The ActionStock Interview #1: Della-Stock

Oct 21, 200515 min read

Deviation Actions

Published: Oct 21, 2005

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The ActionStock Interview #1: Della-Stock

This feature is one that I've wanted to do for some time.  I am fascinated by the 'idea' of stock; the concept of one artist initially creating an image that is then essentially given over to other artists to build upon, and expand, and illustrate, and realize however and whatever they may.  Artists working together, in many cases without ever meeting or even speaking, to create countless iterations of...well...anything.

I want to know more about stock, and especially more about the artists who create it.  Since I've always liked the interview format, and Interview magazine, I thought it'd be interesting to learn more about this community by featuring interviews of stock artists by stock artists. I figured I'd have to conduct the first one (to get the ball rolling) and I was very fortunate, and very excited, that Della-Stock was so gracious as to accept my invite to be the first interviewee.

From the first time I saw her stock images, whether she was in front of or behind the camera, I knew that she is an artist who appreciates what stock is and what it can be.  She even has the rare talent of being able to make the ubiquitous 'face shot at arm's length' into something fresh and exciting. A couple examples of her work as a stock artist:

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I hope you will enjoy as much as I did learning a bit more about this talented, and very active, member of our community.

- What caused you to first get into producing stock photos?

- I first started producing submitting stock photos after I realized just how useful they could be. I normally had everything I needed for the manipulations that I wanted, but sometimes I was just inspired by other people's stock. So I thought it would fun to share my own photos as stock.

How long have you been creating stock photos?

It will be 2 years in December. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long.

What is your primary motivation for creating stock?

My primary motivation is to help other artists. I've been around long enough to see what gets used, and what people request in the forums the most. That's one of the reasons I created two separate stock clubs, one for wings and one for costumes/retro outfits.
My second motivation is my own narcissism. I'll be the first to tell you that I've taken over 10,000 photos of myself over the past 5 years. I'm an only child, so it all started out of boredom, as I'm sure a lot of other girls would understand. So since I have such a huge collection, it's awesome to see them actually get used for something other than taking up my hard drive space.

You seem extremely comfortable in front of the camera and are able to express very complex and subtle emotions/themes; do you do this professionally either as an actress or a model? If not, is this something you aspire to?

Although my grandmother always pressured me to be a model, it's not something I do professionally. I've been told that I have a "thousand faces", a "good complexion" and am "photogenic" so I'm guessing that just makes for good pictures? As for the expressions (other than the normal blank stare) I just don't mind making an ass out of myself. I'd rather do something silly and laugh along, then always try to be serious and end up getting laughed at. Self confidence comes from being able to laugh at yourself.

Although I think it would be fun to model, I lack the physical build for it, along with the motivation and the constant dieting. I'd die if they don't me I couldn't have M&Ms or lots of bread and pasta.

Is it generally known among your family and friends that your are a stock artist? If so, what is their reaction/feedback?

Growing up I would get grounded just about every month for posting images of myself on the internet, or making websites, or anything that would put me at risk for identity theft, or predators. As an adult, I decide to not let my life be ruled by a fear of everything. If somebody really wants to steal my identity, they can have all my bills that come with it.
A good portion of my friends and family don't know about my stock, because a good bit don't even know about my art. They know of it, but they don't really take the time to see the length and breath of it that my online friends know.
As for my husband, he doesn't mind as long as I save my private flesh for his eyes only. So you won't find me doing nudes or even bathing suit shots. The least you'll find me in is a tank and boxers. (Plus, how shocking would that be for my family and friends to come across my stock and see that? Yeah, that's something that I'd rather not share with them)

How does your day job influence your work as a stock artist? Are there any other outside influences that colour your stock?
My job makes it easy to be an active member of deviantART because I work from home. I also have a very flexible schedule, meaning that if I feel like going out and taking pictures, there is nothing holding me back. I get paid for the hours I work, and I don't get paid for the hours I take off. (I work for a website)

As for outside influences…. Trips, vacations, touristy things. I love to travel. If I were rich, that's how I'd spend my life. Traveling and taking pictures of everything!
I'm also quite influenced by my fellow stock artists. I'll see something they've done, and try to recreate it myself. I'm constantly asking Dove-Stock how she does those jump shots without any motion blur. (I'm still working on it).

Are there any stock artists who have been a particular influence on you?
So many.

…. There are actually a ton more that I love and respect, but each of the ones mentioned above are ones that I've though, "Hey, that's so cool, I want to do that!"

Do you remember the first stock image you ever saw?

Yes, it was a manipulation done of

, and they linked to her stock, so I followed the link. She was one of the first people I saw/talked to here.

You are very active in many areas of dA, of course as a stock artist, but also as a photographer and member or administrator of many communities; which is your most fulfilling role? Is there anything on dA that you'd like to do, but that you don't do currently?

Do you know I go through so many phases in DA? Sometimes my stock is more important to me than my photography. And other times it takes a back burner to my "real photography." I also love to draw, do digital paintings, and manipulations, but my first and foremost love is photography. It's nice to start/admin other clubs as well, but sometimes it can just be a headache. And half the time I neglect all the clubs that I'm a member of. I forget to submit to them. (so I'm sorry if I've neglected any of you!)

But I'd have to say I feel most fulfilled when people request to use my art outside of DA/the internet. Normally they compensate me with items that have my stock used. I've gotten T-shirts, magnets, books and other things where people have manipulated my stock (or requested the use of one of my regular photographs). That is an amazing feeling to wear a T-shirt and show my friends, "look, those are MY crows!"

What I would like to do, but don't do currently….. I'd love to have radioPooh's job. I'd love to be able to feature daily deviations, be able to lock pointless threads, and know what's going on inside the professional world of DA. I have my own visions for DA, I have my own agenda that I'd like to see done. Time and patience, and one day it will be more organized, I'm hoping.

Do you do anything special to set the mood for shooting stock? For instance you recently did a set with moody lighting and rather intense faces, did you do anything special to set the atmosphere for those?

Yes, I have my favorite desklamp! My mom had bought it for me in high school, and last year it broke. So I finally found it again at Wal*Mart and bought it. It's a half dome desk lamp. It's great for direct lighting because it doesn't let any light escape from anywhere else, so it's really bright. It's also very hot. I can only take a few pictures at a time before my face starts turning red and I'm sweating like a madwoman.

I also have some plain white sheets, and a tri-pod. Normally though I just sit my camera on a close object and use the self timer. For facial shots, I just hold the camera out. Which can be hard since I have a 10-D and the thing is heavy!

You have great titles for your stock, do they just hit you on the spur of the moment or is there some deeper meaning?

Again, I go through phases. Sometimes my stock is named after songs or lines in a song. Sometimes I just want them to be descriptive so that if you are looking at them in a list view instead of a thumbnail view, you get the gist of what the picture is of. And other times, I'm just feeling really weird and zany and just write down the first thing that pops into my head when I see the photo.

Do you have a favourite type of stock that you like to do?

I love doing facial stocks. I hear a lot of people complain that it's not good unless it's full body. But personally I've had more of my facials used than my full body shots. I love the dramatic and weird lighting you can do with facial stocks, and I love playing with makeup. (although I try to do some with no makeup on for those who prefer it that way)

What is the craziest / most interesting / most ridiculous request your have gotten for a stock image?

I thought I had a foot fetish until I came here. And then I met some people who will fav anything with a foot in it…. And they leave little comments like, "I want to tickle/lick/rub your toes"
So the weirdest request I've gotten was when somebody asked me to get a floor camera angle of my foot, looking like I'm about to step on the camera. And I actually did the request: Here - www.deviantart.com/deviation/9… .

Your art account, at which we can see your exceptional traditional photography is called DellaMorteArts; what do you doubt? Are you a doubtful person by nature?

My name came partially from my favorite band, "No Doubt." But I'm the complete opposite. I constantly double guess myself, and doubt my abilities. That's why I've never been through formal training. I'm just so afraid of failure, that I end up never trying.
And the Della part came from an old friend who thought Daniella was too hard to say so she shortened my name to Daniella.

Where do you see stock going over the next several years? Do you think it will ever be a viable way for people to earn money? Do you consider it an artform in its own right?

Over the next several years I hope to improve. My stock is not the greatest out there. I have a lot of pixilation problems, focus problems, motion blur….. ect ect ect. I'd like to get really good at my technique, and hopefully that will make better stock photography.

Do I think it could earn money? Not on DeviantART. Professional paid for stock is on the same level as the pros on deviantART who don't let you sneeze near their stuff. The stuff that get's bought is the stuff that you and I put our names on, and hang it up on our walls as our art.

Stock art is definitely it's own art form. In the business world, it's along the lines of professional minimalist photography, or professional nature photography and the likes. That type of photography is for magazines, newspapers, ect ect not necessarily photo manipulations. Plus, they have the perfect lighting, reflectors, expensive lenses, and the light boxes, and all that cool stuff that I can only dream of. _{(Notice above paragraph where I talk about a desk lamp from Wal*Mart)} On DeviantART, it's it's own art form because we cater to the manipulators needs. Our stock is made to be combined with other things, not just featured as is. Our stock is great in it's own rights

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I hope you will join me in thanking Della-Stock for sharing so much about her work as a stock artist. Please be sure to visit her stock gallery, and her traditional photography account at: DellaMorteArts

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This community is for producers and consumers of high-quality, action-oriented stock photographs. We seek out and highlight the best of dA's stock artists who specialize in useful, creative, and dynamic images.

Our gallery showcases artists who produce stock images in which something is happening; could be a duel, a leap into the air, getting thrown to the floor, skulking, you name it. Also, we focus on producers of high quality images useful for derivative works.

1) We find you and ask if you'd like to join. (note: if you know of someone whose work fits with the theme of ActionStock, please send us a note and we'll check our their gallery.)

2) If you feel that your stock images would be a useful addition to this gallery, please send a note with "JOIN" in the subject line and include a link to at least one sample image. We'll review your work and if it's a good match for ActionStock we'll add you to the gallery.

(Please bear in mind that we feature High Quality images; that means we are generally looking for high-res, well-lit, full body shots that show the subject doing something interesting.)