The problem is that different libraries use different search engines,
so you may need to vary your key words to suit each site. Bad key
words will not just mean your images cannot be found, they may also
lead to your images being rejected; therefore, set your key words
accurately. Don’t “spam” (i.e., include irrelevant but popular) key
words to pick up hits; instead, use accurate key words relevant to your
image.
Shutterstock has a cool feature that allows you to check the most
popular 100 key words used in searches. Last time I checked, the top
three were “Christmas,” “fl ower,” and “background.”
If you submit to iStockphoto, then learn about their new key
word system, which relies upon key phrases. This is totally different
from the standard key word system and is an adaptation of a system
developed by new owners Getty. It is quite confusing at fi rst. iStock-
photo converts your standard key words or phrases into words
or phrases recognized by the system. You enter between fi ve and
50 comma-separated tags (words or phrases) and click to add them,
and the system interprets the words or phrases. A “drumstick” could
mean a musical instrument part or a chicken drumstick, for example
(Figure 8.4). You choose the right meaning by ticking the right
box. Some phrases such as “isolated on white” refer to specifi c
photographic techniques where the image is set on a pure white
background.
HOW TO ENTER KEYWORDS
The sites let you enter key words online, but it is better to add them
before you upload. In Photoshop, go to the File menu and select File
Info to open up a dialogue box where data can be entered. Enter key
words separated by commas in the keyword fi eld. Also enter a name
(Document Title) for your image, preferably the same as the name you
saved the fi le with, and a short description. You can also make these
entries using Adobe Bridge, which comes with Photoshop CS3. You
may need to amend your key words later (particularly for iStockphoto
and its key phrases system), but you will save a lot of time this way,
particularly if you use FTP software to bulk upload to several sites at
once. Treat good keywording as being just as important as taking good
photos. It really is that important to microstock success!
Tip 14: Use Selective Focus
Instead of trying to get everything in your picture to look sharp, try
going to the other extreme and use shallow focus for effect. It’s a
great technique used properly and with the right subjects—but it is
absolutely vital that you focus accurately on the main subject if you
use it. For portraits, this means focusing on the eyes, not the end of
TIP 14: USE SELECTIVE FOCUS 151