Why was this photo rejected for focusing and artifact issues?

I'm just commiserating with you. Looks like a nice photo to me. I've been submiting for over 3 years. Some photos I send I think stand little chance of making it due to extra processing but they make it through. Others I have done like you, tripod, high f-stop, etc., everything looks to be perfect and then it's rejected. I just submitted 6, all rejected. You don't get details so it's your best guess as to what the issue is. Can be frustrating for sure.

Regarding white balance again, speaking from a printing point of view (I used to print colour photos professionally) if this were printed as it stands, it would not meet quality standards. The colour balance would have to be corrected before it could be sold to the customer. The customer would complain about the colours if they were given this for sure!

Below, the white balance has been corrected:

I think the reviewer may have chosen the wrong category. It happens! 

Nevertheless, it all comes under quality.

Another point, especially for stock, the colours should be neutral; hence the use of coloured filters and effects is not recommended when submitting photos for stock.

I like the color.  It's a classic "golden hour" magenta tint.  The focus looks pretty good to me too.  I think setting the white and black points then bringing up the shadows a little is all I would do.  I'd print it and frame it if I were you.

The white balance is definitely not neutral.  Whites should be white, not pink.  Trees should be predominately green, not red.

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/white-balance.html

https://photographylife.com/how-to-correct-white-balance-photoshop

I agree with @jacquelingphoto2017 , the shadows have lost details. They need to be lightened up.

Hello,

Personally, I think rather than focusing/artifacts issues, I would go for white balance. The shot has a magenta cast to it. The first thing you need to do is correct your white balance! For me that is the main issue!

Hi @Heather26520867wid4 ,

This is a nice shot unfortunately there are some lost details due to focus issues.

It is also noisy. The noise is most visible at the area of the background mountains.

To find these issue you need to zoom in on your photos. Zooming between 100 and 200% will show-up most issues. 

You may take a look on Creating Better Photos For Adobe Stock for some tips that will help you to improve your upload. You may also take a look at these additional tips.

Best wishes

Jacqeulin

Well, f11 and a tripod does not necessarily guaranty a tack sharp image, but this is. My guess is, that it is slightly underexposed.

I would correct exposure, lift the shadows a tick and resubmit.