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johns56813176
Inspiring
March 7, 2023
Answered

Soft focus vs Bokeh on purpose

  • March 7, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 732 views

I have an f0.95 lens. The images from it are dreamy and bokeh like crazy. When I shoot with this lens, that look is primarily the reason why. However, when I submit these images they tend to be rejected. I'm assuming it's related to soft focus, but that soft focus look is being done with a purpose, to create an effect to draw the eye to a specific point. Is there anything I can do to submit these heavy bokeh images that won't get rejected for soft focus? Some sort of better keywording perhaps?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Test Screen Name

    Ultimately, Adobe's customers decide this. Many of them license a photo then zoom in to check it in detail (whether or not they ever held a camera). If the focus isn't what they expect, they complain. They get a refund. Adobe's reputation suffers. So Adobe (by choice, customer compulsion or whatever) will favour safe and perfect over artistic every time. Yes, some customers would probably like the art, but the refunds are a killer (not financially, but reputationally).

    4 replies

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 7, 2023

    Artsy smartsy visual effects don't work in Stock imagery.  Here's why.  Customers need sharp, detailed images for use in commercial print projects like posters, calendars, t-shirts, tote bags, billboard and magazine ads.  When desired, background blur is easily applied after the sale. But blurry subjects have no commercial value to Stock or their customers.  

     

    When submitting to Stock, select only your highest quality photos. Good lighting & composition, proper focus, color balance, etc...

     

    See Photo & Illustration requirements:
    https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/photography-illustrations.html

     

    Also compare your work with current Stock inventory in your keyword to ensure that it's as good or better than what Stock already has.  I'm confident your success rate will improve and you'll have more fun.

     

    Hope that helps and good luck on your next submissions. 🙂

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    T
    Test Screen NameCorrect answer
    Legend
    March 7, 2023

    Ultimately, Adobe's customers decide this. Many of them license a photo then zoom in to check it in detail (whether or not they ever held a camera). If the focus isn't what they expect, they complain. They get a refund. Adobe's reputation suffers. So Adobe (by choice, customer compulsion or whatever) will favour safe and perfect over artistic every time. Yes, some customers would probably like the art, but the refunds are a killer (not financially, but reputationally).

      George_F
      Community Expert
      George_FCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 7, 2023

      I think it's important to remember that an artistically creative image might not be useful to a wide audience as a commercial asset.  A blur effect is easily applied in Photoshop, but sharpening an image that is blurry is much harder.  I think it makes sense that for broad appeal, at least the main focal points in an image should be in focus.

       

      If you haven't done so already, the criteria that Adobe uses to evaluate photos can be found in the Adobe User Guide 

       

      Happy shooting 🙂

      George F, Photographer & Forum Volunteer
      Ricky336
      Community Expert
      Ricky336Community Expert
      Community Expert
      March 7, 2023

      Hello,

      To get a better idea, post an example where your soft focus has been rejected. Just perhaps, not enough of the actual important part of the image is in sharp focus.

      J
      johns56813176Author
      Inspiring
      March 7, 2023

      Fabiobtex
      Fabiobtex
      Participating Frequently
      March 7, 2023

      Any artistic attempt is risky. Most of the rejection I've seen have objects only partially in focus just like you posted. If you're going to put something in focus, put it whole to show perfectly what you want to show. What is your focus on this picture? half a plate a knife and one finger?

       

      If you want to show a bee on a flower, you should focus the whole bee and the whole flower, the bee and half-flower will look bad, better focus only the bee and no flower at all.

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