Note: This article is about making money online by selling your photographs. The top 10 most essential microstock agencies are analyzed here. Microstock agency are marketplaces for buyers and photographers.
There are now tens of microstock agencies out there and new agencies pop-up quite often, some being closed too like LuckyOliver, which was quite good actually and many contributors loved it. The microstock market is certainly booming right now and will continue to grow, even big names in the traditional stock industry turned their views on microstocks, Getty Images owns now the oldest microstock agency – iStockphoto and is preparing partnership with Flickr, Corbis created SnapVillage, InMagine has it’s microstock clone – 123RF and other alliances and acquisitions will probably follow. There are now in my opinion 4 big players in the microstock market: iStockphoto, Shutterstock, Dreamstime and Fotolia which all have the biggest collections of over three million pictures and have most of the market share. Then there are two agencies that follow the “big four”: 123RF and BigStockPhoto, both in the market for quite long and with a large database of clients and contributors.
I decided I’ll try to compare and analyze these 4 + 2 biggest microstocks today from the contributors point of view and present you with some statistics. Beside these 6 biggest agencies I included another 4 agencies with high potential for the future, but there are of course other few agencies out there that can present some value too. So I might say it’s the list of 10 most essential microstock agencies today! (more…)
The news I got today from Bloomberg is that my home country’s currency, the Moldovan Leu (MDL) is the world’s second best-performing currency. I was a bit surprised, I mean I wasn’t aware it has grown that much to be named world’s second best-performing currency, but it did appreciated a lot in the past few months and I wasn’t very happy about it since my income comes mostly in foreign currencies.
This announcement was made by Michael Ganske, head of emerging-markets research in London at Commerzbank AG. He named it “the undiscovered carry trade” currency and I’ll quote here a few things he mentioned about the Moldovan Leu: “the currency will appreciate a lot as the central bank has a strong commitment to controlling inflation and they want to attract foreigners into the country” … “it offers real opportunities to small portfolios”… “Moldova is a real potential carry-trade market” … “the rates are definitely attractive for investors”. Here is the link to the Bloomberg story on Moldovan Leu’s carry potential. (more…)
Never underestimate the power of people in large groups they say, and I cannot agree more. Large groups can make a difference, and the masses be they right or wrong can be a winning force if pointed into the right direction. You can decide if you want to be part of one of these large groups united for a good cause.
Bloggers are trying to make a difference and bloggers in today’s world mean a lot, maybe not as much as TV or written media yet, but their voice is getting heard more and more. So, the BlogCatalog community of bloggers created a project called Bloggers Unite with the intention to show the whole world how powerful the mankind can be when united in the name of a good cause. Unleash the power of blogging! This time the blogosphere’s task is to help the refugees.
The question is what can you do? How can you contribute and how can you help the refugees?
You’ll have to use your most powerful weapon – information! (more…)
Haven’t you heard of Wordle yet? It’s a little web application that lets you create word clouds out of texts, tags and any documents with words basically. It’s something in between art and tagonomy or folksonomy some might say. One thing’s for sure this little toy is becoming a really popular trend these days and is one of these web 2.0 toys.
This graphical representation is what Wordle generated out of my blog just now! One important feature of Wordle is that it can generate the “arty cloud” from a RSS or Atom feed or according to your del.icio.us tags.
On August 8th, while the Olympic teams were entering the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing at the opening ceremony of the XXIXth Olympic Games, Russian troops were entering Georgia, once a former Soviet Republic, now invaded by Russian Army, claiming they are acting as so called “peace-keepers”, like they always do. I will not write about this war aggression here, it has been said enough already, but if you want to find out what’s behind it all just read this article here: The Pipeline War. The did is certainly not in the spirits of the Olympics and I blame Russia for starting a war during the Olympic Games, when it supposed to be the other way around.
I would like to remind you the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 when Russian tanks invaded the streets of Budapest. After Russians bombed Hungary the national polo teams of Hungary and USSR met in Melbourne for a game which was later called “Blood in the Water match” or “Blood Bath”. The name was coined by the media after Hungarian player Ervin Zador emerged from the pool with blood pouring from under his eye after being punched by a Soviet player. That was a semifinal and Hungary won that game 4:0 taking the revenge in sports (they became Olympic champions back then), while Russians could not show a fair play even in sports. There was also a documentary about that event produced in 2006 by Quentin Tarantino and called “Freedom’s Fury“.
The Georgian Olympic team wanted to withdraw from the Olympics, but they decided to remain at the games and now the national Olympic teams of both countries will meat at the sports matches. The one I’m aware of is this one:
On Wednesday, August 13th at 12:00PM there will be a woman’s beach volleyball match between Georgia and Russia scheduled as part of the 1st round. (more…)
Best wishes to 2008 Beijing Olympic Games! Beijing welcomes you (北京欢迎你) – is the welcoming song for the Olympics that begin today and is sang by various stars from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea.
Composed by Xiao Ke (小柯) & Lyrics by Albert Leung (林夕)
Here is the song’s lyrics in original and the translated version as well as names and lines for every singer:
1. 陈天佳 Chen Tianjia (that’s the girl who sang at the closing ceremony in Athens, remember?) 迎接另一个晨曦 带来全新空气 Greet the first sun rays in the morning and the fresh air that comes with it.
2. 刘欢 Liu Huan (he will perform later today the Olympics theme song at the opening ceremony together with Sarah Brightman) 气息改变情味不变 茶香飘满情谊 The air changes, but the taste of friendship never changes, just like the fragrance of the tea.
3. 那英 Na Ying (is considered as one of the best female singers in Mainland China) 我家大门常打开 开放怀抱等你 The door to our home is always open, we wait for you with open arms
4. 孙燕姿Stephanie Sun (famous Singaporean female singer) 拥抱过就有了默契 你会爱上这里 Embracing one another is to know each other. You will fall in love with this place.
5. 孙悦 Sun Yue 不管远近都是客人 请不用客气 No matter how far you have come, everyone is a guest, please make yourself at home
6. 王力宏 Wang Lee-hom (American-born Chinese singer-songwriter known throughout all Asia) 相约好了再一起 我们欢迎你 We promised to be together again, we welcome you
7. 韩红 Han Hong (she’s a Chinese singer of ethnic Tibetan origin, the one that at 100-day countdown ceremony appeared dressed in an ugly adidas top) 我家种着万年青 开放每段传奇 In our home we plant evergreens, every blossom tells a Chinese story
8. 忨卿健 Emil Chau (Wakin) (one of the best known Chinese singers originated from Hong Kong) 为传统的土壤播种 为你留下回忆 Scatter seeds in our ancient land and take away with you unforgettable memories
9. 梁咏琪 Gigi Leung (Gigi is one of my favorite Chinese singers, she’s also from Hong Kong and is an actress too) 陌生熟悉都是客人 请不用拘礼 Friends and strangers are all welcome guests, please enjoy your stay here
10. 羽泉 Yu Quan (the most successful pop duo on the Chinese mainland) 第几次来没关系 有太多话题 It makes no difference how many times you have visited, we have much to share
11. 成龙 Jackie Chan (there’s no need to introduce Jackie) 北京欢迎你 为你开天辟地 Beijing welcomes you, a brand new world has been created for you
12. 任贤齐 Richie Ren (a popular Taiwanese singer and actor) 流动中的魅力充满着朝气 The intoxicating spirit of sportsmanship fills the air
13.蔡依林 Jolin (Jolin Tsai is one of the most successful and popular singers in the Mandarin music market) 北京欢迎你 在太阳下分享呼吸 Beijing welcomes you, let us breathe the same air under the sun
14. 孙楠 Sun Nan 在黄土地刷新成绩 Break new records across our land
15. 周笔畅 Zhou Bichang (also known as Bibi Chow, a young Chinese star) 我家大门常打开 开怀容纳天地 The door to our home is always open, we open our hearts to heaven and earth
16. 韦唯 Wei Wei (another popular Chinese female singer) 岁月绽放青春笑容 迎接这个日期 The years reflect the joys of youth as we welcome this day
17. 黄晓明 Huang Xiao Ming (Chinese actor) 天大地大都是朋友 请不用客气 We are all friends in this giant world, please make yourself at home
18. 韩庚 Hankyung (known in Korea as 한경, the first foreign artist to break into the Korean music industry) 画意诗情带笑意 只为等待你 Everything is prepared, just waiting for you.
19. 汪峰 Wang Feng 北京欢迎你 像音乐感动你 Beijing welcomes you, we hope the melody touches your heart
20. 莫文蔚 Karen Mok (popular female singer from Hong Kong) 让我们都加油去超越自己 Come on! Let’s exceed our limits.
21. 谭晶 Tan Jing 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness.
22. 陈奕迅 Eason Chan (another popular Hong Kong artist) 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles.
23. 阎维文 Yan Weiwen 北京欢迎你 为你开天辟地 Beijing welcomes you, a brand new world has been created for you
24. 戴玉强 Dai Yuqiang (tenor and one of the leading actors of the Opera House) 流动中的魅力充满着朝气 The intoxicating spirit of sportsmanship fills the air
25. 王霞 李双松 Wang Xia & Li Shuangsong (the band) 北京欢迎你 在太阳下分享呼吸 Beijing welcomes you, let us breathe the same air under the sun
26. 廖昌永 Liao Chan Yong (is one of the best Chinese Singers on the world opera stage today) 在黄土地刷新成绩 Break new records across our land
27. 林依轮 Allen Lin 北京欢迎你 像音乐感动你 Beijing welcomes you, we hope the melody touches your heart
28. 张娜拉 Jang Nara (Popular Korean singer & actress) 让我们都加油去超越自己 Come on! Let’s exceed our limits.
29. 林俊杰 JJ Lam (Singaporean singer) 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness.
30. 阿杜 A-Do (also known as Do Cheng Yi friend with the previous guy, also from Singapore) 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles.
31. 京剧 Beijing Opera Singers 北京欢迎你呀… Beijing welcomes you…
32. 容祖儿 Joey (Joey Yung is a popular singer and actress from Hong Kong) 我家大门常打开 开放怀抱等你 The door to our home is always open, we open our hearts to heaven and earth
33. 李宇春 Li Yuchun / Chris Lee (another fresh Chinese star) 拥抱过就有了默契 你会爱上这里 Embracing one another is to know each other. You will fall in love with this place.
34. 黄大炜 David Huang 不管远近都是客人 请不用客气 No matter how far you have come, everyone is a guest, please make yourself at home
35. 陈坤 Chen Kun 相约好了再一起 我们欢迎你 We promised to be together again, we welcome you
36. 谢霆锋 Nicholas Tse (well-known Hong Kong based singer and actor) 北京欢迎你 为你开天辟地 Beijing welcomes you, a brand new world has been created for you
37. 韩磊 Han Lei (just her voice, she’s not shown) 流动中的魅力充满着朝气 The intoxicating spirit of sportsmanship fills the air
38. 徐若瑄 Vivian (Vivian Hsu is Taiwanese renowned singer, actress, and model) 北京欢迎你 在太阳下分享呼吸 Beijing welcomes you, let us breathe the same air under the sun
39. 费翔 Kris Phillips (just voice, he is a Taiwanese-American pop idol and musical singer) 在黄土地刷新成绩 Break new records across our land
40. 汤灿 Tangchan 我家大门常打开 开怀容纳天地 The door to our home is always open, we open our hearts to heaven and earth
41. 林志玲 张梓琳 Eileen Chiling (Chiling is the Miss World 2007 title holder) 岁月绽放青春笑容 迎接这个日期 The years reflect the joys of youth as we welcome this day
42. 张靓颖 Jane Zhang (the woman with the dolphin voice) 天大地大都是朋友 请不用客气 We are all friends in this giant world, please make yourself at home
43. 许茹芸 伍思凯 Valen Hsu & Sky (Taiwanese) 画意诗情带笑意 只为等待你 Everything is prepared, just waiting for you.
44. 杨坤 范玮琪 Yang Kun & Fan Fan 北京欢迎你 像音乐感动你 Beijing welcomes you, we hope the melody touches your heart
45. 游鸿明 周晓欧 Chris Yu & Zhou Xiao Ou 让我们都加油去超越自己 Come on! Let’s exceed our limits.
46. 沙宝亮 满文军 Sha Baoliang & Man Wen Jun 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness.
47. 金海心 何润东 Hannah & Peter Ho (but Hannah is not shown, Peter is American-born Chinese actor) 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles.
48. 飞儿 庞龙 Pang Long from F.I.R. (popular Taiwanese trio band) 北京欢迎你 为你开天辟地 Beijing welcomes you, a brand new world has been created for you
49. 吴克群 齐峰 Wu Kequn & Qi Feng 流动中的魅力充满着朝气 The intoxicating spirit of sportsmanship fills the air
50. 5566 胡彦斌 Anson Hu (5566 is a famous Taiwanese boy band) 北京欢迎你 在太阳下分享呼吸 Beijing welcomes you, let us breathe the same air under the sun
51. 郑希怡 刀郎 Yumiko Cheng, Dao Lang (chinese voice with a Japanese name) 在黄土地刷新成绩 Break new records across our land
52. 纪敏佳 屠洪刚 吴彤 Ji Minjia, Tu Honggang & Wu Tong 北京欢迎你 像音乐感动你 Beijing welcomes you, we hope the melody touches your heart
53. 郭容 刘耕宏 腾格尔 Guo Rong, Liu Geng Hong & Teng Ge Er 让我们都加油去超越自己 Come on! Let’s exceed our limits.
54. 金莎 苏醒 韦嘉 Kitty Land Kym, Allen Su & Wei Jia 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness.
55. 付丽珊 黄征 房祖名 Fu Lishan, Shawn, Jaycee Chan (Jaycee is Jackie Chan’s son) 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles.
56. Various artists singing together 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness. 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles. 北京欢迎你 有梦想谁都了不起 Beijing welcomes you, if you dream you can achieve greatness. 有勇气就会有奇迹 Where there is courage there can be miracles.
It’s for the first time when instead of the usual one character for the Olympic mascot we’ve got a bunch of them. It seems that the Chinese want to impress with everything at these Olympic Games and they designed 5 cute characters to represent the 2008 Olympics. The designer of the 2008 Olympic mascots is a famous Chinese artist – Han Meilin who done a great job, but was really unsatisfied by the control from the authorities and their requests of how the mascots should look and what should represent, he even had two heart attacks while designing them. Recently Han Meilin offered an interview, you can check this article on WSJ about what he had to say and other facts about Fuwa’s. Basically Fuwa’s (福娃), literally mean “good luck dolls” and were sometimes referred to as friendlies. Actually they thought of calling them friendlies first, but then it was decided it can be easily misinterpreted.
I’ve seen the fuwa’s so many times already, in print, souvenirs, on TV, art-crafts – you name it. But I start liking them when I saw the mascots at the National Olympic Stadium, live sort of speaking. The costumes the young kids are wearing are awesome, the characters looks amazing and when you see them bouncing joyfully there’s no way you not gonna like it. Wait till the opening ceremony in two days and I’m sure the whole world will love these characters. I know there was enough criticism about the “good luck dolls”, and the locals made enough jokes already, the latest one even calling them “Wuwa” (witch dolls), but the bottom line is the mascots are really lovely.
I wrote a review about the Olympic Stadium in Beijing some time ago and noticed that people also find this article when looking for the Beijing Olympic Stadium plan or trying to get a look at the Olympic Stadium seats. Since there’s no actual plan of the stadium presented in my previous review and there were just pictures of the VIP seats I decided to write another article and show you what you’re looking for.
These are the seats from Herzog & de Meuron’s iconic creation in Beijing, red and white colored with respectively white and red big numbers written in the upper right corner of every seat. There are significantly more red chairs on the first level and the white seats appear to be placed aleatory. There are more white seats on the second floor, but still red is the dominant color. And the third level is composed of mostly white chairs already. The seats are very comfortable made of some kind of plastic polymer and every seats has a hole underneath, I’ll let you imagine yourself what is it for!
The Olympic Stadium has three levels or floors as you probably noticed with the biggest one being first two and the third being a smaller addition. There are 12 public entrances to the stadium each marked with a letter (from A to M). The stadium has large public spaces inside and it is very easy to get anywhere you want. There are also aisles numbers assigned for each entrance letter, from 101 to 156 on first floor and 201 to 256 respectively. The seat numbers are easy to spot and another thing that I liked is that when getting to your aisle you will not have to wonder which side to take as both sides will be your aisle, but divided into two by seat numbers (e.g.: till 10 and after 10). No need to worry if you get lost, there are volunteer assistants willing to help at every aisle, so just ask.
Now, you probably heard that you can make money on-line by simply selling your pictures. Sounds easy, right? I’ve been asked a few times about how do I make money from my photographs, so that is supposed to be simple and concise reply to that question.
First of all, there are several ways to sell your pictures over the internet, depending on your level and on what do you have to offer. Once you begin selling the pictures you’ll understand better what’s needed by your agency and how you can earn more. For start let’s explain what is stock photography, what’s microstock and how is it different from traditional stock photography.
Stock photography is basically a collection of photographs on various subjects that can be used many times, so instead of hiring a photographer for a specific job or assignment, customers who need pictures just browse the stock collection and select the image they need, thus saving time and money. Traditional stock is what big publishing houses, advertising agencies, newspapers and magazines use. Microstock is what comes handy for small design studio’s, bloggers and everyone who just cannot afford to pay big money for a photograph. The main difference is of course the price you pay for a photograph and the license type. I’ll write a separate article on license types, but just so you know RF (stands for Royaltee-Free) and is what’s used for microstock and traditional stock uses both RM (Rights Managed) or L (Licensed) and RF. An RF image sold through microstock can cost somewhere between 0,20-5,00 USD and the same image sold on RF license through a traditional agency will cost at least 50 USD.(more…)
