It’s been a while since I posted on the blog. Things have been busy around the stockvault camp since I launched Texturevault.net and I’ve been using all my free time moderating both Stockvault and Texturevault. Recently turning 5 years old, Stockvault has seen a tremendous growth in the past year and is doing quite well for it’s self.

I think now is the time to start preparation of taking the website up to the next level. I have high expectations and big plans for Stockvault in the free stock photo area. Yeah, there are new sites popping up all over the place, but we have a large and devoted user-base which I hope to see grow in the years to come.

Below is a list of things to come within the next 2-3 months. I’m already working hard on these features, hoping to be able to launch them before New Year.

New dedicated server
I’m currently setting up a brand new server dedicated to Stockvault.net – That means you will see massive speed increments, and a smoother all-around experience.

Completely new back-end / gallery system
Our current (old) gallery system has it’s limits, and is missing features that I think are vital for the site to grow. Therefor I have decided to migrate over to a new system which has a lot of exiting features for our members.

Among some of the new features are:

• We can finally accept vector and graphic files such as .ai, .eps, .psd and many more!
• One member system. You will have access to all the site features through one account.
• Upload your photos as collections, better batch uploads etc.
• Private messaging system, favorites, support forums, user news/blogs, just to name a few.

New layout design
All these system changes require a brand new look, right?
Stockvault.net will receive a nice makeover, where I will focus on simplicity and usability. And good looks of course!

Our next featured photographer, Armend from Sweden has a passion for photography. He’s been a member here at stockvault for many years, and has himself a great portfolio of images that he’s sharing with us. You can view all of Armends images here.

Hi Armend, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into photography.

My name’s Armend Muqkurtaj. I’m a 22yo guy from Sweden almost done with my 4th semester studying Advertising, Graphic Design and Visual Communication at the University of Kalmar.

I’ve always been fascinated with colors and shapes which is what drew me into the world of Art and all it’s depth, including photography. Taking photos has always been a fun thing to do, but never really got into it or explored the possibilities photography had to offer until I got my first real digital camera, which was on my 17th birthday. That’s when it all started, when my passion for photography was lit.

What kind of camera do you use, and do you use any additional gear when shooting?

I started out with a Canon EOS 300D which was a great “professional” camera for beginners. You weren’t limited to the possibilities of taking amazing photos by your hardware.

Today, not many years later I’m still a loyal Canon user. Unfortunately due to my living situation, being a broke-ass student most of the time, I’m limited to sticking with reasonable cameras and equipment in my price range, meaning a Canon EOS 400D. Other gear in my backpack other than the 400D house and 18-55mm kit-lens are my Sigma 55-200mmD 1:4-5:6 DC, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, an Canon RC-1 remote controller and a Hama Star 62 tripod.

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Today we launch a new site dedicated to high quality texture images.

TextureVault.net is a new website that aims to offer a huge selection of high quality texture images for commercial purposes. The site has quite a few premium textures, all nicely categorized and tagged. You can download medium quality (800px) textures for free, while the highest quality images are only $4.

Not only can designers buy textures for their projects, but photographers can sign up and sell their own texture images on the site.

Webmasters and site owners can also get involved and sign up for the Affiliate Program and earn 10% of each sale they refer.

Visit TextureVault.net

Our forth featured photographer is Homero Nuñez Chapa. Homero has a staggering 200+ great photos in his gallery which you can view here.

Hi Homero, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you  got into photography.

Well, my name is Homero Nuñez Chapa and I’m from Mexico (This is my city). I am 38 years old,  I am a freelance seller in a print shop and I do some graphic designs as well.

I started to take photos 1 year ago when I met a girl that takes photos and she takes beautiful photos with her compact camera, and she encouraged me to start taking photos.

What kind of camera do you use, and do you use any additional gear when shooting?

My new camera is a Kodak Easyshare z8612is, but I used to take photos with a Samsung 815 pro, but it is broken now (some kind of an accident). No, I don’t have any extra equipment, only my camera and my home made DIY light box, something like this.

Have you had any professional training as a photographer?

I don’t have any professional training as a photographer, but i learn a lot by reading articles on the web. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s time for the third photographer focus interview, and today’s photographer is Lokigrl616. You can view her photos here, all 160 of them.

Hi Lokigrl616, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into photography.

I am a stay at home mom, 25 years old, and photography has been a passion since I discovered Ansel Adams when I was on the yearbook staff in 7th grade, his pictures and respect for for the beauty of nature moved me.

What kind of camera do you use, and do you use any additional gear when shooting?

I like to use my Minolta Maxxum 5, I find that the color is great and I’m a sucker for classic hardware I have a few lenses but I like to keep to the basics and use Photoshop for any additional needs.

Have you had any professional training as a photographer?

The only photography training I have had is in high school and lots of applied practice of course I’m also a fan of the training that creativecow.com offers.

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SimpleLine has been with us for a while and although he doesn’t have many photos uploaded, the ones he has are of superb quality. His image “The feelings room” even won our Feelings contest in 2007. You can view SimpleLine’s photos here. Now lets get to know the talented SimpleLine a bit more…

Hi SimpleLine, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into photography.

I’m from Indonesia, born in 1979. Currently I’m an engineer at a bicycle manufacture. I got into photography around 1999, my friend bought a compact Kodak digital camera, it was one of the first kind in my country, and from time to time I got to try the camera, shoot here and there and it became a new hobby for me. In 2001 I started to do some freelance photography jobs for weddings, just small timer Later on I bought my own camera and got more serious, he he!

What kind of camera do you use, and do you use any additional gear when shooting?

Currently I am using Canon 40D and really expecting the expensive 5D Mark II quality, hehehe! Anyway, before that I used Sony prosumer F707, Canon 350D then 400D then the current 40D.
When shooting outdoors I usually use a 580EX flash for fill in… in modeling shots I usually pair with ST-E2 so I can get a better lighting angle… but mostly, only the camera and the lens is enough.

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Have you ever thought about where all the great photos here at stockvault.net are coming from?
There are hundreds of talented photographers behind stockvault.net and now we’ve decided to get personal and ask them a few questions about themselves and how they came to enjoy photography.

The first photographer is Peter Alexander Robb which has shared 375 photos with us since he signed up.
You can view Peters photos here.

Hi Peter, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into photography.

Hi Bjorgvin and everyone.
My name is Peter Alexander Robb and my age varies but I am in my fifties they tell me. I was born in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand and have lived here all my life. I come from a forth generation Otago / Dunedin family and I am a student with two degrees, a BA & a BCApSc.
I commenced photography with a Kodak Box Brownie, a bellows Kodak and a small plastic Japanese camera. I am more of an opportunist amateur photographer but I plan some shoots. I enjoy working with models.

What kind of camera do you use, and do you use any additional gear when shooting?

I use a Digital Kodak Easyshare C813 , ISO 1250 8.2 megapixel currently. I use an old Japanese expendable tripod for composed shots.

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