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RALPH_L
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 14, 2025
Question

increase your acceptance rate.

  • November 14, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 227 views

Hello fellow new contributors,

often we get asked "why was my photo rejected for quality reasons?". 
I put together a short example of how to identify some of the more reoccurring reasons and how I go about preparing my photos for submission. 

Remember, this is basic and only one current example. But, maybe it can get you started.

The Stock Photo Submission Trap

3 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 14, 2025

I think the biggest problem new contributors have is "falling in love with their art" without giving much thought to what customers are looking for. 

 

A pretty picture is nice, but if it doesn't have commercial value to the viewer, it's unlikely to earn sales. 

 

Reviewers know what Stock customers buy. They also know what customers don't buy.  Equipped with that sales knowledge, they decide which assets to accept/reject.  It's a business decision only, not a critique of one's content creating abilities. 

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
RALPH_L
Community Expert
RALPH_LCommunity ExpertAuthor
Community Expert
November 15, 2025

True Nancy, but even art now has it's place in stock. I think that the reviewers are aware of this. Stock is nolonger just assets for publication. I have already located 15 online shops offering my photos as printed posters and wall murals. These are Adobe business partners utilizing the Adobe App. I think that their customers are looking for art. Still, these assets must maintainn the quality standards.
I did a quick search through my data. I have sold a total of 42 rhinoceros photos. most being sold several times. Of these 42 photos, 23 of the photos were what could be considered artistic (blurred backgrounds, dust and fog, etc.). Meaning they no longer are shown in their natural surroundings. 
Summing up, I believe there is a commercial value for both.

Abambo
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 15, 2025

Sure, you first need to maintain the quality standards, than you need to be art. You do not need to show elements in their natural environment. But the picture in itself needs to be a quality picture. And if someone is buyiong a wall paper picture, it may well be that the picture itself is better suited, when the background is dusty and foggy. That's adds drama to the story.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
Jill_C
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 14, 2025

Nice blog post !

Jill C., Forum Volunteer
Inspiring
November 14, 2025

Cool! I appreciate the effort you put into this Ralph.

Cheers!

 

Francisco ZALEZPHOTO