We asked our contributor Vladimir Serov how he managed to create those truly amazing portraits you can find in his portfolio. Vladimir has kindly agreed to share some recommendations on how to work with models and turn each shot into a masterpiece.

1. Photography means constant experiments both with a model and the environment. Use everything you can: light filters, smoke generators, smoke cartridges, glass, water, mirrors – everything you can find around. Your task is not only to create a special image but also a surrounding where you can use this image in a harmonic way.

Beautiful steam punk lady | Stock Photo © Depositphotos | Vladimir Serov

Hello there! It is the 10th and final issue of High Five! for this year, and today we are summing up the most burning microstock-related topics with the help of Depositphotos’ contributor Anna Furman.

5 tendencies of microstock photography

1) Competition among professional stockers is growing even stronger.

2) It is getting much more difficult for newcomers to get into the top tier of microstocks and start earning.

3) Glamorous or unnatural pictures are falling out of fashion; what clients need is sincerity, real emotions, and everything natural.

4) Customers prefer photographs of interesting and charismatic models, who are not necessarily beautiful.

5) Fresh ideas and a sense of humor really matter.

Natural skin care | Stock Photo © Depositphotos | Анна Фурман

High Five! would like to introduce Depositphotos’ contributor Aleksandra Marjanovic (also known as AlessandraM), who has kindly agreed to share her favorite illustration subjects. Continue reading in order to get a little inspiration!

1. Beauty and fashion. Drawing is my passion since childhood. I do really like to draw people, especially beautiful women with beautiful dresses.

Fashion Woman Portrait | Stock Vector © Depositphotos | AlessandraM