Quality of photographs used as covers on OS maps

[Birma]

I would like to share my thoughts, and hopefully hear yours, on the quality of photographs used as covers on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps in the UK.

Here in the UK we are very lucky (I think) it that we have a great provider of accurate and up to date maps for outdoor pursuits in the Ordnance Survey. Typically available in the folded paper versions, popular in 1:25000 and 1:50000 scales. I have a shelf full of the things, all well loved, and mostly well used. They have a protective card cover that always includes a photograph relevant to the area.

I recently bought a couple of the 1:25000 scale for the Isle of Mull. You can see them here.
http://leisure.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/pro ... 0319238967

http://leisure.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/pro ... 0319238974

I was quite surprised by how ordinary the pictures were, perhaps could I be so bold as to say “dull”? I am mystified. There can be no shortage of outstanding shots of these two areas (I even checked Alamy). I can only imagine that OS are looking for shots that feature people prominently in the shot for this scale, and that they can not find more appealing shots. The larger 1:50000 scale have much more picturesque shots, for example see here.

http://leisure.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/pro ... 0319229835

There is some discussion about what will sell in stock photo sites at the moment. My suggestion to photographers in the UK is to take someone out with you, then photograph them in the landscape, and contact the OS with your portfolio. I think they are short of inspiration

[David Kilpatrick]

There is a policy of distinguishing the maps by using 'edgy' pix on one series (Landrange?) and regular views on another. I currently have the cover of the Kelso and Coldstream 50,000th Landranger with a fisheye view of Kelso Abbey, but the repro is very flat and dull - sold by Alamy. Still, I am very happy to have my byline on my own town's local OS map for a year or two.

The main library servicing OS needs right now is Fotolibra - www.fotolibra.com. I think they are a really good small library, but I don't like libraries which send out circular requests to all their photographers. It just means clients get flooded and people go out and try to shoot stuff on spec, reducing the chances of sale for already filed images. So I do not bother with Fotolibra now as they send out almost daily requests (same goes for Photographers Direct).

David

[bfitzgerald]

A fair point, but it's just a map cover, and not a photo guide or book, so I would be less hard on them.

My impression of stock photography is that it's lacking inspiration on it's own at times, and many landscape photographers do not use stock agencies, many are over subscribed..and looking for "business handshakes/keyboards" and not nice scenic shots.

[KevinBarrett]

The individual who put those covers together was probably a graphic designer first and a photographer, if at all, second (or third or fourth...). That said, the pictures had to be unique, quickly recognized, and have at least a technical aesthetic, but not necessarily be outstanding.

[Birma]

Thanks for your thoughts David, Barry and Kevin. I suspect you are right and I am being a bit picky . It is now so easy to see so many wonderful images thanks to digital imaging and the interweb that perhaps I forget that sometimes 'it is just a photograph'; not everything needs to be a work of fine art.

At least the OS will never be short of quality images from around Kelso .