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Participating Frequently
September 24, 2026
Question

Reasons not accepted photo

  • September 24, 2026
  • 15 replies
  • 118 views

Hello!
My photo was rejected for the following possible reasons:
- Non-compliant use of another artist’s name
- Undeclared Generative AI Content
- Content not compliant with overall guidelines

- Non-compliant use of another artist’s name
This is my photo, and the file's EXIF ​​data matches that of the rest of my portfolio.
- Undeclared Generative AI Content
I do not create AI content (my portfolio contains only a few AI images that were merely experiments, and they were uploaded in accordance with Adobe's rules). For this specific file—just like for all others in my portfolio—I possess the RAW file, which confirms it was an actual photograph rather than a generated image.

- Content not compliant with overall guidelines
I do not understand which rule I might have violated here, as the photo simply shows an open notebook with a ribbon bookmark. The only thing that comes to mind is that someone might have perceived a hidden meaning in the black ribbon bookmark—a meaning that simply isn't there.

To avoid overloading the technical team with inquiries, I would like to know whether these rejection reasons are merely general information, or if I need to submit a support ticket providing proof that the image is mine and is a real photograph.

Thank you in advance for your help.

    15 replies

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026
    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    Non-Compliance is a hodge-podge refusal reason. It can mean multiple things, and nothing at all. 

     

    Common Causes of Non-Compliance Rejections
    • Metadata Issues: Using inappropriate, irrelevant, or spammy keywords, titles, or referencing copyrighted artist names.
    • Missing Releases: Resubmitting a file after a model or property release request without attaching or fixing the required paperwork. 
    • Watermarks & Marks: Leaving visible watermarks, copyright stamps, or time/date stamps on the asset.
    • Prohibited Content: Submitting hateful, defamatory, questionable, or non-consensual imagery, or implying an unverified newsworthy event. 

    To give more meaningful feedback, we need to see the full-sized image.

     

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Participating Frequently
    September 24, 2026

    I don't need to provide proof to get the photo approved. I just want to know if I need to submit evidence that it isn't AI-generated—and that I’m not uploading AI-generated images—so I don't run into issues later on.

    Thank you

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    Try submitting a signed property release by you as the artist who created it. A property release is a legal declaration. That’s all the “proof” they need that you created it.

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    N8.
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    ​@default5lelw08jxi27 as ​@daniellei4510 mentioned Keyword spamming is real.
    Take a few minutes and do some research and find specific keywords that would best suit your images that you can target specifically. Find your niche.

    Participating Frequently
    September 24, 2026

    Thank you!

    I’ve been working in my niche for over 15 years. These keywords were copied from another stock site where the image appears, since they aren't accessible in the rejected files. And your answer is completely irrelevant to the specific question I asked. In over 15 years, this is the first time I’ve encountered this kind of rejection, so I want to understand whether I should just move on or provide proof that the photo is authentic. Its presence or absence in my portfolio doesn't really change anything.

    daniellei4510
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    You can certain try to provide proof, but moderators’ decisions are usually final. That said, it is allowable to submit an image a second time. Personally, I would fuss with the keywords and their order and try again. Not necessarily immediately, but at some point. 

    Adobe Community Expert | I have miles to go before I sleep, but I'm all done on this end.
    yamato713108855
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    You cannot use the names of real people or fictional characters in your assets.
    You cannot use names such as George Washington or Spider-Man in titles or keywords.

    https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/submit-your-content/submit-generative-ai-content/content-policy-artist-names-real-known-people-fictional-characters.html

    Participating Frequently
    September 24, 2026

    But,

    my Title: 

    Blank grid paper notebook page with bookmark

    my keywords:

    backdrop, background, blank, bookmark, business, clean, close, conceptual, copy, creativity, design, detail, diary, drawing, education, empty, engineering, geometric, graph, grid, idea, journal, learning, mathematics, message, minimalist, notebook, office, organization, page, paper, pattern, planning, school, science, space, square, stationery, structured, studying, supplies, template, texture, top, up, vertical, view, writing

    There are definitely no names of real people or characters here.

    Thank you

    yamato713108855
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2026

    It is possible that the Adobe Stock moderator selected the wrong reason for rejection.
    If you wish to file an appeal, please use the contact form at the bottom of the contributor page.
    However, there are already 5 million "Note" assets registered.
    Given the theme of the asset, I do not think it will sell.