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Participating Frequently
Aug 6, 2026 7:17 PM UTC
Answered

First three submissions were rejected, including this cormorant and newly-hatched chicks. Please help me learn why.

Is it the shadows at the bottom of the frame?

 

    Nancy OShea
    Nancy OSheaCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Aug 6, 2026 7:48 PM UTC

    Try using a wider picture format.  Customers don’t want clipped images.

    They prefer images with ample white space for adding text & other elements after purchase.

     

    Also consider the rule-of-thirds for greater visual interest in compositions.

    https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/technique/rule-of-thirds.html

     

    Hope that helps.

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

    9 replies

    ZALEZPHOTO
    Legend
    Aug 6, 2026 9:02 PM UTC

    Nice shot! The wider shot is definitely better for stock. Are you using Photoshop? The newer AI features can easily help you add space around the image, for this particular shot given the simplicity of the edges is perfect using the selection tool brush. Youtube is full of how to do that, what I did literally took less than 15 seconds.

    I just don’t know what it does for the shot’s approval, perhaps the Experts can advice better on that.

    Personally I have used it for shots that have been accepted here, but it’s a smaller percentage than your image and only on one side.

    Best of luck to you!

    Francisco 

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    ZALEZPHOTO
    Participating Frequently
    Aug 6, 2026 7:58 PM UTC

    Is this enough border?

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    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 6, 2026 8:18 PM UTC

    It’s better with breathing room, don’t you think?

     

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    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Participating Frequently
    Aug 6, 2026 8:34 PM UTC

    Yes, I agree. Thanks for the help!

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    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Aug 6, 2026 7:48 PM UTC

    Try using a wider picture format.  Customers don’t want clipped images.

    They prefer images with ample white space for adding text & other elements after purchase.

     

    Also consider the rule-of-thirds for greater visual interest in compositions.

    https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/technique/rule-of-thirds.html

     

    Hope that helps.

     

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    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Participating Frequently
    Aug 6, 2026 7:55 PM UTC

    Very helpful. Thanks.

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    daniellei4510
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Aug 6, 2026 7:19 PM UTC

    Yes, the shadows and the cropped off tail.

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    Adobe Community Expert | I have miles to go before I sleep, but I'm all done on this end.
    Participating Frequently
    Aug 6, 2026 7:30 PM UTC

    Thanks. I was trying to get the focus on her facial expression, but I see what you mean.

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