Random Thoughts 80

Posted on 6/3/2004 by Jim Pickerell | Printable Version | Comments (0)

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RANDOM THOUGHTS 80






June 3, 2004




Veer and Photonica




Photonica has signed an agreement with Veer to be an international distribution partner for Veer's distinctive collection of rights-managed photography. This agreement increases Veer's global distribution network to more than 40 countries.


Under the agreement, Photonica will distribute the Solus library of rights-managed photography through its direct offices and agent network, including such key markets as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. More than 12,000 images will be loaded onto the Photonica network with additional new images coming on stream every month. Substantial new imagery will be added from a roster of preeminent photographers, that includes Antony Nagelmann, John Churchman, and Michael Grecco.


"From day one we set out to build a compelling alternative content offering that delivers distinct benefits to creatives. We've gained great traction in North America and now by partnering with Photonica, we've not only expanded our international distribution exponentially, but also aligned with a company that shares our design-driven approach and commitment to quality," said Don Wieshlow, founding member of Veer responsible for product strategy. "We see great potential in this partnership and expect strong future growth via the Photonica distribution platform."


By broadening the availability of the Solus collection of rights-managed photography through the Photonica distribution network, customers will be able to take advantage of localized currency, search, and language options. All images in the Solus library are rights-managed and exclusivity is available either by industry or total protection.



Getty Preparing For Olympics


Some of Getty Images most talented sports photographers will cover the Sydney to Athens 2004 International Olympic Torch Relay that started on June 4th. Over a 35 day period the photographers will travel to 27 countries and 34 cities, producing images from all of the five continents represented. In its partnership with the International Olympic Committee, Getty Images plans to deploy 68 photographers and support team members to Athens. They will work around the clock to generate an output of more than 1,000 images daily of the iconic Athens 2004 Olympic Games.


The team includes some of the world's foremost photographers of track and field, boxing, aquatics, hockey, gymnastics and virtually all of the 35 sports represented in the Summer Games. The company's on-site technical experts will guarantee Getty Images' customers immediate access to compelling images, often available directly through the Internet within minutes of the action itself.



Getty Offers Fine Art Prints Through Amazon.com


Getty Images has announced an agreement with Amazon Services, Inc. to make fine art prints available to consumers at prices that range between $15 and $60 per print. The relationship creates a new, print-on-demand service within the Home & Garden store on Amazon.com (www.amazon.com/gettyimages).


These fine art prints are carefully selected from among Getty Images' collections, and also include images from the National Geographic Society. The number of images and collections available will continue to grow over time.


"Over the past nine years, Getty Images has compiled the world's leading collections of beautiful, compelling and inspirational photographs in high quality, digital format for commercial and editorial use," said Jim Gurke, Getty Images' senior vice president of business development. "We are excited about this opportunity to offer these prints directly to consumers in the world-class online shopping environment provided by Amazon Services. Amazon.com customers now have access to outstanding photography that previously was not readily available for purchase."


The selection of imagery from Getty Images includes some of the world's most vibrant and memorable photography, such as Pascal Rondeau's breathtaking shot of more than 200 cyclists weaving through a field of sunflowers during the Tour de France [Image # 1936317] and Peter King's emotional silhouette of the late John Lennon [Image # 2630266]. Rare historical imagery from the Hulton Archive also is available, such as an awe-inspiring shot of the Brooklyn Bridge from the 1950s [Image # hm6236-001] and the Evening Standard's unique portrayal of the timeless Marilyn Monroe standing outside her home at Englefield Green [Image # 2638905]. Consumers can also choose from inspirational and award-winning news photography documenting the contemporary human experience, such as Ami Vitale's dramatic shot of a Kashmiri resident enjoying the serenity of floating in his boat on India's Dal Lake [Image # 1459335].


The selection of compelling and dramatic imagery from the National Geographic collection includes many transparencies, black-and-white prints, glass plates, original works of art and other timeless and renowned photographs. These include Norbert Rosing's [Image # ngs0_7147] endearing shot of a mother polar bear and her cub nestling together for warmth on the open snow, and the image for which National Geographic receives the most requests - Jody Cobb's beautiful shot of a Japanese Geisha framed in a shadow [Image # ngs0_8379].


"We are excited to delight customers and expand our selection with this remarkable collection of photography from Getty Images and National Geographic," said Jason Goldberger, senior category manager for Amazon.com's Home & Garden Store. "The collection is a wonderful addition to our growing Home & Garden store."


The photographic prints are hand crafted on demand with a matte finish on high quality, photographic paper that will last up to 100 years. Paper sizes (in inches) are 8 by 10, 16 by 20 and 24 by 30. To maintain the integrity of each photograph, images are not cropped to fit the paper and borders may vary in proportion to the original image. Some Hulton Archive photographs have minor imperfections that are part of the historical nature of the image and may appear on the print. Many of the images are only available in limited quantities. Orders will be processed within one to three days and multiple shipping options are available. International shipping is also available.



UK Newspapers Weak On Crediting Photographers


According to a recent survey conducted by BAPLA (The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies) in only about 35% of the images that appear in UK national newspapers is the photographer who took the picture given credit.


BAPLA is trying to stress the importance of such credits and to promote best practices among picture users. At this year's Picture Buyer's Fair it presented an award to Guardian Picture Editor Roget Tooth who was judged to have done the best job in the past year of attaching photographers credit to the pictures used in the Guardian.



New York Subway Picture Ban


The New York City Transit Authority has proposed a ban on unauthorized photography on city subways and buses that could go into effect next fall after a public comment period. In this age of terrorist fear the argument is that the ban is "intended to enhance security and safety" for transit employees and customers.
Press photographers with credentials are exempt from this rule, but not members of the public.


Magnum Photographer, Bruce Davidson, who produced a monograph entitled Subway in 1986, pointed out to Photo District News that the transit authority should view professional and amateur photographers as allies, not enemies. "The more cameras you have around the greater chance you have to catch the evil guy if he does something bad."



Greeting Card Market


The U.S. greeting card market is estimated to be worth $8 billion annually. The average Briton gets 55 cards annually. Women send 85% of the cards and U.S. mothers are so impressed with Mother's Day cards that 83% keep them safe.


These figures are from research done by Stockbyte. As a promotion the company has decided to give away 12 free cards with every purchase of a CD between now and the end of August.


Copyright © 2004 Jim Pickerell. The above article may not be copied, reproduced, excerpted or distributed in any manner without written permission from the author. All requests should be submitted to Selling Stock at 10319 Westlake Drive, Suite 162, Bethesda, MD 20817, phone 301-461-7627, e-mail: wvz@fpcubgbf.pbz

Jim Pickerell is founder of www.selling-stock.com, an online newsletter that publishes daily. He is also available for personal telephone consultations on pricing and other matters related to stock photography. He occasionally acts as an expert witness on matters related to stock photography. For his current curriculum vitae go to: http://www.jimpickerell.com/Curriculum-Vitae.aspx.  

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