Images being rejected

Forum|Forum|29 days ago
March 29, 2026
7 replies
103 views

Hi, I’m new to Adobe Stock and just getting started with contributing.

I mainly shoot landscapes, flora, and fauna using my smartphone, as I can’t currently afford a dedicated camera. I understand that mobile photography is accepted, so I decided to give it a try.

My first set of uploads was rejected due to IP-related issues, which helped me realize I should avoid including identifiable buildings or restricted elements. I then submitted a second set of images focused purely on nature, with no people or buildings. However, those were also rejected, this time citing quality issues (I have attached the images in question).

I’d really appreciate any guidance you can offer on what might be going wrong and how I can improve my submissions to meet Adobe Stock’s quality standards.

Thank you for your time and support!

jacquelingphoto2017

Community Expert

Hi @Srikar's snaps,

As was pointed out for the first picture, details are lost.

The second picture has too much of a shallow depth of field, hence, not completely in focus.

The third image has both color noise and luminance.

Zoom in on your images at between 100 and 200% to inspect them.

Best wishes

Jacquelin

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Getting high quality photos from any camera is much more than ‘point & click.’ As Ansel Adams said, “Great photographs are created, not taken.”

Understanding your equipment’s limitations is key to successful phone camera photos. Have you enrolled in any Photography courses? That’s the best say to learn the fundamentals. Also take some courses in post-processing with Photoshop or Lightroom. Digital photos almost always require corrective editing to make them pop.

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

Ricky336

Community Expert

Hello,

I think you could improve your composition on the flower photo. The flower needs more room around it; it’s cropped too tightly.

From Adobe:

The basics of photography composition

Jill_C

Community Expert

The first and third images are underexposed in the shadows. The flower is not sharply focused.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

O

Oh.N8

Hey @Srikar's snaps

Definitely consider using a tripod and a remote to keep your camera stable. Even in bright days like this.
Under expose your photo slightly initially and edit the photo(s) in Lightroom or Camera Raw.
You can take 3 shots of the same spot: one slightly under exposed, one just right, and one slightly over exposed the sky. Composite the images together.

Cheers

Nate

RALPH_L

Community Expert

I think @daniellei4510 give you the correct assessment. Your photos need post processing so that you can do exposure corrections and do some sharpening. Also, you should try to compose your photos. For instance, use the Rule of Thirds. Here is an example of a corrected photo: