Q. Do photobuyers really use the Web when looking for pictures?
A. They sure do! In our frequent contact with photobuyers and
photo editors across the country, more and more are turning to the
Internet to help satisfy their photo needs.
Q. Can PhotoSource International help me connect with these
surfing photobuyers?
A. Yes! Our PhotoSourceBank allows member photographers to use up
to 1,500 words to describe their stock images such as missionary
church in Tanzania or cheronbyl. When photobuyers visit
www.photosource.com/search, they can
enter highly specific keywords. Then the search engine whips through
our database of over 6,200 photographers, resulting in a list of all
photographers with photos matching the search criteria.
Q. Photobuyers just get a list of names?
A. Initially, yes, but there's more. Each name is also a hyperlink
to that photographer s personal page on the PSI Web site. A swift
click of the mouse and the photographer s contact information
(including address, phone, FAX, Email, and Web site if they have
one) and their textual photo descriptions are shown. Names with an
asterisk (*) indicate PhotoSourceFolio subscribers, where
photographers can display up to 6 sample images. For
PhotoSourceFolio members, there is a special image hyperlinked to
the PSFolio page.
Q. What is PhotoSourceFolio?
A. That s the image showcase part of PhotoSourceBank. Here,
participating photographers can have 6 images displayed. This allows
the prospective photobuyer to see firsthand your unique vision,
technique, and expertise, and to get a feel for your work in
general. It also can avoid the delays in sending samples and/or
sell sheets to the photobuyer.
Q. How do I get on PhotoSourceBank?
A. To check if you re already listed (we automatically upgraded all former PhotoDataBank
members), go to www.photosource.com/search www.photosource.com/search and enter
your name as the search criteria (you may want to try a couple different spellings).
If you re not already listed with PhotoSourceBank, go to www.photosource.com/bank.
Getting your descriptions listed is free until July 4th, 1998. Thereafter, a modest
fee of $4.95/month will apply.
Q. How do I get on PhotoSourceFolio?
A. After you re all set up with PhotoSourceBank (we use the same
ID number as PhotoSourceBank), you can then sign up for
PhotoSourceFolio. Go to
www.photosourcefolio.com and complete the on-line form. Tell us how
you d like to send us your images, and choose the payment method you
prefer ($4.95/month). If you re new to PhotoSourceBank (don't yet
have an ID number assigned), it can take a couple of weeks to set
everything up. We will process your PSBank and PSFolio requests
simultaneously if you sign up for both services. If you are an
existing PhotoSourceBank member, your PhotoSourceFolio page can be
up within 24 hours from the time we receive your images.
Q. What is the cost for the 6-pack of photos on my personal
PhotoSourceFolio page?
A. Just $4.95/month via charge card, or $59.40/year via check or
charge card. So, for the complete package, including your
PhotoSourceBank listing (where photobuyers find you) and your
PhotoSourceFolio page (where you show off your talent), the cost is
under $10/month after July 4th less than the cost of an average
lunch out. (Remember that PhotoSourceBank is FREE until July 4th,
1998.)
Q. How do I get my personal Folio page set up?
A. There are many options. Full information can be found online at
www.photosourcefolio.com, or by sending an
Email to info@photosourcefolio.com
(autoresponse mailbox) but here are the basics. You send us your 6
photos (35-mm dupes or prints up to 8 x 12 only, please) and we ll
scan them (free scanning until July 4th, 1998, so hurry!). Or, you
can mail us a 3-1/2 disk containing the digital files, a CD-ROM, or
even have us get them from your own Web site or other Internet
source. It's your choice. We have found that greater success is
usually achieved if we scan the images.
Q. Do you watermark the images?
A. No. Such techniques, especially on the Web, tend to convey a
level of mistrust. We do add a tagline noting that the images are
copyrighted by the photographer and that usage without permission is
not acceptable. If you prepare the digital files yourself and want
to include a copyright notice within the image in an unobtrusive
area, that s fine.
Q. What type of image displays best on the Web?
A. Relatively simple images with uncluttered backgrounds and
bright colors with good contrast work best. For more hints, check
out www.photosourcefolio.com/rightimage.htm.
Q. How often can the images be changed?
A. Any or all of the images may be changed once annually as part
of your basic subscription. More frequent changes will incur a
modest administration fee.
Q. Can I make the changes myself?
A. Perhaps in the future we ll have the ability for photographers
to change their own images. For right now, and to help ensure
uniform quality and consistent format, all images are posted by
PhotoSourceFolio staff.
Q. Must I have Internet access or an Email address to participate?
A. Certainly not! Internet access is not a requirement for
PhotoSourceBank nor PhotoSourceFolio. And you don t need an Email
address (or even a FAX machine). Email does make things easier, and
allows photobuyers to contact you electronically. There are also
alternatives (for PC users) for getting free Email for those who don
t have (or want) Internet access.
