Fried fish rejected for technical reasons

[AaronPerkinson]

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[RALPH_L · Accepted solution]

I Think the glass, which is poorly cropped, should be removed.

The lettuce is overexposed. If you look at the histogramm, you will see that the contrast is not good and

that the mid tones are missing.

[Jill_C · Accepted solution]

In addition to the lighting and exposure issues, the fish doesn't look at all appetizing to me. A food photo should make you salivate !

Check out Andrew Scrivani's Adobe Stock Portfolio for ideas on how to compose food dishes. His work is beautiful. He has also contributed tutorials and is very active on the Discord Adobe Stock channel.

https://www.behance.net/adobestock/livestreams

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

Food photography is a very special talent. 

You need multiple light sources, a tripod and a good camera angle that invites viewers into the scene. IMO, overhead shots rarely do it justice.  Most importantly, the food must look tasty and have an appetizing color and presentation. 

Believe it or not, most food photographers shoot raw or partially cooked foods that have been painted with food coloring to appear more visually appetizing.  And they stage food with other pleasing design elements (napkins, placemats, cutlery, etc..) that lend texture and good color contrast to the scene.   

Also you're competing with 25 million other food photos in Stock's database which makes this an especially tough keyword category. 

Adobe Stock Food

[AaronPerkinson]

Thanks for your answers. I cleaned the plate and table up and adjusted exposure a bit...and it was accepted!

[AaronPerkinson]

I don't mind that it is a rustic picture. This is a typical plate served in small cafeterias on the beach in Panama. 

[Nancy OShea]

I hope you make some sales from it.  🙂

[AaronPerkinson]

Thank you Nancy!