Constructive feedback please

[Billie28855521daod]

Hi there, I really thought I was on to something good when I mastered the whole reflection surface shots. I suppose no one would want to buy these though, because they are too 'artsy'?  I am feeling a bit sad that none of my photos with this concept got accepted.  Does Adobe not want these because they would never sell?

Here are 3 examples. 

Thanks for your feedback in this matter,

Billie

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

You need to work on lighting.  See screenshot of Histogram panel.  This overall image is too dark for commercial print purpose.  And the blown out highlights are a bit distracting.

Light reflection isn't a substitute for adequate ambient light.  What you end up with are noticeable hotspots on a sea of black as demonstrated by this Threshold layer.

It's not a bad idea.  I think it just needs more refinement.  Compare your work with current Stock inventory.  What are these contributors doing differently?

https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=dark%20background%20fruits

Hope that helps.

[Billie28855521daod]

Thank you for the advice. I'll try out a few more ideas. 

[Jill_C]

The first one doesn't quite look like a reflection - just fruits floating in air. The 2nd and 3rd have completely blownout hot spots, and I'm sure that's the reason for rejection, not the fact that they're reflected.

[Billie28855521daod]

Ah, ok thank you. I'll try to change the lighting. : )

[Jill_C · Accepted solution]

Rather than direct light (flash?) which is what it appears you have used here, use a diffuser or bounce the light from a reflector to soften it.

[Billie28855521daod]

Thanks Jill, I will try. I have much to learn and have only just started using lightroom for editing. I really thought it only mattered what the naked eye could see, but I guess that really isn't the case at all.