This week’s free image asks, “What’s in the jar?”

Posted on April 22, 2013 by BrianM

This may be my favorite kind of free image. One that is open to interpretation. Take a look at the items in these jars, for instance. Sure, the title states that they’re ‘colored pills’ … but, at first, I thought it was candy. Or sea glass. Or colored stones. Regardless of interpretation, the image is free this week. Download it here.

This free photo comes to us from contributor Batareykin, from a collection that includes cars, caviar, and can-can girls. It’s a wild and wonderful collection.

For more images like this one, check out all of our pill jar photos.
Happy Downloading!

One Free Image. Tulips.

Posted on April 15, 2013 by BrianM

This week’s free image is nothing but blue sky. And tulips. Beautiful tulips. Our free photo gives you plenty of time to blend these flowers into any seasonal greeting you may have in mind. (Hint: Mother’s Day is right around the corner.)

This week’s free image is the work of contributor Hapelena. Hapelena’s other amazing photos include sunsets, snakes, and smoky quartz. Something for everyone!

For more images like this, check out our entire collection of tulip photos.

Happy Downloading!

Contributor’s Corner: Workflow Tips for Bigstock Contributors

Posted on April 11, 2013 by BrianM

Business Process image ©PBS

In our previous two posts in Contributor’s Corner, we explained The Hows & Whys of Metadata and Making a Metadata List. This week, in an effort to help contributors use our interface in the most efficient way, we will wrap up our metadata series with a brief workflow and tips on Uploading and Submitting content, and where metadata falls in this process. We will explain certain features and the importance of establishing a routine in order to make your experience as seamless as possible!

Prepare To Upload Images
To present content with the best quality and provide accessibility for all customers, it is best to upload photographs in the JPG format and illustrations as JPG or EPS files. Please be sure to use the RGB color profile (not CMYK) when submitting images.

The Minimum file size is 800 pixels across on the longest side, but we prefer images that are at least 2500 pixels across.
The Maximum file size an image can be is 25 MB.

Please Note: There is no limit of images you can upload to your Bigstock account, however, the amount you are able to submit for review at one time will be based on your Approval Rating – the more images that are Approved, the more you are able to submit. Your content will first be reviewed and viewed at 100% to insure technical quality. If the quality is acceptable, we will then consider the commercial viability based on subject matter, the accuracy and relevance of the metadata, and the overall appropriateness for the Bigstock collection.

Upload image ©Micha Klootwijk

Upload Images
Without leaving the Bigstock site, you can use the Browser tool to select images from your computer or drive and upload 10 at a time using the simple form under the ‘Upload via Browser’ tab. No additional software is required and the file type will automatically be recognized. If you have a large amount of files to upload or the files are large, you can utilize the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) tool using your choice of FTP software by clicking the ‘Upload via FTP’ tab. After your files have been uploaded, using either the Browser or FTP, they will appear in your ‘Edit and Submit’ area, to continue with the submission process.

Upload Releases … before you enter metadata!
This is where you upload your Model and Property releases before you fill in the metadata for images you have uploaded.

The ‘Release Name’ should follow industry best practice, and be titled with the model’s name or the property identifier and date of shoot (Example for models: Janet Johnson_01012013; Examples for property: JohnsonHouse_01012013). Select either Model or Property from the drop-down menu, and then choose the file from your computer to upload.

Please Note: Model/Property releases are legal documents – be sure to provide all contact information and signatures as required. It is preferred that the document you upload is a scanned PDF file, but a neat, clear, well-lit photograph will be acceptable. Details pertaining to your releases are for use by Bigstock and for your own reference – other users will not see this data.

Brush Stroke image ©landio

Enter The Metadata
Once your images have successfully been uploaded, they will appear in the ‘Edit & submit’ area. This is where you will enter the metadata.

Check Approval Status
Every image you have uploaded to Bigstock will be listed here where you can review the current status by sorting the View through the drop down menu:
All Images, Approved, Declined, Pending Your Edit, or Awaiting Approval/Review

You can also modify the metadata for images that have been Approved or that are still Pending Your Edit easily from this area.

If your image does not get approved, don’t despair. Review the Decline Reason(s) provided on your images to gain a better understanding of our expectations. You can search for similar images that have been approved on Bigstock so that you can see the type of content that will get approved.

Global Collage image ©coyote

Points to Keep In Mind
Present a great portfolio of work by contributing only your best content. Your imagery should have high technical quality, commercial viability for different types of customers and industries, and the metadata you enter should make it easy for a customer to find your image.

Familiarize yourself with the most popular content in our collection. Check out our Categories to see where the images you like to create fall under. Be inspired by other contributors but do not directly copy the subject matter or the concept of any image. Please Note: You may only upload content for which you own the copyright.

Keep your portfolio fresh by contributing content on a regular basis to increase your visibility and earnings!

Power Up with This Week’s Free Image

Posted on April 9, 2013 by BrianM

Wind turbines are the subject of this week’s energy-efficient free image. How can an image be energy-efficient, you ask? Easy. It downloads in seconds with the click of a button, and costs you nothing. Ta dah!

This week’s free image comes to us from contributor Batareykin, from a colorful collection that includes boots, boxers, and sailboats!

For more images like this one, check out our entire collection of energy conservation photos. Happy Downloading!

5 Crucial Budgeting Tips for Every Freelancer

Posted on April 4, 2013 by BrianM

For new freelancers and veterans alike, juggling your income can be a challenge. While the benefits of working on your own are certainly appealing – flexibility, independence, and tax deductions, to name a few – managing your checkbook on an inconsistent income isn’t one of them. That’s not to say that it can’t be done. With a little foresight and some thoughtful budgeting, you can lead a steady, stable life on a freelance income.

These quick tips will help get you started:

1. Put Yourself on a Budget
Although you may hate the “B” word, it’s actually one of the best ways to get control of your finances. Use an online service like BudgetTracker, PearBudget, or even an old-fashioned pen and paper and list your estimated income in one column and your expenses in another. Don’t spare any details, and be conservative in your estimated earnings. Then, evaluate the numbers with a keen eye. If you’re spending more than you’re bringing in, it’s time to start trimming.

2. Cut Personal Spending After Off-Months
While there are obviously fixed costs in your monthly expenditures that you can’t afford to cut, there’s plenty you do have control over, namely what you buy on a daily basis. Cut back on personal purchases during and after your lighter months. Keep that money in reserve to cover your essentials, and when the cash starts to flow back in, you can buy the items you had to put on hold. Or, if you can resist the urge, put that money into savings.

3. Reduce Monthly Bills
Reduce your monthly bills as much as possible. Make your home more energy efficient. Cut back on your cell phone minutes and data plan. Bundle your cable, internet, and telephone services into a single discount package, and always shop around for alternatives. Competition for your business is fierce right now, so you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t push to find the lowest prices out there.

4. Consider Using Cash Only
Another way to keep spending in check is to pay solely with cash (or your debit card) whenever possible. This can protect you against potentially damaging credit card debt. Only bring what you need for any given day, and leave your credit cards home – except for a low-limit card to keep on-hand in case of emergencies. If you don’t have it, you won’t use it.

5. Don’t Over-Celebrate After Good Months
Don’t over-do your celebration after you’ve had a good month. Direct a portion of this windfall to your emergency fund (or start one if you don’t already have one in place), or put your surplus somewhere safe for a long-term investment. Consider a savings account, mutual fund, or, for long-term planning, a retirement fund or college fund for your children.

The benefit of a flexible schedule and the ability to work from home is enough to tempt anyone into a freelance career. Just make sure you take an realistic approach to your financial planning, and see those plans through.

What are your thoughts on budgeting for a freelancer career?

David Bakke is a freelancer and small business owner who also writes about money management, technology, and online media on the blog, Money Crashers Personal Finance.