Shoot This!

Announcing StockShop's 3rd Contributor Contest!

Contest #3 Challenge

Photo + Graphy = Writing with Light

Outstanding images that stick in your mind usually have one thing in common - beautiful light. Your assignment (should you accept it) is to submit up to ten images that exemplify this premise. 

Images must include at least one person. As we have mentioned before, there is a definite need in the marketplace for people in the GenX age group - mid 30s to late 40s.

Entries must be uploaded to the StockShop FTP by Wednesday March 31st, 2010 at noon.

If you haven't entered a contest yet, don't miss out on the rest! It's still possible to enter 3 contests and become eligible for the $500 grand prize!

Read the complete Rules and Guidelines

Direct any questions to melanie.wilbur@stockshop.com

StockShop's "Shoot This!" Contest #2 results

The results are in! We've successfully wrapped up our second "Shoot This!" contributor contest and we're ecstatic about all the lovely images everyone sent in.  The prize winners are:

First Place - Corbin Gurkin ($100 gift card)

Second Place - Stephen Zeller ($50 gift card)

Third Place - Brian Catacutan ($25 gift card)

Interested in licensing one of these images? Visit us at www.stockshop.com or shoot us an email at info@stockshop.com

Are you a StockShop contributor? We'll be announcing the third challenge soon so be sure to check back for details!  If you haven't won yet, maybe the 3rd time's the charm!  If you haven't entered yet, don't let another opportunity slip by. We think our togs are the best and want to show off your work!

Interested in becoming a contributor?  Get the details here.

Announcing our next contest challenge!

Contest #2 Theme: LOVE

"Love is [not] just a four-letter word." In fact, according to an article in Sunday's New York Times "For Marketers, Love Is in the Air." The article's author, Andrew Adam Newman points out that lately the allure of LOVE is being used to sell everything from cars and phones to shoes and eye glasses.  So this month we're challenging you to capture some of the LOVE all around you & send it our way!  This time around we're also asking you to focus on adults and seniors in your imagery.  As usual, avoid featuring any brands or logos in your images and make sure to include model releases. 

Entries must be uploaded to the StockShop FTP by Friday January 22, 2010 at noon.

Read the complete Rules and Guidelines

Direct any questions to melanie.wilbur@stockshop.com

Shoot This! Contest #1 Winners

Thanks to all the talented photographers that entered our first contest! We were thrilled to receive all of your entries. The prize winners are:

First Place - Thia Konig ($100 gift card)

Second Place - Brian Catacutan ($50 gift card)

 

Third Place - Tie between Flo McCall & Nicki Pardo ($25 gift cards)

If you missed out on the first contest, make it your New Year's resolution to enter the rest! It's still possible to enter 3 contests and become eligible for the $500 grand prize! We've reduced the submission minimum from 20 to 10 images. There is no maximum so increase your odds by sending more!

Contest #2 Challenge: LOVE

"Love is [not] just a four-letter word." In fact, according to an article in Sunday's New York Times "For Marketers, Love Is in the Air." The article's author, Andrew Adam Newman points out that lately the allure of LOVE is being used to sell everything from cars and phones to shoes and eye glasses.  So this month we're challenging you to capture some of the LOVE all around you & send it our way!  This time around we're also asking you to focus on adults and seniors in your imagery.  As usual, avoid featuring any brands or logos in your images and make sure to include model releases. 

Entries must be uploaded to the StockShop FTP by Friday January 22, 2010 at noon.

Read the complete Rules and Guidelines

Direct any questions to melanie.wilbur@stockshop.com 

New StockShop contest for Photographers!

Introducing: Shoot This! monthly contests

Enter for a chance to win Apple and B&H gift cards and get your photos seen by industry professionals!!

(That's right, advertising agency creatives will judge the entries.)

Must be a StockShop Contributing Photographer to enter.
Not one? Click here for information on how to apply!

The Basics
Once a month through March 2010, StockShop will present a different concept for participants to capture with their camera. Gift Cards will be awarded to First ($100), Second ($50) and Third ($25) place winners (choice of B&H Photo or Apple).

Participants that enter at least three of the five Shoot This! monthly contests will become eligible to enter the GRAND FINALE Challenge for which the prize is a $500 gift card!!

Submitted images must be MODEL and PROPERTY RELEASED and will also be automatically considered for inclusion in the StockShop stock photo library. A minimum of 20 images is required per entry.

November Challenge
Togetherness. Capture the spirit of the season, the reuniting of relatives, the travel, the preparation and dinners, the shared activities across generations as well as the quiet moments. But don't let these suggestions limit you, draw from your own family traditions for inspiration, get creative and have fun! Images do not need to be holiday themed.

Entries must be uploaded to the StockShop FTP by Monday December 14th, 2009 at noon.

Read the complete Rules and Guidelines

Direct any questions to melanie.wilbur@stockshop.com We wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing your images!

Sincerely,
The StockShop Team

Carrie Villines featured in Art Voices Magazine

Finding Her Difficult Balance The Portraits of Carrie Villines

by: Arin Black | posted: Apr 2, 2009

Photographer Gary Winogrand has described picture taking as “a two-way act of respect. Respect for the medium, by letting it do what it does best, describe. And respect for the subject, by describing it as it is.”

In creating her art, 35-year-old photographer Carrie Villines understands that relating the subject “as it is” can be a difficult balancing act of both letting in and leaving out. She also understands that, as one who constructs the parameters of the frame, she holds a lot of power. That’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.

Read the entire article at artvoicesmagazine.com

Travel Photographers - Enter The Great Outdoors contest

What to shoot? Visions of Spring!

Got an itch to shoot some stock but not sure what? 

We'd love to see some Spring images!  Everything from baby animals and blooming buds to Easter Bunnies would make us jump for joy!  Think vivid color, sunshine, and new beginnings and you'll be off to a great start.

If you're not already a StockShop contributor, check out the Contributor Resources links on the right to learn more about becoming one.

Do it with style!

When shooting for stock, don't forget about wardrobe styling.  Every rule has an exception but, generally we suggest color coordinating between models and/or with the environment.  Go with solids or choose patterns wisely as they can sometimes be distracting.  Clothing should compliment the models not upstage them.  

Take the time to ensure clothing is wrinkle free and fits properly.  Try to make choices that are timeless and will not quickly feel dated.  Always avoid or remove logos. 

Consider working within a color palette like all soft pastels or go bold with solid primary colors. 

    

Monochromatic choices like mostly neutral tones or varying shades of a particular color like red also make for dynamic images.

Taking the time to select the right clothing for your models can really make the difference in giving your images a commercially appealing style that sets them apart!

Color me green

Make them green with envy.  How to capture the concept of "green"