD said:

I have never had the opportunity to post in this thread before but my first 3 figure sale for 3 years dropped in this morning.

 

Well done Bob....gives you a lift when a better sale drops in.....