Inspiration

We have been thoroughly impressed by the responses in the first round of our contest. Among the 600 entries, there are literally dozens and dozens of entries that all deserve a prize, but in the end there can only be one ultimate winner. Or rather; in this initial round there are two winners.

After closing entries for Round 1 in our Photoshop contest, I think it is safe to say that it’s been the most successful first round ever with 600 entries. Here are a few highlights among the huge number of incredibly creative images.

With Halloween about to creep up on us from behind brandishing an over-sized kitchen knife, we've put together a fine selection of dark and unsettlling images that are perfect for any Halloween related design project. You might get some fresh ideas for this year's Halloween costume too.

Following on from our incredibly popular 13 Fantastic Free High Res Wallpapers published earlier in the year, we are now pleased to offer another 17 fantastic hi-res wallpaper images, courtesy of some of our most talented contributors.

You don't have to be a pro to take photos like a pro – we here at Crestock.com convinced the world’s top selling stock photographer, Yuri Arcurs, to share with us his top 8 secrets – a clear-cut guide to being successful as a photographer

Two trends you will have noticed over the last couple of years. The first, every other person you meet now has a digital camera. As a consequence, the second trend is at least half of these people want to learn more about their new-found photography passion.

Hundreds of websites and blogs are out there hoping to satisfy this demand but some stand out as shining beacons amongst the seas of recycled claptrap and copy and paste mediocrity.

I'm on a mission, dear readers. I want to get to know you better. Don't worry, nothing romantic – I want to get to know you in a "stock photography" context!

I want to know who you are, what you are interested in, if there are things you need help with, things you would like to know about ...

Austro-Norwegian Andreas Doppelmayr elaborates on the necessity of tripods in the bush and his choice of pets.

Graphic designer and photographer James Thew, aka Solarseven on the love of art, dinosaurs and the hard choice of where to go for an exotic holiday.

The person behind the enigmatic pseudonym elaborates on photography, inspiration and high performance speed monsters.