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I start this thread, because the old forum isn´t searchable any longer. The most important question for anybody who wants to become an Alamy contributor is probably: "How do I pass QC with my first 4 images?" I think, the most common answer to this question is: "Take a camera, which is on Alamy´s positive list and a prime lens, put it on a tripod, and take pictures of a brick wall, a newspaper page, a coin, and your computer screen!" Sure, with this "safe-approach" you will get accepted. But is this really target-aimed? I took a different approach, when I started one year ago. I submitted 4 images, which represent my style of photography, taken with my every-day-lens (Nikkor 18-200mm). I also chose images from which I wasn´t sure, if they will be accepted. It made no sense for me to get accepted with 4 "safe-images", only to find out later, that my regular work is not good enough. Fortunately my test submission passed QC. Here are my first images, and why I chose them: 1. I wasn´t sure, if the face is acceptable sharp: 2. Selective focus on the hands, not face: 3. I wasn´t sure, if the girl´s face is sharp enough: 4. I chose this, because my camera and lens are "Made in Thailand". So, what would you recommend a new contributer? The "safe-approach" or the "realistic-approach"? Colin