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Lee Repass
Participant
August 26, 2026
Answered

I have a photo of a Cal Fire helicopter in action. I reached out to Ca

  • August 26, 2026
  • 7 replies
  • 81 views

I recently took a photo of a Cal Fire Helicopter in action. Prior to publishing I reached out to Cal Fire and asked if they would be willing to sign a release of the photo. They told me that it was a photo I took and it was taken on public land therefore Cal Fire would not need to sign a release. I explained that Adobe Stock would not except it without the release and asked if they would please sign the release so I could publish my photo so I wouldn't risk losing my account. They said there was no need to and explained to me again. Obviously this person must not have known the legalities. So I published and it was rejected immediately. I wrote to Cal Fire again and the same thing with email stating I could publish the photo. Then I responded back to Adobe explaining the sitiuation and sent them the email with all of Cal Fires contact info. They still rejected the photo. Any of you ever gone through this before ?

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      Correct answer Nancy OShea

      You’ll never get CalFire to sign a commercial property release form, so stop trying.  

       

      IMO, emergency vehicles have no commercial value. Brands don’t want to be associated with tragedy & disasters. That’s not how they sell products.  

       

      Your photo might have Editorial value for journalism. Read Stock’s “Illustrative Editorial” requirements below to see if your photo is eligible for consideration.  Also, you’ll need at least 100 sales before you can submit content for editorial use only.

      https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-illustrative-editorial-content/illustrative-editorial-content-submission-overview.html

       

      Good luck.

      7 replies

      Abambo
      Community Expert
      AbamboCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 27, 2026

      When Adobe refuses a picture, they have refused it for a reason. It doesn’t matter what the people from Cal Fire are telling you. 

      BTW: the helicopter will probably also need other releases from the manufacturer. It’s probable that there is more than one reason for Adobe to refuse this picture.

      ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
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        Legend
        August 27, 2026

        The helicopter will probably also need other releases from the manufacturer.

        100% incorrect!

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        Abambo
        Community Expert
        AbamboCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        August 27, 2026

        If you remove any branding, the image could pass. If there is branding visible, the image will be refused on IP violations. Some assets are so iconic that they get refused, whatever you try to remove. 

        I did not say "for sure," but I did say "probably", as there are most likely some other branding elements visible. 

        ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
          Jill_C
          Community Expert
          Jill_CCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          August 27, 2026

          I agree with ​@Nancy OShea that firefighting images might have some appeal in the Illustrative Editorial category since firefighting stories are frequently in the noise, especially right now.

          Jill C., Forum Volunteer
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            Legend
            August 27, 2026

            Are we here to opine on what has commercial value or not, to reminding people there are millions of shots they are competing against, or to give feedback on assets rejected?

            I’m not one to be soft with words, but I am very mindful to not say things that discourage for the sake of my ego or personal opinions...

            I see over and over again a weak mindset, particularly on those who are the most experienced...

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            Nancy OShea
            Community Expert
            Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
            Community Expert
            August 26, 2026

            You’ll never get CalFire to sign a commercial property release form, so stop trying.  

             

            IMO, emergency vehicles have no commercial value. Brands don’t want to be associated with tragedy & disasters. That’s not how they sell products.  

             

            Your photo might have Editorial value for journalism. Read Stock’s “Illustrative Editorial” requirements below to see if your photo is eligible for consideration.  Also, you’ll need at least 100 sales before you can submit content for editorial use only.

            https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-illustrative-editorial-content/illustrative-editorial-content-submission-overview.html

             

            Good luck.

            Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
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            Legend
            August 26, 2026

            Adobe gave you the right information.

            Turn this into an opportunity and go about it the best way. Contact Cal Fire saying communications office and tell them you want to do a photo essay on their department helicopters, that you will share all the photos for free with them, but that you will need a property release.

            Going through all the trouble for one shot is not worth it, doing it for a nice library of photos and videos absolutely. Don’t be intimidated, succeeding in stock photography is all about planning ahead!

            Good luck 

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