Hi guys,

I am currently off work with a severe dose of the cramps, which I got last night swimming (the first time in a year ). All in all I seem to be having a rough time with my body at the mo, but such is life.

In the mean time I am going to prune about 100 images which fall below my expectations from the site, so if you want to have them please download them within the next few days as they will be gone by Sunday.

In the mean time hope you all have a great weekend,

Hugs,

Rachel


Rules For Using My Stock....

1 - Give me credit in your description please, a link to the original or just to my page would be great.

2 ~ Not for use outside DA, unless i give permission first, note me and ask.

3 ~ Let me know either by comment on or or note when you use my stock, I like to SEE what I've been used in.

4 ~ PRINT USE.
Please be aware that you MUST note me first for permision before using any of my stock as a print (i almost always say yes anyway but its nice to be asked) And you must also send me a COPY of the print, it doesnt have to be big, infact the smallest one would be fine. Remember, your going to be making money using it so its the least you can do, seems as i offer my stock for FREE. I may waiver this rule if you note me first.

5 ~ None of this stock may be used for racist, homophobic, or ultra-macbre images. I don't mind horror, gothic, or even slash works, but please notify me before using my work if you feel that it would breach this condition.

7 ~ Any work created for On The Tin Publishing is exempt from all rules except rule 3.

6 ~ Most importantly of all - have fun! This stock has been posted for you all to use it freely, so please keep to the spirit of this.

My main art account -

Photographers: Rachel and Joanne

Model's: Rachel

Tools: Photoshop CS2, Cannon A40



Rachel's rules for budding stock artists:

1) First and foremost - will an artist want to use this stock?
There is no point in spending 10 hours shooting some wonderful images if no-one is going to use this. The best way to guage if the stock is going to be useful is to have a quick look at other stockists sites. If in doubt post it anyway, but only post a small selection to guage the reaction to that stock series.

2) Has it been done to death?
This one is slightly controversial as there are many things (such as skies and fire) that you will have your own take on. Of course take a picture of bonfires, lakes, trees etc, but bare in mind the first rule - if there is a lot of stock for that area already, will anyone use or notice your stock?

3) DO NOT POST POOR QUALITY IMAGES!!!
This is a major bugbear of mine - I love stock, I use stock, I make stock - but I really hate it when people spend time and energy (and occasionally money) to make stock, only to post a bad image. This again relates to the first rule - no-one is going to use your stock if it is badly shot, editted, or poorly framed.

4) Specialise
This is a bit rich coming from me as I have a huge gallery full of all sorts, but honestly if you are starting out it is better to be known for great images in one area, than okay images in all areas.

5) Use a good camera
This is a tricky one - a good camera costs money (my camera cost £175, Jo's £150), but it is worth it. I use my own stock in my own art, and I am very picky over what stock I use - a good camera enables me to get the shot I want when I want it. A good camera will also elevate a good shot into a fantastic shot (with practice).

6) Practice, practice, practice
And practice again. Take 100's of pictures of absolutely everything - and see what sticks. At first it is okay to break rules 1,2,and 4 until you get the hang of things, but with practice you will be able to see what works, and what doesn't. I have taken over 12,000 images this year, and only posted 1,000 - that's about 1 in 12 of my total portfolio. I try and take pictures everyday in order to get the best images at the right time.

7) If you are using a model feel the passion
This is hard to do - the best trick is to do some warm up pictures first, and get the model enthused for the shoot. Whenever I model I always try to be as dynamic as possible, and the by-product of this is stock that looks alive and passionate.

8) Watch other stockists
Add stock artists you like to your watch list - they will help you learn and develop, as well as give you a better understanding of what other artists are after.

9) Have fun
This is an important element of stock photography - if you don't enjoy it the pictures will show your mood. If you don't feel like taking any pictures then don't.

10) Prune
Finally... prune your gallery every so often. I am guilty of not doing this, though I do like the little four figure number by the number of images in my gallery on the front page. Pruning helps weed out the older stock which isn't being used, or you feel is of a poorer quality than you other stock. It also helps artists navigate through your gallery faster.


Well I hope these help, and if you have any comments please note me, or leave a comment.

My personal favourite stock artists: