Participant

Question

Does Adobe Stock Accept ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) Images? Feedback Requested

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
September 25, 2025
3 replies
221 views

I’ve been experimenting with ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) photography and recently tried submitting an image: Abstract Cloud Motion Blur in Circular Pattern (It got rejected)

Before I upload more, I wanted to check with the community:

Title: Abstract Cloud Motion Blur in Circular Pattern

Keywords: motion blur, ICM, intentional camera movement, abstract, clouds, circular, swirl, dreamy, artistic, sky, background, texture, soft, creative, surreal, atmospheric, design, pattern

Does Adobe Stock generally accept ICM-style motion blur images?

Are there any suggestions on improving the file, metadata, or category to increase the chances of acceptance?

I’d really appreciate it if anyone could take a look at the file or provide advice on how to improve its chances of approval.

Thank you so much for your time and feedback!

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

As a general rule, special effects are frowned on. See Photo Dos & Don'ts

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/editing-dos-and-dont.html

Most customers can add blur effects after purchase, if their project calls for it. But removing blur is not so easy.

Stock already has over 42 MILLION cloud images. The sales potential for another one is quite low and likely to be flagged for "similar content." Find more unique subjects to submit.

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/how-to-submit-distinct-content.html

Hope that helps.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

RALPH_L

Community Expert

Adobe does not extra say that they do not accept ICM. However, searching in the database for "ICM or Intentional Camera Movement Clouds" resulty in < 300. So I would conclude, no they do not want such effects. Theses effects can easily be created with graphic program filters.

P

photo_5197Author

Participant

Thanks for the insight! I’ll keep that in mind.

daniellei4510

Community Expert

What was the reason given for rejection? Quality issues? Similar content? The square format doesn't leave much room for a potential buyer to use to their advantage, such as a wallpaper or abstract background (both of which have often been rejected lately due to the similar content issue.

Adobe Community Expert | If you can't fix it, hide it; if you can't hide it, delete it.

P

photo_5197Author

Participant

Thank you for your response!

The reason given for my rejection was “similar content.” I also did some research before uploading and found that circular motion blur images were relatively less common in the stock library, which is why I decided to submit it.

I was a bit confused about the rejection, but your note about square formats being less preferred for buyers (like wallpapers or abstract backgrounds) is very helpful. I’ll keep that in mind for future uploads.

Thanks again for sharing this insight!

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