Mr Standfast

I like the idea of encouraging the kids to do something which will provide them with something which generates an income, but as you imply, Ian the effort/reward ratio isn't going to appeal. Not sure it will improve soon either. Better off pushing them towards an extra exam, basic carpentry or an organic allotment, but thats just my POV. Any way who listens to their parents? First camera melted on the Parcel Shelf of Dad's Austin 1100, yes he did say don't leave it there. So this Grandad is saying g'night!

Ouch! Some days it's not worth picking the locks and sneaking over the wall... I've let the side down, sorry chaps.

Thanks EMU fixed it.

Hello John, First of all nice pictures! As for captions, well the definitive answer will have to come from the Live News desk, but since April I've been writing the Date as 14th September as have most of the contributors I've looked at. If your pictures went live and you didn't get an auto email saying "not what our customers want" you are fine. My understanding is that the caption format follows a strict protocol as it is effectively populating a form. The 14 vs 14th thing might be a tweak to improve visibility to USA desks. I bet an email to live news gets a reply today. We'll have to say hello one day! James

Can't teach an old dog new tricks but what if the old dog wants to learn new tricks?

My thinking for the "sold to america thread", rather than search out something, have it in the back of your mind so you don't walk past it. I am though always happier wondering with a camera an capturing whatever serendipity provides. Those presentations and newsletters don't get illustrated on their own you know!

A little bit of spin on the question. Maybe keep the same subjects but as an exercise, how about pictures in the style of... Pick someone who's work you like or maybe don't like and try to incorporate an aspect of that in some pictures. Cheers

The Alamy answer is : https://www.alamy.com/contributor/how-to-sell-images/understanding-stock-image-licensing/?section=6

James, you said "at least it gives our employees a giggle watching me", so I put "Giggling Farm Workers" into the search, only two results. I'm not suggesting you or anyone should start tickling their employees just that if I thought of "Giggling Farm Workers" a picture buyer might as well. Heed the sound advice of having a carefully curated portfolio, but don't put up too many barriers. Oh and keep posting 'cos then we all have a look at your pictures!

Hello Aaron, You ask, "But what should I mostly focus on to get buys?". It's not a bad question, it's a question we are all asking, the problem is how to provide an answer for a competitor which helps but dosn't give away your own golden goose. Fortunetly there are lots of contributors to this forum who believe being helpfull improves the ALAMY colection and improves all of out chances of making a sale. The "Have you found any images in ..." and "Images sold in ..." threads are very usefull. The challenge is in evaluating how those success apply to your own style and location. I'm told the USA office is doing well so good luck. Stick around Aaron, you get people involved but you take on board what people say. Thats been in short supply recently.

The decision rests with the buyer.

Oh ok!

Typo, I think he meant Butlers.

Interesting question. For pictures which IMO will end up in the background with a lot of PR text in the foreground, I think I'd make sure the predominant colour was in the keywords. I'd like to test this but measures has, err um, popped out of office for a moment.

As this hopefully closes, let's not forget QC, who did their job, politely defended their position and then maintained a dignified silence. Thanks chaps.