Picture needs

Picture needs - social issues

James Allsworth — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:10:00 GMT

The key to making images of social issues commercially viable, aside from shooting creatively, is obtaining model releases to have available for the client. Without releases, any images depicting difficult social issues will likely be deemed unsuitable for sensitive usages. Having releases should therefore be a priority for you.

'Social issues' is a fairly broad term but some subjects that fit within it would be:

Homelessness
Domestic abuse
Street violence
Drug abuse
Alcoholism, binge drinking, under-age drinking
Teen issues including sex and relationships
Stress
Financial trouble, unemployment
Crime
Protests
Poverty
Loneliness
Discrimination in the work place
Racism
Immigration
Healthcare for the disabled

The list is not exhaustive but should give you a good general idea - remember, releases here are the key in addition to shooting creatively to depict a concept or message.

Recent picture requests from customers

Alamy Content Team — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:41:00 GMT

© Christina KOur picture research team are busier than ever finding the right images for creative briefs given to us from customers. Here are a selection of hot topics that you should be out shooting and submitting!

Images of scenes (e.g roads and cities) with or without people that can be used as a backdrop either in stills or moving internet pages are popular at the moment. On the roads and city scenes clients often ask for backdrops to be used online, in computer games, or to drop other objects (like cars etc) onto in ad campaigns. With this in mind, go for a good range of urban roads at various angles, flanked with corporate/business architecture with plenty of empty space to drop people/cars into. The same goes for pavements/sidewalks in city scenes. We're sometimes specifically asked for empty pavements in Brooklyn NY, Greenwich village and trendy areas of London. We also need commercial, high rise, office block-esque architecture (that is preferably generic or property released) at different angles along roads.

We're often asked for objects/elements that can be comped into existing shots - this means there is a need for objects at a wide range of angles. Specific example objects include (and often clients need the whole of the item in shot, preferably as cut outs so they're easy to cut and paste):

Different clothing on hangers and lying/folded, sweaters, jackets lying/draped (could be comped onto a bed), different angles
Picture frames with paintings in, hanging on a wall
Photo frames with family photos in (model released)

As for people pics - there's often a demand for full length people shots that can be dropped into other images. Older people, fashionable bods, etc - specifically:

There's always a demand for trendy, stylish friends (model-released) enjoying themselves in a natural non-cheesy way, London style, slightly quirky, out at bars, etc
Mixed ethnicity - 2 kids holding hands shot from behind
Also we're often asked for same ethnicity (not white) - quite a few requests of just Hispanic and Latino people in various scenarios (family, chatting, portraits, etc) for American clients
We're always looking for great (model released) business shots - none cheesy, natural, portraits. Interacting, more colour - i.e. business people interacting with bright coloured wall behind, or colourful folder, accessories, to add colour and vibrance to shots. Avoid too much grey/neutral! Clients are often asking for real life, non-posed biz pics in a range of ethnicities. They still need to be well-lit and well produced though of course
Specific requests in for vintage (1950's, 40s style) pics of boys, playing, sports. Vintage black and white, retro shots of women having fun, girls
Kids playing sport, adults playing sport...kids sports day (model released)

Finally, we know you don't really want to think about it yet but we always need great Christmas imagery/great snow shots! Puppies/kittens etc shot in a nice, light, clean, bright, style are required for cards and calendar markets.

Happy shooting!

The Olympics Are Coming! - Picture Needs

Alex Bortkiewicz - Director of Photography — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:36:00 GMT

© ITAR-TASS Photo AgencyWe hope that there will be an impetus and enthusiasm for contributors to photograph contemporary images in the lead up to the Summer Olympics in 2012. We expect a significant increase in demand for sports related images and events on Alamy. So with this in mind here are some suggestions as to what to shoot, or submit if you have relevant images in your archive – not all sports are listed here but generally we are looking for contemporary fresh approaches covering range of sports, or archive images from Olympics past.

The following is a snapshot of requests for Summer Olympic related subjects in the past year;

Olympics running barefoot
Olympic runners
Olympics shot put
Olympics sailing
Olympics track
Olympics wrestling
Olympics swimming
Olympics athlete
Olympics and woman

SPORTS - generally including Summer Olympic sports, these reflect ones we have had significant requests for and also could do with a strong contemporary refresh!

Basketball
Baseball
Boxing
Equestrian - more dramatic angles
Football
Gymnastics
Judo particular kids and teenagers
Rowing
Running / jogging - different locations park, country, urban, into / along the sea
Swimming (plus water polo)
Synchronised swimming - we have good material of this but it is conceptual with the idea of synchronicity and visually abstract so good subject to do more versions
Tennis
Triathlon
Wrestling
Contemporary versions of leisure sports and keeping fit

GENERAL;

Generic trophies / cups / lifting
Team colours / fans / flags /
Indoor / outdoor / Olympics / big events
Grass roots / fame fortune / contrast between two
Coaching / training / fitness Equipment
Referees / officials / blowing whistles
Scoreboards Generic teams / red vs blue

CLOSE-UP - action and detail shots;

Catching / throwing / hitting / feet running / starting blocks / track lines / tackling

THEMES - background;

Olympics - Convergence of different cultures and nationalities and unifying aspects of competitive and non competitive sport
Since the advent of Twitter, Facebook, social networking in general there has never been such an ability for large groups to connect quickly and aggregate people for an 'event' - the idea of groups of people participating in some kind of healthy activity together
The dramatic rise in people exercising; to combat stress and train to participate in charity events for example marathons, other than for health reasons to save money as in cycling
Major sports events generally stimulate the taking up of sports so with the Olympics in London there is likely to be a national surge in sporting activities

CONCEPTS;

'Reality' sports - 'look at me (or with friends) keeping fit' type images shot with a snap shot aesthetic similar to Facebook or social network style.
'Every day' images of people doing sports and keeping fit including training, leisure, competitive - real people with less perfect exercise gear and with a snap shot aesthetic rather than very slick production
'Iconic' moments - important and dramatic moments in sports shot in a contemporary way - more of the clichés but they still sell
Speed
Balance
Impact
Brotherhood in sports / weekend warriors
Winners / losers

EMOTIONS / MOODS;

Euphoria
Pertinacity
Disappointment
Exhaustion
Jubilant / happy
Winning / losing

Winter / Snow

Alexandra Bortkiewicz + Picture Research team — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:38:00 GMT

© Vadim Ponomarenko Alamy picture research have created an impromptu picture needs in response to the arctic like weather that has been prevalent in the UK for the past week. Our Winter/snow picture needs focus on the potential of picture postcard scenes and thrill/fun factor, the snow brings, as well as the more negative aspects. The picturesque scenes are often used for calendars, greeting cards and postcards. Images will also be used editorially to illustrate climate change and effects of inclement weather as well as for science textbooks and publications.

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

Snowy/Icy scenes

Beautiful gardens: Twinkling, Blanketed, Untouched, Footprints.
Cities in the snow: Landmarks, Skyline, River side, Parks, Lanterns.
Wildlife: Birds and local wildlife, Native, Habitat.
Traditional features: Red Post or Telephone boxes, Wreaths.
People: Children on sledges, Ice skating on frozen ponds/lakes.
Details: Foliage, Berries, Park benches, Ironwork, Icicles, Sparkling, Frosty leaves.

Example images depicting "snowy/ icy Scenes".

Concepts

Clothing: Knitwear, Hats, Wellington boots, Gloves, Home-made.
Quirky: Snow angels, Santa, Winter wear, Snowmen, Looking out window.
Fun: Children playing, Unusual people having snowball fights.
Business: Commuting, Traffic issues, Icy pathways, Closed schools.
Environment: Snow melting, Global warming, Pollution.
Coming in from the cold: Log fires, Hot chocolate, Rustic food, Steaming mugs.

Example images depicting "snowy / icy concepts"

New Year

Alexandra Bortkiewicz + Picture Research team — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:39:00 GMT

© fStopThis month’s picture needs covers situations related to the New Year and coinciding with availability of props and timing of actual celebrations. As with Christmas requests we recommend contributors to look at current home and décor magazines like Country Homes, Ideal Homes and Fashion magazines (for UK and US markets), to see the contemporary styles that are popular and which will be somewhat dictated by trends in interior design. The trick is to get a good balance between a stylish, contemporary feel but generic enough to extend the shelf life of the images for as long as possible. Though there has been in past years in the UK, a move away from the traditional celebrations and more individuality in the way this event is celebrated.

Also another factor to consider is because of the current global economic climate, celebrations are likely to be more subdued so this could have an influence on New Year requests for 2010 and future New Years. There has been a trend in magazines to illustrate making DIY decorations and a return to crafts, also creative ways to save costs for entertaining but not skimp on style and bringing out resourcefulness and creativity in people when times are hard.

We have clients buying images from Alamy from around the globe so be sure to benefit from the cultural diversity of celebrations in a particular region or country that you are based in for the local market. Cut-outs continue to be very popular with customers and particular gaps include contemporary lifestyle images of model released families or friends (of all ages) celebrating the New Year.

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

Celebrate

Parties: Friends, Groups, Gatherings, Family, Socialize.
Destinations: Times Square NYC, Sydney Harbour Australia, Trafalgar Square London.
Events: Crystal Ball-NYC, Fireworks-Brandenburg Gate, Copacabana-Brazil, London Eye.
Corporate: Tours, Trips, Venue Hire, Expeditions, Cruises.
Joint Celebration: Births, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Proposals, Engagements.

Example images depicting "New Year - Celebrate".

Culture

Community: Dance, Performance, Music, Auld Lang Syne.
Religion: Beliefs, Rituals, Ceremonies, Customs, Gifts.
Traditions: Fireworks, Displays, Parades, Countdown Midnight, Toast.
International: Chinese New Year, Tamil New Year, Islamic New Year.
Cuisine: Appetizers, Snack Foods, Traditional Dishes, Deserts, Cakes.

Example images depicting New Year - Culture.

Concept/Other

Festivities: Preparations, Street Parties, Nightclubs, Bars, Pubs.
Decorative: Rooms, Objects, Details, Arrangements, Discarded.
Announcements: Signalling, Communicate, Midnight, Televised Broadcasts.
New Years Eve: Variations, Hogmanay, Silvester, Réveillon, Omisoka.
New Years Day: Social, Sporting, Charity - Events, Games, Performers.

Example images New Year - Concept/Other.

Sport

Alexandra Bortkiewicz — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:27:00 GMT

© Image Source BlackOur latest issue of picture needs covers the area of Sport and related themes. Sport has been entering for some time into a new dynamic phase where it has galvanised a global, enthralled audience with passion and commitment. This subject is very popular with image buyers as images will work on many levels and often on a conceptual one. Trends in sports include the growing visibility of iconic sports women and the success of younger competitors in major events like the Olympics, as well as new sports being introduced, some of which are indicated in the list below.

We are interested in both competitive sport, sports' events and set-up situations. In set-up sports it is essential to have a signed model release available, to maximise the potential for these images to sell in both editorial and commercial markets.

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

Personalities

Athletes: Portraits, Attire, Preparation, Training, Competing.
Officials: Portraits, Pose, Uniform, Gesture, Gender.
Staff: Vendor, Marshall, Security, Assistant, Referees.
Media: Reporting, Interviewing, Commentating, Sports Pundit.
Spectators: Crowd, Fanatics, Supporters, Groups, Family.

Example images depicting sports personalities.

Traditional

Professional: Physique, Competitive, Sportsmanship, Team Mates, Opponents.
Recreation: Hobby, Fitness, Activities, Compete, Winners & Losers.
Heritage: China-Table Tennis, Spain-Bull Fighting, Scotland-Highland Games.
Events: Athletics, Matches, Tournaments, Championships, Racing.
Celebrate: Teams, Individuals, Ceremonies, Speeches, Podium.

Example images depicting traditional sports.

Contemporary

Emerging Talent: Females, Teenagers, Children, Nations
Culture: Practitioners, Interacting, Community, Federations, Weekend Warriors.
Urban: Parkour (freerunning), Base Jumping, Free Climbing, Urbex (urban exploration).
Adrenaline: Sandboarding, Dirtboarding, Zorbing, Luge, Storm Chasing.
Extreme Tourism: Jungles, Mountains, Deserts, Caves, Waterfalls.

Example images contemporary sports.

Industry

Alexandra Bortkiewicz — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:50:00 GMT

© H. Mark Weidman PhotographyFor this issue of picture needs we are looking at the subject of Industry and industrial themes. With economical, political and social changes in the world combined with globalisation, more countries are experiencing tremendous growth and development to compete industry wise in the global market place. There is a lively demand for these kind of images covering topics like development in progress, overall modernisation, and impact on the environment.

As well as the negative aspects on the environment we are also very interested in images that reflect environmentally friendly processes and actions that established industrial centres as well as the new emerging ones are adopting.

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

Modernisation

Technology: robotics, mechanical, automated, software, computers.
Businesses: market sectors, commercial, new industry, location.
Economical: globalization, pollution, carbon footprint, emissions.
Development: new builds, lost habitat, scale, growth, sustainability.
Architecture: factories, warehouses, work-plants, head-quarters.
Example images depicting Industry modernisation.

Portraiture

Environment: indoor, outdoor, weather, seasons, atmosphere.
Workforce: specialists, tradesman, manual labour, blue collar.
Job Role: production line, machine operator, senior management.
Presentation: authenticity, signs of work, grease, oil, dirt.
Continuity: emotions, expressions, consistency, same group/individual.
Example images depicting Industry People and Portraiture.

Concepts

Equipment: tools, kit, machinery, face mask.
Uniform: protection, health and safety, hats, gloves.
Production: resources, processes, procedures, rural, urban.
Market Sector: manufacturers, location, national, global.
Transport: cargo, freight, shipping, hauliers, docks.
Example conceptual industry images.

Christmas

Alexandra Bortkiewicz — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:10:00 GMT

© MIXA Co. LtdThis month’s issue covers situations related to the Christmas season and coinciding with availability of props and seasonal considerations. We recommend contributors to look at current home and décor magazines like Country Homes, Ideal Homes and Fashion magazines to see the contemporary styles that are de rigueur but enduring and latest interpretations of Christmas.

There is far more diversity in styles and trend for more individual celebrations of Christmas though the traditional look continues to be in demand. The vast majority of Christmas requests come from gift card, calendar and poster companies so composition is paramount when photographing these scenes. Cut-outs continue to be very popular with customers and particular gaps include contemporary lifestyle images of model releaed families or friends celebrating Christmas. Many Christmas themed images are usually sourced by buyers during the late Summer and early Autumn months so look to expect to see the fruits of your Christmas themed labour around this time!

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

House and home

Lifestyle: family, together, indoor-outdoor, interacting, culture.
Food & drink: seasonal, celebration, cooking, dining, sweets and treats.
Decorations: traditional, classical, contemporary and kitsch.
Presents: giving, receiving, discarded wrapping paper and gifts.
Traditional: christmas tree, fireplace, centre piece, table setting, wreaths and garland.
Example images of Christmas around the house and home.

Outdoors

Rural: landscape, villages, community, homes and churches.
Urban: buildings, architecture, snow covered objects and ice sculptures.
Weather: snow, frost, magic hour, people and warm clothing.
Wildlife: woodland, gardens, parks, flowers, animals and pets.
People: playing, walking, socializing and communicating.
Example images of Christmas outdoors.

Commercial

Retail: shops, displays, shopping malls, markets, and lighting.
Events: ice skating, rides, santa’s grotto, christmas lights and switch on.
Humour: groups, individuals, parties, fancy dress, animals and environment.
Location: villages, streets, cities, society, consumers and culture.
Travel: holiday season, destinations, tours, rides, couples and family.
Example Christmas themed commercial images.

Progression

Alexandra Bortkiewicz — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:56:00 GMT

© PhotodiscFor this issue of picture needs we are looking at series and single frames of images covering various subject categories, which are devised in a sequence or as a developing situation. This is in response to receiving more requests of this nature from image buyers which are likely to increase in the future.

The images are generally relevant to both the editorial and commercial markets with the latter using these type of images in a metaphorical way, for example, reflecting the idea of 'growth' and 'fruition' in a company or brand. Much of the ideas hinge on recording detail in sequence or as it is developing, but it is important to document distinctive stages rather then incremental ones, otherwise they could be perceived as too similar.

Movement

Sequence imagery that represent movement or development in one frame (as with time lapse photography) or a series of images that represent movement or development via a singular set of frames.

Movement Categories – These need to show how humans and animals operate and interact within the world and how that environment continues to flourish regardless.

People

Sport – Crashes, Jumping, flying, scoring, starting/finishing.
Lifestyle – Body Art/Piercing, Gardening, Cooking, Makeovers.
Communicating – Copying, Signing, Caring, Cultural.
Gesture – Position, Group, Individual, Socializing, Hobbies.
Routine – Habits, Hygiene, Cleaning, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.

Nature

Cycles – Moon, Tides, Weather, Seasons.
Growth – Horticulture, Maintaining, Occupying, Cultivating, Species.
Climate – Locations, Change, Deforestation, Clearings, Effects, Eco-System.
Reflexes – Opening, Gripping, Climbing, Shrinking, Expanding.
Farming– Sowing, Creating, Harvesting, Replenishing.

Animals

Wildlife – Breaching, Carrying, Building, Learning to fly, Jumping.
Pets – Catching, Training, Obeying, Playing.
Survival – Breeding, Hunting, Feeding, Collecting, Food-Chain.
Habitat – Community, Conservation, Population, Hierarchy.
Defences – Protecting, Deterring, Predator, Prey.

Examples

Development

These need to show how humans, animals and nature arrive, develop and evolve in the world. Here we have included an ideas section which can incorporate anything from educational to conceptual themes.

People

Life – Birth, Age, Retirement, Environment.
Relationships – Education, Professional, Social, Gender.
Learning – Observing, Practical, Tuition, Exams.
Communicating – Copying, Signing, Workplace.
Workplace – School, Industry, Office.

Nature

Cycles – Blooming, Decaying, Turning, Blossoming, Seasons.
Trees – Planting, Cutting, Maturing, Seed to Sapling.
Wildlife – Development, Hatching, Evolving, Metamorphosis.
Activity – Gathering, Distributing, Providing, Sharing.
Partnership – Species, Symbiotic, Documenting, Monitoring

Ideas

Still life – Numbers, Abstract, Flowers, People.
Travel – Globalization, Transport, Journeys, Culture.
Sealife - Aerobatics, Habitat, Observation, Species.
Architecture – Construction, Environment, Eco-friendly.
Industry – Mechanical, Technology, Office, People.

Examples

Science and research

Alexandra Bortkiewicz — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 10:37:00 GMT

The focus is on creating images that are iconic of this field as well as addressing current specialist topics like DNA, nanotechnology, genetics etc. To keep abreast of new areas of research or development it’s worth subscribing to magazines like New Scientist and Scientific American.
Stylistically it’s recommended to aim for simple graphic compositions, no distracting elements, with a futuristic feel which can work on different levels and for different markets.
Authenticity is paramount, particularly for editorial markets, ensuring all procedures are correctly conducted using state of the art equipment with the focus on a “high tec” feel.

There is more advice on shooting different subject matter in Photographer tips.

Processes from A-Z

Washing hands: Techniques, soaping, rinsing and drying.
Sample taking: Blood syringed, tongue swab or hair sample.
Result analysis: Microscope, x-ray, litmus paper or charts.
Modern research: Gene, cells, virus’, DNA, cloning, IVF.
Still life: Syringe and metal plates, needle/swab against skin, Petri dishes, test-tubes, conical and other glass containers.
Real Life: Overview of laboratory and scientists working in environment, looking over the shoulder of scientists examining test results. Macro shots of bacteria and cells.
Example images of science processes

Protection and prevention

Protective clothing: Wearing, washing, disposing and storage.
Health and safety procedures: signs, bins and unobstructed areas.
Cleaning and disposal: Special disposal bags for needles and chemicals.
Double checks: Observation, comparison and confirmation.
Still Life: Line of white coats, gloved hands in sterile box, hazard warning signs.
Real Life: Scientist carefully putting on protective clothing such as gloves, goggles and caps.
Technicians: Putting lids on bins and cleaners washing and drying floors.
Scientists: Carefully passing specimens to each other and double checking each others results.
Example images of protection and prevention

Storage and preservation

Sample storing and labelling: Organisation and accuracy of storage / labelling.
Sample transportation: Packing and moving trolleys, trays or containers.
Computer data: Use of computers in labs for data input and info.
Lids, preservatives and dark rooms: Liquids, air tight containers and use of infrared.
Still Life: Liquid in containers, syringes filled with blood.
Unusual views: Inside freezer and unusual angles in sterile areas.
Real Life: Gloved hands taking specimen out of freezer, lab technician carefully moving containers to safe place. Lab technician putting away or looking for files.
Example images of storage and preservation

Student scientists

Reference books: Hands flicking, pointing and underlining.
Aim for accuracy: Comparing notes, counting and concentrating.
Presentations: White board with student pointing and talking.
Teaching and instructing: Teachers/students questioning and demonstrating.
Still Life: Molecular structure, Bunsen burners, glass rods, shelves of reference books.
Real Life: Lab technicians examining data on a light box, reflection in student’s goggles of Bunsen burner flame. Students helping each other put on masks.
Example images of studying science