The iStockalypse

Heading to France today, August 30th, those groovy iStockPhoto contributors are partying like it's1799, and they've "paid for the experience of shooting photography in a fun and professionally organized environment" at what is surely to be a fun-filled iStockalypse, billed as:

iStockphoto's exclusive contributors have committed themselves to our growing international community and we're proud of our ongoing professional relationship with our talented artists.

To show our appreciation, we're throwing an exclusives-only iStockalypse...We're going to be rocking one of the most diverse cities in the Mediterranean — iStock-style — and this is going to be our biggest gathering yet, with 100-plus contributors, inspectors, and staff attending from around the world.

Our eager planners have already been scouring the city, exploring shoot locations, including a picturesque vineyard and the sun-drenched nearby beaches. We're also bringing in the best equipment and experts from across the world of photography and accessories for a variety of interactive workshops and studio sessions.

We're really pulling out all the stops, booking an enormous professional film and television set, which will be divided into several studio environments with top-notch lighting. Dozens of experienced models will be on hand and we'll be providing diverse wardrobe choices for concept shots.

Does "We're going to be rocking one of the most diverse cities in the Mediterranean — iStock-style...", mean, on the cheap, for pennies on the dollar of what 'rocking it' should be?

They also say "We're also bringing in the best equipment and experts from across the world of photography..." I spoke with one of the experts they solicited to bring in, and guess what? When he inquired about what he'd be paid to travel to one of these get-togethers to teach these iStockers, all he heard on the other end of the phone were crickets chirping.

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From this link, they talk all about just what the iStockalypse is:

Under savvy expert guidance, beginners and seasoned pros get to share what they know and create brilliant images with old and new friends.

Bringing together dozens of highly creative individuals in a strange city makes for some boisterous times and in order to attend an iStockalypse, attendees need to be of legal drinking age in the host city...A good sense of humor and lots of water can go a long way.

Nice. What they should write is "plan on getting drunk because we'll be 'boisterous' at times...". And that 'water' they were recommending when things don't go as planned, is probably best saved to hydrate yourself before you fall asleep inebriated to avoid a hang-over in the morning.

There's even a forum posting with tips such as:

• If isomeone is posing a creative shot and shoots it - they should be the ones that get to upload it.
• If someone is hooked up to strobe lights, give them space to shoot what they want during their turn.
• If someone is hogging the lights, but incredibley creative... take a few minutes to learn from them but dont be afraid to jump in there and ask for a turn!
• If everyone has paid to be there, they have as much right to shoot as you do, so let them, how would you feel if they kept getting in your way, or stealing models, or interrupting your shot?
• See it like speed dating and treat it like a speed shoot where the quickest ideas are framed
• I think if one photographer is setting up the models and the shoot, those poses and what not should be for that photographer alone...........but somehow that won't fly at a lypse event.

The iStockalypse site goes on to say:

The events transform hobbyists into knowledgeable photographers, and endow them with the skills for a professional career.

Each day iStock sets the stage for participants to launch into high-end photo-shoots...

Hmmm. Maybe they missed the ModernPostcard e-mail which billed iStockPhoto as an opportunity to "...skip the expensive photo shoot..."

I do hope that the models are not French (meaning they would have to import them from another country) because clearly Getty (yes, that would be the parent company if iStockPhoto) has had problems with French models because of the model's rights, because Getty has very specific model releases when the models are French Nationals:

The "French/France" release should only be used in France and only when using French National models. This release looks markedly different compared to the mandatory 2004 Getty Images releases, in other languages for use in other countries. It is different because French laws are very unique and specific when it comes to protecting model's rights. Therefore we have had to develop a special version for use in France with French national models.

Good luck photographers, I do hope you've looked at your ROI on this one, and bring your #2 pencil, there's an entire hour devoted to "Fill out Appropriate Forms" first thing Friday morning - what a way to start the day. Oh la la'lyspe is right. Beware the potential to be asked to reduce your commission rate because they're providing all the venues and models - read that fine print!

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