Sports Fans Stock Image Series

When developing ideas for my stock image series, I will normally get a trigger from some event or something I’ve seen, and then I will sit down with my idea notebook.  I’ll write down the idea, maybe pencil in a few models to play the parts for the event, and then brainstorm for a while on what would best illustrate the series, as well as any more off-the-wall or conceptual shots that may play to different buyer types – advertisers, bloggers, etc.

iStockphoto adds Live Chat Support

Sometime back in 2010, iStockphoto made an announcement that they were adding live chat support – the kind of thing that a simple click pops up a box with a helpful customer service person to talk to, to solve your issues, or just to keep you company ( ).  Apparently, there were some issues with the implementation, or the staffing, or whatever, so the icon disappeared, only to resurface yesterday in this thread:

iStockphoto Large Sizes on Sale

An administrator’s forum post today announced there will be a 20% discount on larger sizes of stock imagery on iStockphoto for two weeks:

Starting next week we’re going to run a short sale on our largest images. We’re sending an email out to our clients letting them know that XL, XXL and XXXL files in all collections are 20% off from May 24 to June 6.

Keep an eye out for some markings on the image details page to alert you to the modified prices.

“High School Student” Series Added

Last summer, I created a pretty extensive series for my iStockphoto portfolio featuring High School Students and a teacher in a clean classroom setting.  There were also images of this multi-ethnic group isolated on white.  Several weeks ago, I revisited this theme, going for a look not as bright and “stocky” as the previous series.  I secured a location – a real private high school, and gathered the models together.  We had 6 students and 3 teachers – originally there would be 9 students, but we had some last minute issues (always good to overbook ).  Still, it turned out very well.  The Caucasian, Hispanic and African-American models did a set in the atrium/hallway area, and then we did a set in one of the classrooms.  These images would be great for illustrating back-to-school, or education issues or even technology in the schools.  Take a look & thanks for buying!

“Pink Walk” In Action

A fellow iStock’er sent me the following scan of one of my “Breast Cancer Walk” images in action.  This is a great use, and just the kind of thing I imagine (or at least hope) these kind of images will get used for.

iStock News This Week

All’s been quiet on the iStockphoto front lately, as far as buyers are concerned.  Thus, not to much to report on to you.  There are a couple of new things that surfaced yesterday, though.

Cinco De Mayo!

If you want to hit the pinata, stay away from the Margaritas on Cinco de Mayo …