Indexing photographs: choosing key words
The best way for a photograph to be found in the Fotolia database is to automatically identify and index the contents of the photograph. A Fotolia photograph with a large and accurate list of key words increases the chance for a buyer to research, identify, and select the photograph for purchase.
The key words represent an important part of the indexing process. They are a precise approach to add a conceptual dimension to the images. On Fotolia, the order of the key words is very important. The most relevant key words should be listed first followed by less relevant but important key words.
Choosing key words
For photographers to choose good key words, it is necessary to imagine in what context the customer will find the photographers image. If for example, a photograph of a light bulb is submitted, it should be thought as to why and how the customer will search for this image.
- Because they seek the photograph of a light bulb (key words: bulb, filament)
- Because they seek a photograph relative to light (key words: light, to light, luminous)
- Because they seek a photograph expressing inventiveness or creativity (key words: to create, imagine, think, idea, imagination)
The key words for light bulb would be for example:
bulb; filament; light; to light; luminous; to create, imagine, to think, idea, imagination
Key word structure
Key word structure is important data and it is necessary to imagine the ways in which buyers are accustomed to search for images with key words.
- Only nouns, verbs or adjectives (no adverbs for example)
- Buyer prefer singular terms
- Put verbs into infinitive form ( ex : do, make, and not makes or made)
- Use correct spelling
- Do not use abbreviation
Example
Marriage - alliance - to marry - tenderness - fidelity - ceremony - youth - couple
Keyword Process
To create a very powerful and relevant search engine Fotolia requires that the first seven keywords be placed in order of importance/relevance. Follow these steps to enter keywords:
- Enter keywords in the left box of the photo editing page.
- Separate the keywords by a “,” or “;”
- Click the “add” button to move the keywords to the right box
- As needed rearrange your keywords in the right box by selecting one or more keywords and use the “Up”, “Down”, or “Move to the Top” links to position the keywords in the correct order.
Please understand, it is important to have a large number of accurate key words. It will increase the chance of selling the photograph.
If you have any questions about keywords please contact customer support.
Technorati Tags : key words |
Fotolia Guidelines /Editing Email to a friend Print Version
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blog.fotolia.com/mt-tb.cgi/272
Comments
So do I understand that we should not use words in thier plural form? You want us to use vehicle,rather than vehicles? You want us to use house and not houses? If I use the word house but the search is for houses, will the search engine still find it?
Posted by Greg on 21:56, October 14 2005
Yes the search engine is designed to support words in their plural form. You do not need to list your keywords in plural form. If the buyer enters "houses" in the search engine, the website will also search for "house".
Chad
Posted by Chad Bridwell on 03:43, October 18 2005
It appears that photograph information cannot now be edited once the photograph has been selected, although editing seems to have been feasible in the past.
Posted by Steve Jacoby on 09:21, December 13 2005
Hi Steve,
No we have always denied artists from editing their image information after the image was accepted. This is to prevent keyword spamming.
Chad
Posted by Chad Bridwell on 00:56, December 15 2005
I am wondering if Fotolia supports uploading of keywords that are included in Metadata? If so, what category should be used? Thanks
Posted by Peter on 10:36, March 18 2006
I found that I had made a major spelling error in my spelling of Manhattan in one of my uploads. Can I delete the photo and resubmit, as I can't edit the spelling in the title, description and keywords? You really should find a way for us to edit, maybe you could only allow one word edit per day or something like that.
Posted by Neil Williams on 14:02, May 31 2006
Contact customer service, they can correct this for you.
Posted by Chad Bridwell on 21:25, June 1 2006
Post a comment
If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be pre-approved by Fotolia before your comment will appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.
