The term “Isolated” in microstock

Not the biggest fan of isolates, but with three years’ experience as both buyer and contributor, there is enough qualification to write about them. So…

“Isolate / Isolated” in stock contributor parlance is an image of an object without a shadow, where the background can be removed easily. So when using this word in a title, description, or keywords, make sure it describes a well‑lit, high‑contrast object on a flat, solid‑color background.

“Isolate/Isolated” means a buyer can remove or change the background faster than a couple of minutes.

And a reminder about the remaining space around the subject. A white background does not mean a vast white area.

“Isolate/ Isolated” MUST NOT contain any shadows or reflections of the object in the background, nor show the subject against a real‑world background (clouds, water, grass, etc.).

For inexperienced designers, isolation is not that easy. And since the microstock market grows every day, images are already being sold not only to professionals.

Try to make the work more attractive to most buyers by properly isolating the “isolate.”

There are many tutorials and tips on how to isolate objects, whether browsing blogs or simple bulletin boards. Here are a few that are especially helpful:

1. Isolating objects using a clipping path at www.dreamstime.com/blog/isolated-objects-clipping-path-27159
2. An easy way to remove stray pixels at www.dreamstime.com/blog/easy-way-to-remove-stray-pixels-photoshop-34361

Of course, a neat, small reflection beneath the object can sometimes make a photo more appealing, but the main quality all stock images for sale must have is usefulness to the buyer.

Focus on that, because no one will buy a merely pretty picture if it cannot be used anywhere.

Soon, the Dreamstime stock agency will begin reviewing already uploaded images that use the keyword “isolated” in their descriptions. So it will not hurt contributors to review portfolio items where this term is used and verify they comply.

If an image is not fully isolated, then remove this word from all fields (title, description, and keywords).

This will allow the search engine to return more relevant results and, hopefully over time, attract more buyers, which means more sales for everyone.

Author: Viorel Dudau

Source: blog.dreamstime.com/2011/07/27/isolated-in-stock-language_art35755