Images rejected due to quality problems, but why? - please help

The first 2 images are too similar and are also somewhat underexposed.

Hello,

You will get varying opinions here. Mine is that I also think the exposure is fine. My observation is your focus. I think you should allow a greater depth of field— more of the subject in focus.  I would say the main rejection reason is the focus.

The pinecone photo—you can also correct the white balance. It is just a bit too yellow.

Depth of field:

Understanding shallow depth of field photography | Adobe

As already noted, your shadows and highlights require adjustment. But composition is also a quality issue. Placing your subject dead center is often something to be avoided. You might want to read up on some rules of composition going forward.

IMG_2027.jpg

I'm thinking that you submitted the brighter deck photo, and as far as I'm concerned, the exposure is fine.

To me the photo of the pinecone has part of the cone in focus, you captured the essence of what you saw, and it's also fine. 

So why the rejections?  "I think"  Adobe gives a lot of room for shallow depth of field to lifestyle photos, and not so much for photos like yours... I mean these are fine shots, but not WOW photos the moderator thought worth approving, but probably on the basis of their marketability. 

I also like shooting shallow depths of field, and have prime lenses to do so, but have been forced to adjust by closing my lens more for stock.

I started a year ago, and about 6 months ago I stop dwelling on the rejections... And that mindset is definitely paying off.

Challenge yourself more each month and don't stop!

Cheers! 

Shadows are underexposed.

Photos with blown out highlights or crushed shadows will be rejected.

Photos with shallow focus may also be rejected.

AdobeStock prefers a deeper depth of field.

Color noise is noticeable in wooden decks, so remove it in Lightroom.