Skip to main content
R
RHF101
Participant
May 20, 2026
Answered

Can anyone help me understand why this photo was rejected, and what I can do, if anything, to get it accepted?

  • May 20, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 92 views

I thought this photo would be a good fit for Adobe Stock customers who wanted an image regarding a variety of issues: legal, constitutional, governmental, etc., but it was rejected. I’m just trying to figure out what I did wrong so I won't repeat the same mistake. Thank you.

      Correct answer Nancy OShea

      Don’t submit Illustrative Editorial content until you fully understand what that means.

       

      https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/illustrative-editorial-content.html

      This type of content often features images of real brands and products — like signs on buildings, soda cans, computers, and cars — to convey a story. Illustrative editorial content is made available to Adobe Stock customers for editorial use only. 

       

      Editorial Use Only, means fewer sales. Most customers want content for commercial use. Something to keep in mind.

       

      3 replies

      Nancy OShea
      Community Expert
      Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 20, 2026

      This is what you’re competing with in Stock inventory. 

      https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=clock

      https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=courthouse

      https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=clock+courthouse

      Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
      Jill_C
      Community Expert
      Jill_CCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 20, 2026

      A

      Jill C., Forum Volunteer
      Jill_C
      Community Expert
      Jill_CCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 20, 2026

      What rejection reason was indicated by the Adobe moderstor?

      Jill C., Forum Volunteer
      R
      RHF101Author
      Participant
      May 20, 2026

      The reason given was:

      “Unfortunately, during our review we found that this file does not meet the Adobe Stock’s Illustrative Editorial Guidelines.

      We are looking for imagery intended to illustrate articles on current events and news, focused on conceptual imagery using real brands and products to convey strong ideas.

      The most common cases for rejection from that collection are:

      • - The file includes identifiable people.
      • - The file is news or documentary editorial.
      • - The file did not have a strong editorial concept.”

      I just copy and pasted that from the 

      R
      RHF101Author
      Participant
      May 20, 2026

      Sorry, I hit “send” before finishing the last sentence. Should have just deleted that sentence.

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices