Hi There!

[Vanessa Gaudette]

I am an amature photographer who is just getting started in turning a hobby into a business.  I love taking pictures of what I see as I see them to convey that wonder and connection with the outdoors.  I also wanted to connect with other photographers to learn about photography, not so much the business side yet.  From what I have seen in everyones photo's I must admit I am rather intimidated and in awe of everyone's talent!  Hope to hear from you.

Vanessa

[Steven Love]

Hello Vanessa.
I started out just like you, turning a former hobby into my new business.
I've been doing photography commercially since 2006 and in todays market it is a struggle even for seasoned pros.
All I can say is keep shooting and don't be discouraged by rejections. We all get them from time to time.
Sometimes I have perfectly good photos but get rejected at some sites because the subject I shot was not what the site I was submitting to wanted for their collection.
If you get rejections for technical reasons use the criticism to improve your techniques.

[Vanessa Gaudette]

Thanks Steven! You're right, thick skin is a necessity for this business. I just wish the places that do the rejection would be a little more specific than just "exposure settings" so I know what to correct like too dark, to close to the sun, too much sun, too much glare off snow? Those kinds of things would really be helpful. I understand the market not needing another photo of a juniper tree :) No matter how beautiful I think it is. Ha ha ha.
Vanessa

[Stephen D. Ganus]

Steven,
You're absolutely right...some Stock sites will kick your photo in the gutter almost before you finish submitting.

Vanessa,
Set your feelings aside and let the rejections roll off your back. Submit the same photos rejected from one site to another and WHAMO...they suck them outa your hands. Look around and see what the site has compared to what you shoot..if you shoot as good or better then submit and you should be good to go.

Good luck!!!

[Vanessa Gaudette]

Thanks for the encouragment Stephen!
Vanessa

[Steven Love]

Hello Stephen.
What you said is exactly what I do.
Some sites are super critical and will reject for the slightest flaw while others take everything you send them.
I belong to 12 different stock sites including Kachoozie.
I find Crestock is the worst when it comes to acceptance. I submitted almost 900 photos to them and they took only 105.
A few others, like Kachoozie, are more accepting as long as the technical quality is good.
But all sites do have their limits.
Some will reject a photos for subject matter even if it is technically flawless.
It all depends on what that site's market and client are.

[Terry Runion]

Hey Vanessa, Just keep shooting, keep learning, and don't ever stop improving! Your work is great !

[Terry Runion]

Hello Vanessa,

Welcome and thanks for joining. Like you, we all started in the same position. Of course, we all have what we like the best. Some wedding, others nature, and others people. We all just do the best with our talents. Hope to chat with you more and see you prosper!

Sandra