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TWO MORE DAYS for the Get Crafty Contest!

Journal Entry: Sat May 18, 2013, 8:26 AM




Two More Days Left!


Hurry!

That's right, only two more days left to get your tutorial entries in!  Hurry, hurry!  Contest details here: [link]




Also


`UnicornReality needs your riddles! Go riddle her this and that and whatnot.  Also holyshitfionaisgettingmarriedsosoon! She will soon be an adult D:









Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

For the Love of....WOODLANDS

Journal Entry: Thu May 9, 2013, 2:54 PM




For the Love of Woodlands


For the Love of...

If you are new to this series, basically they work like this: a keyword is chosen, and then some stuff from Stock and Resources that comes up with that keyword gets featured! YAY!

This edition is all about woodlands!












Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Contests! Something for Everyone!

Journal Entry: Wed May 8, 2013, 4:08 PM




Need Things to Do?  Want to Win Prizes? Check This Stuff Out!























So many contests! So exciting :la:






Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Serious Personal Journal Thing 2

Journal Entry: Fri May 3, 2013, 3:36 PM




Sorry I was crap at keeping you updated


No More Cancers

Went to the doctor today and he told me there was nothing on the scan.  I was expecting this, so I'm rather calm about it.  So yeah, no more of the Big K.  Well, at least, not that they can detect.  I told the doctor I wanted to stop treatment (he recommended 4 more chemo treatments followed by radiation. No thanks).  He was much nicer than the last doctor I told that to.  I don't think I told you guys about that.  Ugh, god, sorry, I know I said I'd keep everyone updated, but I just really don't like talking about it :dummy:

I quit treatment because I know that what I am doing by myself actually kills cancer, where chemo does not.  Don't wanna preach about it, so I'll stop there, haaa

So on that note, feel free to never speak of this again :la:  Or ask me whatever you want, I don't care.  I just wanted to tell everyone I'm done with chemo and I'll be back to normal very shortly.












Sister Stockers
:iconcrimsonnightstock: :iconmypenguinedgarandme:

Clubs/Groups
:iconmanstock: :iconone-stop-stock:

:iconstock-directory: :iconstockandresources:
:iconstockcommunity: :iconcreatebyweek: :iconinspirational-stock:

Stockers A-Z list!
Stock Directory
~StockArchive
Stock Resources Groups Directory



Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

I am Ancient

Journal Entry: Thu May 2, 2013, 11:04 AM




Dude...you guys...


it's mai bday

:iconteheplz:
Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes so far! I will try to reply to them all, but dA will probably think I'm spamming soon.


I am 100 :iconstaresplz:


I want a black unicorn with fluffy feet and a rainbow mane and tail.
And one dragon.  Just one. That's all. I'm not greedy.


What are you doing today?  I am doing nothing as far as I can tell, as it is stupidly cold out and raining, and I am not supposed to go out where there are crowds.  I am wrapped up in my thickest hoodie and the comforter from my bed.  Ridiculous!  Last year the weather was perfect. It's always perfect weather on my birthday. I am confused.
At least I have my Tommy sitting next to me.  He's playing some sort of pong-type game from Steam.  I might take over his computer, as it looks fun.

Anyway, I went to the zoo last year :la:
I took this picture there


And this one

What a cutie :aww:

Tomorrow I will find out if I still have cancer.  Sorry I have been crap with updates on all that.  I'll do one tomorrow when the doctor tells me it's all gone.


Have a baby sloth









FEATURES FOR ALL


Things I like and have added to my favs recently:








Also, I really like the DD I featured today :D

Is so prettyyyy







Sister Stockers
:iconcrimsonnightstock: :iconmypenguinedgarandme:

Clubs/Groups
:iconmanstock: :iconone-stop-stock:

:iconstock-directory: :iconstockandresources:
:iconstockcommunity: :iconcreatebyweek: :iconinspirational-stock:

Stockers A-Z list!
Stock Directory
~StockArchive
Stock Resources Groups Directory



Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Updates and News from the Stock Gallery





DD Roundup for April 2013


Stock and Resources DD Roundup for April 2013:iconelandria:
Stock and Resource DDs given by ^Elandria




Markhor by ~moonshine09-stockGalaxy Texture by ~SweetPeaPhototc

Kaitlyn 12 Nude Poses Stock Comm Use OK by *ArtReferenceSourceBackground tutorial - Part 1 by *kalamboElegant Setting by *IWalkerStock
Getting rid of blue sketches in Photoshop by ~JollyRottenSea Stock 2 by *SSyn-StockMassive Face Tutorial 2 by *gothic-icecream

Darkspeeds' Tip on Composition by *darkspeedsMackinac Bridge by *Lost-N-BeautyHow to paint Pearls by `juuhanna
Purple Hair 5 by *dazzle-stockRegularjane's Burnt Brown Textures by *regularjaneFabric of time 01 ~ HQ fractal image pack by =MortuusDiabolus
:iconpiratelotus-stock:
Stock and Resource DDs given by ^PirateLotus-Stock

Vampire's Bride [Lineart] by =DoubleDeadStock Countryside 8 by ~stock-cursedmindSnow Garden by ~Ailime-May
Diagram for Cloak with Capelet by ~eqosTressa - Being Nerdy (Pack 1) by *MadSDesignzPhotoshop : Underwater Effects Tutorial by ~n3kozuki

the path by ~mini---MIRWater Lilly by ~DigitalissSTOCKsunset by ~koko-stock
Cerberus by =wind-princessFiery girl by *13-Melissa-SalvatorePolar Bear 008 by *MonsterBrand-stock

Detangling DPI by ~RaeisticExpressions 1 by ~Durkee341DIY THURSDAY *Neo-to-go* by *dinoblood
:thumb361



SXC Reminder


You may NOT use sxc.hu stock for photomanipulations or any kind of derivative works without directly contacting the original artist for permission.  And, as always, you may NOT use sxc.hu, Dreamstime, or PhotoXpress stock for premade stock.


Stock & Resources Community Chat Event


General inquiry: What would be the best time/day for you to participate in a chat event?


Gallery Makeover


Final reminder! Give us your input on the proposed changes to the gallery!
Resources Gallery Makeover (REMINDER)So all those sub cats...
Its no secret that the stock and resources gallery is HUGE.  On a scale thats intimidating, complicated and a bit like a bottomless pit of sub, sub, sub, sub, sub cats.
Last year we were very lucky to have a bit of a makeover job in Resources/Fonts and Resources/Stock, however, we are looking with "new deviant's eyes" (Yes, we kidnapped new deviants and stole their eyeballs) to look at our gallery long and hard.  HARD.
You can read more about whats going on with this huge project here - http://fav.me/d5xccty
What we'd love to get from you guys
Feedback and suggestions! 
Do you know of sub cats that are completely obsolete that we could tidy up and get rid of?
Are there dark alleyways hidden in the maze of resources sub cats that need a light shining on them?
Can some categories be merged, or renamed to make them more logical/useful to todays deviant community?
Shortly w



Get Crafty Contest


If you haven't heard, there is a new official contest going on!  It combines Stock with Artisan Crafts.  Lots of great prizes to be won, check it out!
Get Crafty Contest
Love Resources AND Artisan Crafts? Good news! Your CVs are bringing the two galleries together for a brand new contest!  Sound fun?  Well, read on!

Rules Part A
Only new entries submitted after April 20, 2013
Entries must be submitted into Resources/Tutorials/Artisan Crafts
Must be free for anyone to download (no premium content)
Topic can be any of your choosing as long as it fits into Artisan Crafts
You can enter as many times as you like
If your tutorial uses a pattern/diagram/etc., be sure to include it
Entries must be submitted to the contest folder in #StockandResources here: http://stockandresources.deviantart.com/gallery/43092647 (membership is auto-approved)
Entries must be submitted by May 20, 2013
Rules Part B
Only new entries submitted after May 20, 2013
Entries must be submitted into the appropriate subcategory of


:iconelandria:

Stock and Resource DDs given by ^Elandria



























:iconpiratelotus-stock:

Stock and Resource DDs given by ^PirateLotus-Stock



























:iconpica-ae:

Stock and Resource DDs given by ^pica-ae











No to CISPA

Journal Entry: Mon Apr 22, 2013, 5:58 AM


Get Crafty Contest

Sat Apr 20, 2013, 5:44 AM

The deadline has been extended!  You now have TWO MORE weeks to get your crafted entries in!  Use your time wisely ;)  Get those entries in by July 4th!



Love Resources AND Artisan Crafts? Good news! Your CVs are bringing the two galleries together for a brand new contest!  Sound fun?  Well, read on!





Rules Part A


  • Only new entries submitted after April 20, 2013


  • Must be free for anyone to download (no premium content)

  • Topic can be any of your choosing as long as it fits into Artisan Crafts

  • You can enter as many times as you like

  • If your tutorial uses a pattern/diagram/etc., be sure to include it


  • Entries must be submitted by May 20, 2013



Rules Part B



  • Only new entries submitted after May 20, 2013

  • Entries must be submitted into the appropriate subcategory of Artisan Crafts

  • You can participate in both parts if you like, but you can't use your own tutorial

  • Entries must follow one or more of the tutorials taken from Part A

  • You must credit the tutorial(s) you used

  • You can enter as many times as you like, using the same tutorial or different ones

  • Entries must be submitted to the contest folder in #CRArtisanCrafts here: [link]

  • Entries must be submitted by June 20 :new:July 4:new:




Prizes


Part A


1st Place:

2nd Place:

Most Used (tutorial that has the most craft entries):



Part B


1st Place:

2nd Place:

People's Choice (determined by a public poll):


We are still looking for prizes, so please let us know if you have something you'd like to give.  You can still participate if you donate a prize!



Judges are ^maytel, `Talty, ^cakecrumbs, ^Elandria, and ^PirateLotus-Stock



How to Stock 2- Posing

Sat Apr 13, 2013, 9:28 AM

Welcome to "How to Stock," a short series of articles on how to do some stock basics. We'll ask the big names in stock for their tips and opinions on how to get the best out of your stock shoot!



For the second article, I asked *SenshiStock, *DaeStock, and `jademacalla all about how to pose. Let's see what wisdom they have for us!




How do I decide how to pose?


:iconsenshistock: SenshiStock says:

Try thinking about what kind of image you want to create. If you are dressed in a costume, then you have that as a starting place. Try to become the character you're representing. What kind of actions would they take (leaping, running, sneaking, flying)? How would they move around (slowly, crawling, jumping, skipping)? If you're like me and you're focused solely on the pose, sometimes you still have to get 'in character' to come up with ideas. I like making a list before each shoot of different poses I'd like to do so that I have some focus. A lot of times, I start with the list but once I get going the inspiration kind of carries me through the shoot. Also, props and objects can be very handy no matter what kind of stock you are shooting. Picking up something or adding an object to the shoot (like a chair) can immediately give you some ideas on how it could be used! Sometimes using a prop in an unexpected way can make some really interesting stock, too.


:icondaestock: DaeStock says:

It depends on the costume and the setting. If I'm wearing a costume, I focus on the character I'm trying to portray and the rest just comes naturally. If not, I try to do dynamic poses that most people can't do, such as jumps, gymnastics and the like. If I doing nudes I do static poses that are more anatomy based. But generally I just try to do poses that are hard to come by.


:iconjademacalla: jademacalla says:

Most of my poses come from getting a specific image or attitude stuck in my head and then trying to figure out how to recreate it as a reference. For instance, I may see someone hanging from the skid of a helicopter and think, "I wonder if I could recreate that in the studio?" Or I may see some other reference model's (i.e. stock artist's) image and say to myself, "What a cool image, I wonder what it would look like if several weapons were added?"

The factor that NEVER comes into the equation when I am thinking about a pose is "Would a real person in a real situation ever do this?" or "Is this pose technically correct?" There are plenty of reference manuals around to illustrate the correct way to adopt a Weaver shooting stance or how to execute a balestra, no one needs me for that. I'm much more interested in whether a given pose can help to tell stories.



How do I direct a model to pose?


:iconsenshistock: SenshiStock says:

I've just started doing shoots with a lot of other models and it's actually kind of hard to explain to someone what you want sometimes! I'd say it's good to bring references, be they other photos, drawings or sketches. Showing someone is sometimes easier than explaining it. If you and the model are okay with it, sometimes it's faster to just move someone physically into the position you want. Sometimes I will just stand in front of them and hit the pose I was looking for so they could mimic me and then we can adjust from there. Two people holding the same pose are going to look different because everyone is unique. Play off a model's strengths. If you see that they don't look comfortable being "the big strong scary person," try putting them into the "cute, playful person" shots and see if they fit it more naturally. I have found that if you can ferret out the stuff they are really comfortable doing, you will get the best shots!


:icondaestock: DaeStock says:

Some photographers just don't seem to grasp that logic. Don't just explain the pose to the person, but also the emotion or character they're trying to portray. This ensures that the poses look real. If they still don't understand the pose, either draw a sketch or show it to them. It also helps a lot if you have a mirror in the shooting area, so the model can correct the pose on his/her own. Try to find a model that has some experience with posing, they're much easier to work with. Be friendly with your model, if they can trust you, they'll be more relaxed and therefore will pose better.


:iconjademacalla: jademacalla says:

This one does not come up very often, as I tend to be the only person in the frame. [This is probably because most sane people don't really want to fall on their heads or hang upside down for half an hour at a stretch (the beautiful and talented *SenshiStock being a wonderful exception, of course).] When the situation has arisen, though, I have found it useful to treat the shoot as an acting job; to work with the other model(s) to develop a character that he or she can embody and then move through various attitudes and actions that the character would be likely to do.



Is there a list somewhere of poses people want so I have ideas to try?


:iconsenshistock: SenshiStock says:

People will always be willing to take suggestions if you ask them. If you're at a loss for what to do next, ask your friends and watchers for some ideas! I have a very large list of suggestions on my front page and I definitely encourage other models to go through it for inspiration. Like I said before, everyone moves and looks differently so even if two models did the same type of pose, each would have it's own feel and style. Sometimes I look through artwork on DA and other sites to get a feel for the types of poses people are trying to draw. That can also give me lots of ideas!


:icondaestock: DaeStock says:

I don't have a list per say, but I do a request week every once in a while, where people can submit their wishes for poses (for a limited period of time) and then I shoot them when I have the time. It really helps if you run out of stock ideas. It also attracts all kind of weird fetishists... but I'm sure *NichelleJNolan can tell you about that better then I can.


:iconjademacalla: jademacalla says:

Yes, I keep an informal list of specific poses that people have mentioned would be useful to them. Since I only get to shoot new stuff very occassionally and since most of these shoots are actually related to other projects, I try to see if there are any poses that I can work into the shoots I do. This does not always come together (e.g. it is hard to work a Norman crossbowman into a shoot for a sci-fi character hanging upside-down and picking a lock), but I do try to see if there is any cross-over.


Erin butts in with:

Don't forget, there is also a list over at #ManStock of requests: [link]



How do I make sure my poses are good and usable?


:iconsenshistock: SenshiStock says:

It is important that you have decent lighting and clear photographs. Even if it's just a pose, a grainy image will be harder to use. If you specifically would like to make pose reference photography like I do, form fitting clothing that is not black is very helpful. You can also do nude stock, but please be careful if you're jumping around. :giggle: I have found that there really aren't many poses that are not useful to someone, somewhere. So long as you're making stock that's clear and accessible, people will use it!


:icondaestock: DaeStock says:

  It's nice if the pose has an idea behind it. If you can imagine how someone would use it, then it's probably usable. But you'd be surprised by what people can use in their artworks. Some of the poses I uploaded just for fun turned out to be very useful. I guess in the end you don't really know if it's usable until you upload it. Making good poses is easier: no awkward cropping, no blurry shots, no tiny pictures, no Facebook profile shots and for the love of goddess, no crotch shots. While portraits can be useful, most artists either need good anatomy (hands, feet), facial expressions or full body shots. And if you're not sure what your watchers would find useful, ask them.


:iconjademacalla: jademacalla says:

Ummmm, I'm pretty sure that anyone who has seen my reference images already knows that I don't worry too much about whether my stuff is either 'good' or 'usable'. :D As I mentioned, I tend to get images stuck in my head and then I try to recreate them. These images usually have a lot to do with how light hits objects or fabric or how things look whilst in motion or falling. I try to make the image the best quality I can under the circumstances, but whether it is considered 'good' or 'usable' is usually beyond me.


Thank you very much, everyone!
And thanks for reading, everybody!  I hope you learned something you can go put into practice!  Look for the next article soon!

Previous articles:


How to Stock 1- Setting up a Shooting Area


CSS made with huge help from `miontre's [link]


Contest Winner Features

Journal Entry: Mon Apr 8, 2013, 6:18 PM




Features for the Winners of the "Texture Your World" Contest!


Traditional Winners

=Docali won first place with her entry:

More from her gallery:


=jesterry won second place with her entry:

More from her gallery:







Photography Winners

*EveLivesey won first place with her entry:

More from her gallery:


*Brin-Kennedy-Stock won second place with her entry:

More from her gallery:






Digital Winners

=kuschelirmel-stock won first place with her entry:

More from her gallery:


*Spiteful-Pie-Stock won second place with her entry:

More from her gallery:










Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Texture Your World Contest Winners!

Thu Apr 4, 2013, 6:07 AM

Traditional Texture Winner


3 Free Big Painted Textures by =Docali
3 Free Big Painted Textures by =Docali

Traditional Runner Up


Colourful Life - texture pack by =jesterry
Colorful Life Texture Pack by =jesterry

Traditional Special Mentions






Photographic Texture Winner


Liquidity Triptych by *EveLivesey
Liquidity Triptych by *EveLivesey

Photographic Texture Runner Up


My Textured World by *Brin-Kennedy-Stock
My Textured World by *Brin-Kennedy-Stock

Photographic Texture Special Mentions



:bigthumb356019515:

Digital Texture Winner


1-2-3 Textures by =kuschelirmel-stock
1-2-3 Textures by =kuschelirmel-stock

Digital Texture Runner Up


Texture Your World - Composite Paper by *Spiteful-Pie-Stock
Texture Your World Composite Paper by *Spiteful-Pie-Stock

Digital Texture Special Mentions





Congratulations to the winners, and a big thank you to everyone who entered.  Judging was VERY difficult!  Great job everybody!



Community Relations

Welcome to "How to Stock," a new short series of articles on how to do some stock basics.  We'll ask the big names in stock for their tips and opinions on how to get the best out of your stock shoot!



For the first article, I asked `faestock, *Tasastock, and =kirilee all about how to set up a shooting area.  Let's see what wisdom they have for us!





What are the best kind of lights? How many should I have? What kind of bulbs give the best light?


:iconfaestock: Faestock says:

If you have access to studio lighting then I prefer to use a large Elenchrom soft box. The soft box provides a soft flattering light for most subjects. A direct flash can be harsh, using some kind of filter, like a beauty dish, grate or soft box is better. I would also suggest rigging the stand with wheels so it is easily adjustable, as one inch to the left can make all the difference when you are really looking at light placement in photos. You really only need one light if you know how to use it well. Natural lighting can be so beautiful as well, it is just about using it at the right time of the day.


:icontasastock: Tasastock says:

You can get lights from a hardware store and they will make do, but they won't be the same as the ones designed specifically for taking photographs, but they will be better than nothing. If you're wanting to treat yourself to fancy stuff, I have softboxes which are amazing. I don't really use the umbrella option that came in the set. My lights also have a flash setting, which creates a sharper image and means you can do action shots indoors. Which you know, is rather fantastic. Unless I'm trying to create dark/light contrast, I always have two softboxes set up. As for bulbs, I know the ones in mine are different from what a couple of other stockers use, they're not as bright by themselves but they will do the whole flash thing (no I don't mean streaking). (You might have guessed, I'm pretty terrible at technical lingo). If you can get a softbox, they are well worth the investment.


:iconkirilee: Kirilee says:

The best light is natural light - outside on an overcast day to be precise. However, as we can't always decide the weather I would strongly suggest investing in some soft boxes. They come with either constant light source or for flashes to be inserted. The latter is a brighter light - however it can end up being much more expensive. I recommend looking on websites like ebay - you can tend to get some good deals on kits for a constant light set. I have a total of three softbox lights with constant lighting and use at least one in every shoot I do.
I also try wherever possible, to shoot where there is already ample natural light present.



What should my backdrop be like? Do I really need one?


:iconfaestock: Faestock says:

The background for stock photos should be clean with nothing to distract from the main subject.  A studio backdrop (painted studios are easier to maintain, paper backdrops react to light beautifully), a wall in your house or building exteriors and also hanging fabric make good backdrops. Please clean up before hand and remove anything that doesn't need to be in the photo. If you are hanging fabric to use as your backdrop, try to pick something with one block colour (i.e no patterns) and please iron out any creases.

If you are shooting on location try to match the background to your subject, it will help to enhance the overall appeal of the image.


:icontasastock: Tasastock says:

For stock, try and get a longer backdrop so you have more room to move around and pose. As for whether or not you really need one, that depends on what space you're working in. If you're lucky enough to have a large white wall and enough space to work against that, maybe you don't need one. But then with a backdrop you can easily change from white to black. And you don't need to worry as much about sticking up bedsheets. It really depends on your space as to whether you need one.


:iconkirilee: Kirilee says:

Backdrops are tricky. Sometimes shooting on location can help the "feel" of the piece but can also play around with lighting and can be a hassle for artists to cut your image out. The backdrops I use when not on location are something plain. It doesn't have to be a "backdrop", but a blank wall.
If you use a sheet hanging behind you, try to ensure that the sheet is pulled tight to create a crisp model image.



Where should my camera and lights be in relation to the model/object/whatever?


:iconfaestock: Faestock says:

Usually 1-2 meters is the estimated distance for most light-to-model-ratios.  If you have extra backlights behind the model, to light up a background, then your model should be far enough from them so that no back light spills onto them.  It depends on what type of lens/camera you are using to determine how far away the camera/photographer should be from the model.  For a 24-75m lens photographing a full frame model shot, I would recommend somewhere around 2-4 metres.
Make sure that you can fit the entire model in the shot for full body images.  If you cant fit the whole model in the shot, recompose and move closer so that you can shoot portraits.


:icontasastock: Tasastock says:

Depends on what you're shooting and what effect you're going for. For the standard stock, camera should be in front, about middle height, (if you're shooting full body stock, and you shoot at eye level for example, you are going to get foreshortening where the legs look skewed and shorter than they should be. Again, if you take the shot too low your head is going to look small and your legs too long.) If you have softboxes, I usually have one at each 45degree angle to the corners of the backdrop/working space. if that makes sense. that makes no sense. i need a diagram. D: OK SCREW IT DIAGRAM TIME



:iconkirilee: Kirilee says:

A rule that I once was taught by a friend about softboxes is that however wide the soft boxes' diameter is should be the distance it is away from you to work in optimum capacity. AKA. As close as possible but not in frame.

The camera should be as close to you as possible as well.... providing you can get the entire subject in frame! Nobody likes a full body stock with the feet missing!



Do I need a photographer, or can I take model photos on my own? Do I really need a tripod?


:iconfaestock: Faestock says:

If you would like to be a model, then you don't need a photographer.
Most stock models take their own photos and use a tripod and remote system.  If you don't know much about using cameras it can be fun to have a friend help you figure it out.  I would definitely recommend using a tripod, it will stabilize your shots, and as the camera doesn't move will create consistency with a photoshoot.


:icontasastock: Tasastock says:

For some shoots I would stress yes. It really depends what you're shooting. But no, you can do it on your own, but yes you will need a tripod if you're going solo. You can get a cheap one and they are so worth the money. I would also really recommend if you're shooting solo, a remote for your camera. They aren't expensive at all, you just need to make sure your camera is remote compatible and get the right kind. Seriously, you don't want to be running back and forth from the camera after every shot to reset the timer, your shots will also be slightly out of focus if you do this.


:iconkirilee: Kirilee says:

Photographers are great... if they know what they are doing. Remember, stock photos are different to normal photos. For full body stocks, they should be shot at around waist/ chest height of the model, or the image becomes morphed in artistic creations (unless, you want to do perspective shots which is a whole new kettle of fish!)
Otherwise do it yourself. Invest in two things:
- A sturdy tripod (I have actually lost my first camera due to not having a tripod. I had a complete balancing act of a stool, a tub, 4 phone books and a hair comb. And one time... the camera fell onto the tiles. So... I learnt my lesson)
- A remote (this will allow you to take photos that are in focus as you as the model. Best. Thing. Ever. And they are not expensive - I got mine off ebay for $3 AUD INCLUDING postage)


Thank you very much, ladies!  And Kirilee, we mourn for your camera :(
Thanks for reading, everyone!  Hope you learned something you can go put into practice!  Look for the next article soon!



CSS made with huge help from `miontre's [link]


Let's See if I Can Remeber Everything

Journal Entry: Sun Mar 24, 2013, 4:23 PM




Lots of Updates!


Firstly


You know ~AilinStock? The awesome duo behind stock photos like


They also made this adorable creature:


I met with them...gosh, what was it, probably a year ago? for lunch, shortly after they moved near me, and they were lovely.  We talked about doing a shoot, but nothing ever really came of it...UNTIL NOW!

I am going to be doing a stock shoot with them :la:  So excited!  It will be happening in late April/early May.  We need your ideas!

It will be Medieval-themed, probably with bows :la: We'll be running around outside and possibly doing hunter/camper stuff.  Let us know what you wanna see!  Any particular poses you need?  Models will be Ari and I (he is a giant and will tower over me, it will be fun :D)  They have a list going already in their journal:
Co-Op Shoot with :devPirateLotus-Stock:Hows it going folks? Now that we've gone through and highlighted all the powerhouses of other male stock artists out there to get the mental juices flowing, time to get a little audience participation going.
Though the shoot will not happen until it warms up a bit more out here and nature starts to get nice and green, probably the end of April or the beginning of May, we are planning a big co-op stock shoot with ^PirateLotus-Stock! It's going to be great fun.
But, with so much lead time on the shoot, that means we have more than enough time to plumb the depths of your desires when it comes to setting up the scenarios.
Here's the parameters we have to go off of. The shoot will be medieval themed. We have a couple recurve bows that we'll be using to hit on the hunters / hunting aspects. I don't anticipate being able to spend any of the shoot inside, so we're definitely going to explore making camp type stuff. We may have a medieval looking tent to play with, we may not. We have bits

So you can let them know what you'd like to see there, or here in the comments of this journal :)





Second Edition of CVs that Also Do Stock!

`SylwiaTelari and her friend *Ytril have made a stock account! They are called ~YT-stock and here're a few of their offerings:










Other Things :la:


Umm, this is the best thing ever
Do-It-Yourself Journal SkinDo-It-Yourself Journal Skin
Get into Journal skinning by learning how to create your own Journal skin in this tutorial!
Written by `miontre for dA Related Week in #projecteducate
Jump to resources
Heya everyone! :la: In this tutorial, you'll be learning how to create your own Journal skin on deviantART. This tutorial takes a "Do-It-Yourself" or "Assemble-It-Yourself" type approach. I've pre-created a design, and it's up to you to put it together and customise it - with instructions, of course! :D
Note that you need a Premium Membership to use Journal skins! :)
This tutorial is aimed at anyone who is interested in starting to create Journal skins on dA using CSS. Those who don't know anything about CSS yet can follow along, and hopefully learn something along the way! Those who are beginners with CSS can learn how to turn a design into code, and how to use CSS to create a Jo



Epilepsy Awareness Day is March 26
Epilepsy Awareness Day March 26th 2013The Purple Truth

March 26, known to the epileptic community as Purple Day, is a day to promote understanding and teach others the signs of epilepsy and seizures. As one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, directly affecting 65 million people globally, and with 1 out of 10 people having suffered a seizure in their lifetime, this condition has a real presence in our lives. What is epilepsy though?
Epilepsy is defined as a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. Normal brain function is made possible by millions of tiny electrical charges passing between nerve cells in the brain and to all parts of the body. When someone has epilepsy, this normal pattern may be interrupted by intermittent bursts of electrical energy that are much more intense than usual.
A seizure, a symptom of epilepsy, occurs when a brief, strong sur



Hidden in the Forest Contest
Hidden in the forest - contest #7This contest has ended. The winners announement can be found here.
When a tree falls deep in a forest, does it make any sound?
Aokigahara, Mirkwood, the Forbidden Forest, forests North of the Wall... they all contain mysteries that you'd really not like to uncover by yourself. Tell us a story - what have you found in your imagination? A labyrinth, witch's hut on hen's pud, a pond inhabitated by kelpie, a troll, or something much more terrifying and sinister?
You know what your task is. Please remember that this is GrimGloomTale, and not ThrowAnyPileOfTreesIn.
If you feel like doing a research on any of the places mentioned above, please note that Aokigahara forest is a real one and photos found can be really not safe for work.
We've got a special folder for the entries. It can be accessed here. If your submission gets accepted, I will edit



Some great stuff that has used my stock lately



I'm sure I forgot something, but that's what I have for now :dummy:











Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Line-Art, Gimme!

Journal Entry: Sat Mar 16, 2013, 7:53 AM




Line-art for Coloring


Line-art!

Hey.  You.  Yes, you, the one that provides line-art for people to color.  PUT IT IN STOCK D:

There's a gallery just for line-art right here in Resources & Stock Images/Line-art & Character Sheets

If you draw line-art and you allow others to color it, please put it there!  It makes it MUCH easier for people to find, aaaaand it allows me to DD it ;)

Also, send me line-art suggestions. I want to DD them.  All of them :stare:

I could also use some other suggestions from the Resources side >.>  Give me all your suggestions, all of themmm













Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

People to Watch 2!

Journal Entry: Wed Mar 13, 2013, 4:20 PM




People and Groups I've Added to my devWatch Lately






CVs that Also Do Stock!

Aaaand, here are two of my fellow CV buddies that do stock as well!


:iconastralseedstock: *AstralseedStock aka ^Astralseed



:iconlostock:~lostock aka `lost-angle













Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

New Size Requirements and Updates

Journal Entry: Wed Mar 6, 2013, 5:51 PM




Updates!


Size Requirement Changes

As you may have noticed, the minimum size requirements for stock have recently changed!  ^Elandria and I are very excited about this.  
Have a look: [link]
"Size must be a MINIMUM of 1000x1000pixels (excluding vintage portraits that are relatively small and of low quality)"

So what does this mean for me as a stock provider? First of all, you do NOT need to change your previously-submitted stocks.  They are still allowed to stay up.

This also means that you can expect to see higher quality stock.  In fact, the minimum sizes have been increased for this very reason!  dA has been providing stock and resources to the community for a very long time.  Technology advances and updates to software mean that even mobile phones can take higher resolution photos now than many digital cameras could 10 years ago.  Our aim is to ensure that the Stock and Resources gallery can grow and improve at a similar rate and continue to provide artists with the great standard of stock they have come to rely on.

But what about precut stock?  We've had a few concerns raised about what is currently termed "precut stock," which we have made every effort to respond to.  In order to be as clear as possible about how the 400 pixel size increase to 1000 pixels on the shortest side affects "precut stock," we must state that all stock - precut or not with the legacy exception of "vintage stock" - should adhere (and always should have) to the minimum size restrictions.  If you are cutting out a tiny 200 x 100 pixel bird from an original stock image that is 2000 x 3500 pixels in dimension, please submit the original image and let the artists cut out their own elements.

There will always be pros and cons of moving forward and updating standards and categories across the site, and we hope that you understand that this is done to improve the gallery - not to obstruct stock providers. We are simply making way for another 10 years of successful stock providing!







Contests to Look Into



Texture Your World contest, an Official CR contest for stock creators!  Create 3 texture resources in the form of a triptych.  There are 3 categories, each with two winners. Ending the 11th of March! Hurry!
Texture Your World ContestTell us the story of your world in textures!
We are surrounded 24 hours a day by objects that have texture, they may be smooth or bobbly, old or new, bold, bright, shiny or dull. You might see a texture every day and never notice it until you start looking. Do you sit at a desk that's textured, or pass an interesting tree on the way to work or school?
We want you, in the form of a triptych (thats 3 images forming a larger image see example here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptych ) to tell us the story of your textured world. Each individual texture should stand on its own, both as a useful resource and as a cohesive part of the whole story. What story you tell through your texture triptych is up to you - but they must be textures that tell a story of your world in some way.
There are 3 categories for this contest, each of which you can submit to twice.
Digital stock
These are textures created digitally by



Out of Place contest ending the 22nd of March
The Stock Directory's Out of Place Manip Contest #The-Stock-Directory's Out of Place Photomanipulation Contest
Hi and Welcome to the Out of Place Contest! Have you seen a panda bear exploring the icy region of Antarctica lately? How about that photobombing zebra from your latest trip to the D.C. National Mall? Did you hear about the penguin's last vacation in Jamaica? I heard he was sipping mai tais on the beach! Well this is your chance to take something and put it in a completely different place than what you would expect!
The Mission Objective: Take at least two different elements and combine them for a completely unexpected result. Whether you're sending a giraffe to the moon, or letting a scorpion drive a submarine, this should baffle us as much as you can beyond the scope of your imagination!

*Brin-Kennedy-Stock's "Out of Place"
Contest Deadline: Friday, March 22nd
Contest Judges:


Artisan Crafts Monthly Challenge ending the 31st of March
March - Artisan Crafts Monthly Challenge!THE WINNERS ARE.... 

=Brookette

&
*sombra33

Thanks for everyone that participated! Stand by for the April Challenge
Tick tock tick tock, it's that time again! Last month's Artisan Crafts Challenge went very well and I have a feeling that this month is going to be even better! 
 


Theme
According to the poll, this month's theme is "Under the Sea". You're free to interpret whatever this means to you.
Check out this example: 

Rules
Artisan Crafts only!Send a note with your entry to ^


Forest Queen contest ending the 31st of March
Forest Queen Contest!G'day everyone!
Everyone loves a contest (I did a poll :P) so, it is time!
FOREST QUEEN CONTEST!

This is a contest for Visual Artists (sorry stockers, next time I promise :)). There will be 4 winners:
Photo manipulation:
- Judges' Winner
- Deviants' Winner*
Other Visual Arts (ie. Digital drawing, watercolors, traditional drawing etc.):
- Judges' Winner
- Deviants' Winner*

* Deviants' Winner will consist of the ten top images selected by the judging panel (excluding Judges' Winners) and each section will be made via a public poll for one week.
Rules
- You must use at least one of my 'Forest Queen' stock images in the art work (the 45 images to chose from can be found here: http://kirilee.deviantart.com/gallery/42321615 )
- You must follow rules of all stocks and resources used (including my own)
- You may enter up to two times
Due Date: 31st March, 2013
Prizes
<


Mini Poster contest ending the 31st of March
Movie Poster Contest - CLOSEDUPDATE No. 5:  What an incredible line-up of entries! Great work from everyone who submitted images to the contest. Now the hard task of picking the winning entries. This will take about a week, since we need to get feedback from several members of the cast and the development team. We will have the results no later than this weekend (April 7th).  In the mean time, check out the final roster of entries here: http://jademacalla.deviantart.com/journal/Movie-Poster-Contest-Entries-347502553   .
Thanks again to everyone who entered!
UPDATE No. 4: 3 more days for this contest! And coincidentally just 3 more artists until we reach the PRIZES X 4 level of the contest!  Come on, there's plenty of time to enter and you'll be in excellent company - what an incredible list of entries we've received so far (check them all here: http://jademacalla.deviantart.com/journal/Movie-Poster-Contest-Entries-347502553 ) .  See below for complete details.
UPDATE No. 3A: Wit


Redesign a Character contest ending the 26th of April
Redesign a character contest!If there's something we love about fan art is how artists take artistic liberties and portray characters in their own style and different scenarios we wouldn't see otherwise. Some people will say that fan art is unoriginal, but from experience there's a lot of creativity involved when it comes to depicting your favourite characters in a different light, deviating from the way they were designed by their creators.
This is why, inspired by the Pokedesign Challenge by *CrazyRatty on Tumblr, your friendly neighborhood Fan Art CVs decided to host a fun little contest for you!
How it works:
Pick a character from any fandom you like.
Come up with at least 3 different re-designs for them and put them in a single image.
Upload to deviantART's Fan Art Gallery


Much Ado About Mucha contest ending the 5th of May
Contest Closed
:new: The contest is officially closed! Me and ~TouchFeel will powwow and get the contest winners posted within the next few days! :new:
New Contest!  
Much Ado About Mucha Art Nouveau Contest
Both ~TouchFeel and *HiddenRelevance have a long running love for Alfonse Mucha's gorgeous Art Nouveau paintings and advertisements. The flowing hair and draping fabric added to the lovely scroll work and framing just takes our breath away.
So, finally we have decided to do both stock and a contest inspired by that gorgeous style.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Mucha - just type the name into google images and you'll be blown away by the options!
So, on to the details!
Deadline:
May 5, 2013
Rules:
1. You must have an obvious Art Nouveau theme or element in your entry.
2. Your entry MUST contain one of our Mucha-inspired model stock images (seen here: http://hiddenyume-stock.deviantart.com/gallery/42367684) as a CENTRAL figure in the entry. Only entries with one of th





Other Things


Important info about sxc.hu:
About sxc.hu stockGreetings!
A few of you have been really worried lately about using stock from sxc.hu here because of the change in their ownership. Basically, you were concerned that their license says that you cannot redistribute their stock in whole or in part, by itself or combined with other elements, without the written approval of the original photographer.
As we all know by now, creating a photomanipulation is considered "making a derivative image." And we know we can't make premade backgrounds without permission from the photographers, as doing so is redistributing their work.
I advised a couple of you to check with the Help Desk and sxc.hu to find out the whole truth before making rash decisions about your group that could potentially make everyone panic.
Using my own personal account, I wrote to sxc.hu to find out what the story was. Here's what I said:
I was just wondering whether creating phot

I hope this is just a misunderstanding, but better check it out anyway!

Some lovely features:
Through my Eyes - Feature 2 I've been collecting beautiful artwork created by very creative people I've had the pleasure to meet here on DA, and I've decided to start this series of features full of beautiful things to see, made by people who are very dear to me.
The list is long, so I will be presenting them all in subsequent features, it would be impossible to have them all here.
So please join me, and take a look at these artists' works ... please see them "through my eyes" ... visit their galleries, and I can assure you that you will be delighted!
Drawings and Paintings


Photography
The unseen stock - FebruaryI promised to make a monthly stock feature, and here is the first one =)
I will try to give you a collection of mostly stock that has not so many favourites so you can discover new great stock artists and resources!
Hope you enjoy!
:heart:
Model Stock


Waiting by ~Elisa-ErianDaenerys Stock 2 by ~MikkiCrossCCNordic Warrior #2 by *Liancary-StockTeira 17 by *TasastockNinfa by ~yamifantasyViviane 13 by *Kuoma-stock
Ghost IV Stock by *SusanaDS-StocksMasquerade 4 by =kirileeUnder The Ivy 09 by *LadyxBoleynPirate Stock 10 by *MelHeflinsnow elf #6 by *Liancary-Stock
Begonia 34 by ^PirateLotus-StockNature nymph stock by ~yamifantasydaniela andrea stock 13 by ~ayumidany14
Backgrounds
Lacko castle, hallway by ~RavensLanefactory ruins 270 by *gestandeneCreepy Hall by *Brin-Kennedy-Stock
:thumb349542035:Apoc DSC9018 by ~met2artFoggy Forest 30 by *NessaPalmerStockCleaning My Bathroom STOCK 01 by *DiamonEyes
0001 by *RockStocksSky stock 52 by ~Muse-of-StockMountain 299 - vertiginous path on the top by *Momotte2stocks
Untitled by ~feainne-stockStock0702132 by *Solanaceae85Marco Island Beach Evening 6 by *Lauren-LeeCape Nelson 4 by ~FallowpenStock
Rolling Waves at Sunset by ~WhimseystockMontain-stock streamy by *streamy-stockMist2 by ~DavidofArbelaStockMultnomah Falls 3 by ~destinysWalrus
Stock - Light Snow Fall in Fintry by ~SimplyBackgroundsSTOCK Coolangatta Beach 126 by *fillyroxZauberwald XIII by =mimose-stock
An
Rising Stars of Photomanipulation: SweediesArt
Some of you know her as =SweediesArt, but others of us are fortunate enough to call her Karin or "friend." In her five-years on dA, she has grown a lot as a photomanipulator and is always working hard to improve her skills. An extremely versatile and prolific artist, her work is always creative and unique and always has a great concept. You can find her work in many groups and features across dA. Recently, she has even done some book covers and other commissions. She is a shooting star on the rise, and I wanted to share her with you.
She was kind enough to grant me an interview. I hope you will enjoy it.
Karin, in your time on dA, you’ve seen a lot of different styles and trends come and go. Through it all, you have developed a style that is pretty clearly your own. How do you think your own art has evolved over the years?
I didn’t know there were such art like Dark art when I first came to dA; I created only  fantasy a


Most recent "Did You Know?" article:
Did You Know? - My Groups Page, COPPA

DD Project Educate Week:
Complaints About Quality Declines in DD'sComplaints about quality declines in DDs
Let's take a quick look at what a Daily Deviation is first. You might remember this article from our last PE week A Daily Deviation is NOT an award, but a feature. If you haven't already, you might want to take a look at it! It's a great read and you can get a good foundation as to what a Daily Deviation stands for.
So, I'll be touching on the subject of "Complaints about quality declines in Daily Deviations". Why is this so important to touch on? That's a great question and I will be more than happy to answer it below as I describe some key factors that are often overlooked in the way of art vs quality.
Addressing Quality of Deviations
"A picture is worth a thousand words." 
There is a lot of this going around "Daily Deviations are losing quality. They're not as beautimous as they used to be.".  How about we step out of the shoes of "what is and isn't art" for just a s










Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock
:iconelandria:

Stock and Resource DDs given by ^Elandria






For the Love of...TEXTURE

Journal Entry: Fri Feb 22, 2013, 11:13 AM




For the Love of Texture




Credits:
Old Paper from duesterheit
Brushes and Tutorial from calthyechild
CSS template from TrashyDragon
Iced Text Tutorial from Kozzumel
Editing by PirateLotus-stock

Schtamps and Schtuff




`UnicornReality did it, so I must too...take my test


Journal History

Shoutbox

~enigma00:iconenigma00:
Thank you very much!
Sun Jun 26, 2011, 7:26 PM
~Trust-the-water:icontrust-the-water:
:strip:
Tue Feb 8, 2011, 5:47 PM
!PASSIONART1972:iconpassionart1972:
:rose: :heart: :rose:
Mon Aug 30, 2010, 9:20 AM
^PirateLotus-Stock:iconpiratelotus-stock:
I WUV WUV
Tue Jun 15, 2010, 9:30 PM
*Tasastock:icontasastock:
:heart: WUV
Mon Feb 15, 2010, 11:04 AM
~LemurianWanderer:iconlemurianwanderer:
Thank you, sorry for the belated message!
Sun Jan 24, 2010, 5:53 PM
~MaithiranStock:iconmaithiranstock:
I'm a dorky non-nerd. damn. i'd rather be a non-dorky nerd....
Mon Jan 11, 2010, 4:46 PM
!AA-STOCKS:iconaa-stocks:
simply marvelous journal XD
Mon Jan 11, 2010, 9:28 AM
~CrimsonNightWind:iconcrimsonnightwind:
:glomp:
Fri Oct 9, 2009, 11:26 PM
~donnyjrmail:icondonnyjrmail:
Just took that nerd test that was on Elandria's page. lol. From this time forward, you'll hold the title: Kinda Dorky Non-Nerd Carry it proudly!
Fri Oct 2, 2009, 12:53 PM
Nobody

Forum

There are no threads yet!

Know someone that's sick? Take a look at this: [link] 

65%
22 deviants said How interesting!
29%
10 deviants said I like voting
6%
2 deviants said I am lucky and don't know any sick people