Frequently Asked Questions
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Scoopshooters
Installing Scoopshot
Is Scoopshot available for my phone?
Scoopshot is available for Apple iPhone and various Android devices. You can also install Scoopshot on a 4th generation Apple iPod Touch or Apple iPad 2.
Where can I get the free Scoopshot app?
Installing and using Scoopshot is completely free. Scoopshot does not display any ads. You can download and install Scoopshot as follows:
iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad: Launch the App Store on your device and search for Scoopshot. You can also click the App Store logo on this website.
Android: Launch Android Market on your device and search for Scoopshot. You can also click the Android Market logo on this website.
Will Scoopshot become available for my phone?
We are constantly developing and improving Scoopshot. However, due to our development focus, we unfortunately do not provide support for older phone models at the moment. Nevertheless, please send us feedback regarding the phone models you think should be supported – we do our best to accommodate requests from the photographer community!
Why do I have to register?
Registration ensures that the money you earn stays safe. User identification is extremely important when selling photos and managing payments. The information you provide during registration helps us ensure that you are properly compensated for the photos you sell through Scoopshot.
The registration information is only used for running the Scoopshot service. It will not be transferred to any third parties. If you want, you can allow your name to be published with the photos you sell.
Taking photos and videos
How do I take photos and videos with Scoopshot?
Taking photos and videos is simple. When you see something of interest, launch the Scoopshot app and tap the lens icon on the front page to start the camera. Once you have snapped the photo or video, send it to Scoopshot Store for sale. You can also send it later. However, remember to do so within 48 hours – Scoopshot Store only sells fresh content!
Tip: In the Scoopshot app, you can launch the camera in any view by tapping the camera icon at the top right corner.
What makes a good Scoopshot photo or video?
The better the photos and videos you take, the more you can sell and the more you will earn.
Great Scoopshot content is newsworthy and fresh. A stunning news photo or video captures an event or phenomenon that interests the media and the general public, something you would immediately share with your friends. A great photo or video is also fresh, so keep your phone close at hand and send your shots to Scoopshot as quickly as possible! Remember to carefully fill in the details when sending your photo or video: this will help journalists discover it with search tools, for example.
Whenever possible, capture your photos and videos with the Scoopshot app. This adds to the authenticity of the shot, as the source of the content is known.
Paying attention to the quality of your photo or video makes it easier to sell and publish. Try and take technically good photos: avoid shaking the camera and keep in mind that sufficient lighting makes a big difference. Get close enough to the subject to capture the necessary details, but do not go into the danger zone. Stay clear of burning buildings and smoldering car wrecks! Do not edit, manipulate or crop the photo. Do not use any special effects that your camera may feature.
Can I send photos or videos taken with other camera apps besides Scoopshot?
Yes. You can send photos and videos taken with other camera applications, but you must first import them to Scoopshot.
iPhone: Go to the For Sale page and tap Send from Photo Roll. Select the photo or video to import.
Android: Go to the For Sale page and tap Send from gallery. Select the photo or video to import.
Tip: If you cannot find the importing feature, try updating the application to the latest version. Note that importing videos may not be supported on all devices.
Do I need permission to photograph in public places?
The permissibility of taking photographs in public spaces varies between countries. We recommend that you check the regulations of your country. Most countries permit taking photographs in public spaces, which usually mean places that can be accessed without restrictions, such as city streets and public transportation buildings.
Am I permitted to photograph people?
If a person is in a public location, you are usually allowed to take a photograph or capture a video. However, it is polite to ask for permission. If you are on private premises, such as a private residence or a commercial office, permission for taking photographs is always required. What is more, do not take photos of people in their homes or in offices through windows, as this is a clear invasion of privacy.
Can my photos or videos feature persons that can be identified?
Unless the person is a well-known public figure, you must have the permission of the person(s) in the photo or video. You should also include the name(s) of the model(s) in the description field. By accepting the Scoopshot Terms of Service, you agree to comply with these rules regarding model release.
Videos
How can I make money with my videos?
Simply shoot a great video: read on to see what makes a video great. Unless you are caught in the middle of the action that requires swift shooting, take a moment to focus on the quality of the video. It really pays off.
Make your video discoverable with a good description text. Make your video interesting by jumping straight into the action. Price your video right.
How to shoot a great video?
The same tips apply to both videos and photos. Select an interesting, newsworthy subject. Move in close enough to show the details. Frame your shot properly. Avoid shaking the camera. Most importantly, try to tell a story: what is happening, where, to whom and why this is important.
Keep your video compact and to the point: if possible, go straight into the action instead of starting with 30 seconds of uninteresting footage with nothing much happening. Use audio to your benefit: the sounds can supplement the story. Sometimes your own audio commentary may work, sometimes it is better to spare your words.
What is the maximum length for videos?
The maximum length depends on the smartphone you are using. With some models, the length may be automatically restricted to one minute. Others may not have any limitations.
Remember that you are not shooting a full documentary film: capture the essential action and keep the video compact.
Why have my videos disappeared?
High-quality videos require a lot of storage space and data transfer. Because of this, the Scoopshot app may remove any videos shot with Scoopshot when you uninstall or log out of the app. Therefore, upload your videos for sale or export them (in supported models) before logging out.
When can I send videos?
Whenever you want. Videos are just like photos: if you see something interesting happening, shoot a clip and send it for sale to news media. You can also send videos to Tasks. However, read the task description carefully to see if the task creator specifically requests photos only.
Sending photos and videos
How do I send material to Scoopshot Store?
Sending photos and videos to be sold in Scoopshot Store is simple. Once you have taken the photo or video with the Scoopshot app, fill in the requested details and set a price. Then press Send. Scoopshot will automatically send the photo or video to Scoopshot Store.
You can also send material later from the For Sale page by selecting an unsent photo or video. However, remember that good Scoopshot photos are fresh: always send in your shots as quickly as possible. Scoopshot content must be sent within 48 hours of taking it.
Does sending videos cost something?
No. Sending photos and videos is free as such, but do note that depending on your mobile plan, data transfer may incur costs. In order to ensure the high quality of photos, Scoopshot does not send photos as mobile MMS messages. Instead, photos and videos are uploaded in full quality to the Scoopshot server.
Depending on your mobile plan, your data transfer quota may be unlimited or it may be reduced by individual data transfers. Please contact your operator or carrier for more information about data transfer and related costs.
Can I send photos and videos from my computer or from the web?
No, this is not permitted. Scoopshot focuses exclusively on fresh and authentic photos and videos. The camera in your phone adds necessary details, such as time and location, to the photo or video. In many cases, it is difficult or impossible to properly authenticate the source of photos or videos from a computer or the web.
Can I send modified photos or videos with effects?
This is technically possible, but you should avoid it. Scoopshot photos and videos should not be edited, manipulated or cropped, and no camera effects should be used. You can frame the shot by moving closer to the subject or using the camera zoom.
However, keep in mind that it is ultimately the content that counts: do not discard a unique, once-in-a-lifetime shot because of inferior technical quality. The buyer can later enhance the photo if desired.
Where is the photo or video stored after I send it to Scoopshot Store? Will it remain on my phone?
The photos and videos you send to Scoopshot Store are stored on Scoopshot’s server. The photo will also remain available on your mobile phone. Videos taken with Scoopshot, however, may be deleted from your phone after logging out in order to save space.
How much should I ask for my photos and videos? What is a good price?
This is a good question. The right price depends on the news value of your material. If you have managed to capture a unique shot of a major news event, the photo or video can be extremely valuable. Photos of less important everyday events may also sell really well, but for a lower price. Further, the availability of similar photos may also affect the price. If your photo or video was sold, the price was right!
Task participation
How can I receive photo tasks?
Scoopshot or various media companies may send you tasks. You can send photos corresponding to these tasks to earn task-specific rewards for each sold photo. Usually, you can send several photos to the same task.
Tasks are sent directly to the Scoopshot app in your phone based on your location. If you want, you can get notifications of new tasks available to you. Different tasks have different durations, so remember to send your shots before the deadline closes!
How do I send task photos?
You can take task photos (or task videos, if videos are requested) just like normal news photos – by tapping the lens icon on the front page. After taking the photo, select Send to Task and follow the on-screen instructions. Note that it is important to enter the requested details for the photo or video – this way, the task creator gets the information needed.
You can also send photos later from the For Sale page by selecting an unsent photo. However, remember to send it before the task deadline closes.
What makes a great task photo?
The better the photos you take, the more you can sell and the more you will earn.
A great task photo meets the task assignment and is of high technical quality, making it easy to publish. For task photos, it is also important to provide all the requested photo details. For example, the task creator may require a description of the subject or the name of the event where the photo was taken.
Tip: In some tasks, you are not necessarily in a rush to take task photos, so take your time. This allows you to concentrate on the quality of your photos. For example, you can make the photo more attractive by framing it properly (if possible, do not use the zoom but rather move in closer to the subject) and by ensuring that the lighting is good. You can snap several photos and only send the best one.
Can task photos or videos feature persons that can be identified?
You must have the permission of the person(s) in the photo or video. Especially for photo competition Tasks (see “RACE Tasks” in the Terms of Service), you must include the name(s) of the model(s) in the description field. By accepting the Scoopshot Terms of Service, you agree to comply with these rules regarding model release.
Earning money
How can I earn money with Scoopshot?
You earn money with every photo and video the media buys. Send in fresh and newsworthy shots so the media and journalists can purchase them from Scoopshot Store. The media can buy the publishing rights for photos or videos and Scoopshot will ensure that you are properly compensated.
In the case of news photos and videos, you name the price of each shot. Task photos, instead, have a pre-defined, task-specific reward for each sold shot.
Whenever someone buys your photo or video, you receive a notification directly on your phone. Some, even many, photos or videos will not be sold. By sending your news photos quickly while they are still fresh and by trying to capture shots of as high quality as possible, you can increase the chances of your stuff being sold.
How can I cash out my earnings?
The compensation for photos sold will be paid to your Scoopshot account, visible in the Scoopshot mobile app. You can transfer the money to your account by tapping Cash Out. Fill in the required details and follow the on-screen instructions.
Note that you are not in a rush to cash out your earnings. You can accumulate a larger sum in your Scoopshot account and cash it all out at the same time.
Depending on the payment method, the transfer may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Supported payment methods include for example bank transfers and PayPal.
Do I have to pay taxes on Scoopshot earnings?
Yes, most likely. In most countries, you will have to pay taxes on the money you earn with Scoopshot. You should contact your local tax authority for details.
How will I know if someone buys my photo or video?
Whenever someone buys your photo or video, you receive a notification directly on your phone. To view further details on your sold photos and videos, go to the For Sale page in Scoopshot.
I run my own company. Can I cash out my Scoopshot earnings through my business account?
Unfortunately, this is not currently possible. You can only cash out your Scoopshot earnings as a private person, not as a business.
Rights
Who owns the rights to the photos and videos I send to Scoopshot?
When you send your photo or video to Scoopshot, you give Scoopshot the right to use it in Scoopshot Store. All photos are protected with watermarks and cannot be used without buying appropriate publishing rights.
If the photo or video is bought, Scoopshot gets exclusive rights for copyright transfer. Scoopshot will then ensure that you get the agreed compensation for the publishing rights. If your photo or video is not bought within 48 hours, all rights will be returned to you.
If my photo or video is sold, who owns the rights to it?
Journalists can buy a license to the publishing rights of a photo or video. This means that the media can publish it on a web page or in a newspaper, for example. The license does not entitle the media to use the photo or video for other purposes.
If a journalist buys exclusive rights to a photo or video, all rights are transferred to the buyer and the photo or video is removed from sale. The price of an exclusive license is ten times the price you defined for the photo or video.
Can I get my name mentioned next to any published shots?
Yes, if this is what you want. In the Scoopshot app, you can allow Scoopshot and the media to publish your name next to the photos or videos. You can also choose to remain anonymous.
About Scoopshot
Who buys photos and videos from Scoopshot Store?
Journalists use Scoopshot Store to find photos and videos for news articles and stories. Several major media companies already use Scoopshot, and new journalists and publications continuously sign up for the service.
Can I sell my photos and videos to several media companies?
Yes. Several media companies can buy your photo or video at the same time. However, if someone buys exclusive rights to your photo or video, others can no longer buy or publish it.
How does Scoopshot benefit from all this?
Scoopshot adds a fixed commission to each photo or video in Scoopshot Store. This means that media companies pay a little more than the price defined by the photographer.
Journalists
Using Scoopshot’s full potential
Can I commission exactly the photos or videos I need?
Yes. If the wide selection of fresh Scoopshot photos and videos does not provide the content you need, you can create a Task and commission just the photos or videos you want, from a specific geographical area, if desired.
Tasks are either instant or long-term photography assignments sent to all Scoopshooters within a specific geographical area. Only the task creator can view and purchase content sent to a specific task. In addition to enabling instant acquisition of specific photos or videos, tasks are great for engaging the publication’s audience over a period of time, for example during a slow holiday season.
Can I find content from a specific city district?
Yes. You can define your search to target a detailed map location.
The efficient search tools allow you to combine various search criteria. For example, you can search for photos or videos in a specific category shot in a specific geographical area. To top things off, you can save the search and subscribe future search hits directly to your email.
How fresh is the Scoopshot content stream – what is the 48-hour promise?
Scoopshot focuses exclusively on fresh news photos and videos. This means that all news content in Scoopshot Store are for sale for no more than 48 hours. After this, the photos and videos are removed from sale.
Can I monitor the content stream automatically?
Yes. You can use the Scoopshot search tools to define a set of search criteria. Then you simply save the search and subscribe future search hits directly to your email. This keeps you up-to-date with emerging news and new developments.
How can I be sure that Scoopshot photos and videos are authentic?
Each Scoopshot photo or video includes the information recorded by the camera, such as time and location. This information, along with a map presenting the photo location, is visible in Scoopshot Store.
The source of Scoopshot photos and videos can be verified. Photos and videos taken with the Scoopshot mobile application include details of the source.
Have Scoopshot photos and videos been classified or categorized?
Yes. Scoopshot’s news content has been classified according to the international IPTC classification model. In addition, the photos and videos include key words and exact location information. All these can be combined and used as search criteria.
Publishing rights
Who owns the rights to Scoopshot photos and videos?
Scoopshot respects the original photographer’s rights. When the photographer sends a photo or video to Scoopshot, he or she gives Scoopshot the right to use it in Scoopshot Store. Photos that are for sale are protected with a watermark.
If the photo or video is bought, Scoopshot gets exclusive rights for copyright transfer. Scoopshot will then transfer the publishing rights to the buyer according to the license terms.
Who owns the rights to the photos and videos I have purchased?
When the photo or video is purchased, Scoopshot gets exclusive rights for copyright transfer. Scoopshot, in turn, will then transfer the publishing rights to the buyer according to the license terms.
You can also purchase exclusive publishing rights. In this case, the photo or video is removed from sale and the rights transfer to you.
Can I get exclusive rights to the hottest photos and videos?
Yes. You can purchase exclusive publishing rights. In this case, the photo or video is removed from sale and the rights transfer to you.
Will the photographers be compensated properly?
Earnings for sold photos and videos are credited into Scoopshooters’ personal Scoopshot accounts. Scoopshooters can then cash out their earnings to their bank accounts.
Scoopshot Store registration
What does Scoopshot cost? Can I try out the service for free?
Both Scoopshot registration and the subsequent use of the service are free of charge. You only pay for the photos you purchase. You can add balance to your Scoopshot account for purchasing photos.
You can start out with Scoopshot with a 48-hour trial. During the trial, you can browse the Scoopshot photo stream and try out all Scoopshot features.
Why should I register for Scoopshot Store?
After registering for Scoopshot Store, you can use all Scoopshot features. You can browse the Scoopshot photo stream, purchase news photos and create tasks. Journalists in your publication can immediately purchase and publish hot news photos.
Tasks allow you to commission exactly the photos and videos you need from local Scoopshooters all over the world.
Note that both Scoopshot registration and the subsequent use of the service are free of charge. You can start out with Scoopshot with a 48-hour trial. During the trial, you can browse the Scoopshot photo stream and try out all Scoopshot features.
Do all my colleagues have to register individually?
No. Only the first Scoopshot Store user has to complete the registration. The first registered user can then invite other journalists to join the existing publication in Scoopshot Store.
Scoopshot provides a flexible way to manage user account rights. For example, you can select which journalists in your publication are allowed to purchase photos with the publication’s balance.