Photographers

Submissions guidelines for Digital Light Source Inc., 2007


Welcome to digital light source, a brand new all digital stock image agency. We are happy to invite you to submit images for acceptance and ask that you follow these basic guidelines to facilitate the selection process so that we may quickly move to include your images in our rapidly growing collection. Please find below our general outlines for submissions of images for the Digital Light Source collection.

General Guidelines for Pre-submission:


1. Images should be pre-edited for technical flaws before submitting.
2. Similar images should be grouped together as well as similar format images.
3. For model released images we require a copy of the model release for our records. Images containing models for which there are no model releases available should be grouped together so we may place usage restrictions on them.
4. Due to our position in internet sales we are obliged to refuse images that contain nudity/ charm, horror, and certain subjects that do not fit our profile and which could make our site vulnerable to internet piracy. If there is a doubt please contact us for further information.
5. Digital Light Source is a Rights Managed stock agency, we can not accept images that are currently represented by other agencies as Royalty Free.

Technical Specifications


1. Scanned film file size requirements
a. The minimum file size for editorial images is 30mb TIFF in RGB color space. * This refers to a file which is greater than 12in at 300dpi in 8bit resolution.
b. The maximum file size for editorial images is 72mb TIFF in RGB color space.
2. Digital file size requirements
a. The minimum file size for editorial images is 30mb JPEG in RGB color space in 8bit color depth.
b. The minimum file size for commercial should be 50mb TIFF in RGB color space in 8 bit color depth.
3. File format notes
a. TIFF file compression should be set to None.
b. All RAW files should be processed and corrected and saved in TIFF file format.

Digital File Preparation


In today's digital world most photographers use imaging software to improve the look of their digital image. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when working your high resolution images before preparing them for submission.

1. Cropping - Please crop out film and borders of scanned film unless it is purposely used as an illustrative technique.
2. Cleaning - Images should be dust and scratch free without visible retouching marks. *Please no stamp tool circles. We suggest working with a tool such as the "band aid" tool in Photoshop or leaving basic retouching to our team of technicians.
3. Size interpolation - Incorrect technique for increasing the size of a digital file could potentially damage the file. Please follow these suggestions:
a. For JPG files there should be no file size interpolation from the original image size.
b. For TIFF files it is possible to use software to increase file size. This is especially pertinent for professional photographers who have older digital imaging material that has not met our current file size standards. Please contact us for further information.
4. Highlights and shadows - Keep some detail. We suggest not allowing for the black point to go beyond 5,5,5 and the white point 250,250,250.
5. Extra image data - Files that include any extraneous data such as layers, paths, or extra color channels will be returned to you for further processing, except in the case of extra alpha channels used for advanced silhouette and blue screen.
6. Color - Photographers know what they want their image to look like. Please make sure that the color corrections used do not throw off the color balance. Look for balanced whites, blacks, greys, neutrals and skin tones.
7. Filters - Please do not use filters when correcting your images and preparing them for submissions. Sharpening is preferably left to the client as well as other effects that can be found under filter menu options.
8. NOTE - Please remember that overly manipulated images will often display posterization and will not be accepted.

Submission of Digital Files

When submitting digital files to Digital Light Source we ask that you place files on removable media such as CDs or DVDs. The submitted files should be small versions of your High resolution images; these are known as preview files. Guidelines for preview files are as follows:

1. Files should be no larger than 1280 pixels on the longest side.
2. Files should be saved as compressed JPGs at hi-quality (10 or higher).
3. Create different folder for files that are different sizes. This will help to facilitate resizing of images with the use of automated scripts.
4. You will be notified of accepted images at which time you may prepare the high res version of the accepted images.
5. Removable media WILL NOT be returned unless a self addressed, prepaid envelope is included with the original submission.
6. Images will not be made live on teh website until an agreement has been signed between Digital Light Source and the owner of the Lisence of the accepted image.

We are happy to work with you to answer any questions that you may have while preparing your images and making selections. Thank you again for your interest in becoming a part Digital Light Source.

Please send all submission to the attention of:
Patrick Neri
Digital Light Source, Inc
50 Webster Ave. 4th Floor
New Rochelle, NY, 10801
Tel +1 914 637 4651
Fax +1 914 637 4650