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J
jamesperry8
Participant
July 20, 2023
Answered

Hi, I'd like "How To Fix" feedback on my first submission

  • July 20, 2023
  • 5 replies
  • 711 views

This photo was taken with my Z Fold 3 camera by hand. I'm a complete newbie, but ready to start a new hobby of posting stock photos. I read a couple of articles on editing stock photos before submission. I looked at using Canava free editor, and Adobe Photoshop Express but decided against doing edits, as I had no idea what I was doing. 

I'm looking to buy a new camera. I'm looking for a great online on-demand course. I usually take courses on udemy. Should I complete my photography masterclass before making another submission? 

 

This photo was rejected for quality issues: I'd like to know what the specific quality issues are, and how to fix them going forward.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this post,

James

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Ricky336

Hello,

You also need to learn about white balance/colour temperature, and how having a green background can influence white balance-  especially if taken with a white subject!

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

5 replies

Ricky336
Community Expert
Ricky336Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 21, 2023

Hello,

You also need to learn about white balance/colour temperature, and how having a green background can influence white balance-  especially if taken with a white subject!

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

J
jamesperry8Author
Participant
July 22, 2023
Hi, Thanks Ricky,

I'm putting all of the feedback, tips, and links I'm getting into a
Google Doc. so I can use this as a learning tool.

I appreciate your feedback,

James Munir Perry

Believe you can accomplish great things, and change the outcome of
your life.
Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 20, 2023

You absolutely need Phothoshop or Lightroom Classic to edit photos.  Not some drawing app aimed at kids.  I mean Photoshop CC, not Photoshop Express.  

 

A basic Photography Plan will cost you $10/month for 12 months and it's worth every penny.  Here's what you get.

  • Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
  • Adobe Camera Raw
  • Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
  • Lightroom Classic (desktop)
  • Portfolio website + hosting
  • Adobe Express (free starter plan)
  • Bridge
  • 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB for $10 extra).
  • Free software updates & upgrades for as long as you subscribe.

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

You will also need courses in Photoshop & Lightroom as the learning curve is steeper with pro-level software.  But these are the tools that separate amateur snapshots from commercial-ready photography suitable for Stock.

 

Finally. start saving now for a good entry level DSLR camera and lenses (new or used).  What you ultimately buy will depend on your skills as a photographer and your budget.   Mirrorless cameras are nice but they also cost more.  As a beginner, you'll learn your craft just as well with a decent DSLR.

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-entry-level-dslr-camera

 

Hope that helps. 🙂

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
J
jamesperry8Author
Participant
July 21, 2023
Hi Nancy,

I'm greatful for your response. Your suggestions are spot on. I've taken a
class years ago in Photoshop when I was in school. I know there's a steep
learning curve and I was hoping to avoid that by finding something simpler
to make edits to my photos with. You've laid it out great, I need to take a
course on Photoshop and Lightroom. I need to purchase a DSLR camera. I need
to differentiate myself from smartphone amateur to commercial photographer
and that's not going to happen overnight.

Thank you for your straightforward advice,

Have a great evening,

James
    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 22, 2023

    You're welcome.  Best of luck!  🙂

     

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Jill_C
    Community Expert
    Jill_CCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 20, 2023

    Creativelive.com is a great source of on demand photography and editing courses from some of the best practitioners and trainers in the business. It's not free though - requires a subscription. 

    Jill C., Forum Volunteer
      Abambo
      Community Expert
      AbamboCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 20, 2023

      You can also go for linkedIn learning. There is a month free, if I'm correctly informed.

      ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
        J
        jamesperry8Author
        Participant
        July 20, 2023
        Hi George,

        Thank you for your response. You're right I do need to purchase a DSLR
        camera, and I do need to learn about all of the lighting
        conditions and settings you mentioned in your reply.

        This is all a learning process for me and you've helped me with figure out
        my next steps. I'm going to take my time and learn about shooting and
        editing, and purchase a better camera before I submit any more photos.
        You've been a great help.

        Enjoy the rest of your day,

        James
          Abambo
          Community Expert
          AbamboCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 20, 2023

          Let me say this: yes, you should take classes.

           

          You won't find any asset on stock, that hasn't been edited, and you won't find any picture of a great master photographer that hasn't been edited. It's like driving a car without paint. Even trucks get paint, because it's necessary. 

          ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
            George_F
            Community Expert
            George_FCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            July 20, 2023

            Greetings!

             

            The first thing that I noticed was that there appears to be a white hazy blur outlining the animal when viewing at 100% view.  I think the photo could use some sharpening, and the light that is shining through the trees at the top of the frame appear over-processed in some areas.  The light spots at the top of the frame also left the some unnatural looking spots on the trees(artefacts).

             

            For this sort of shot with bright sun & forest shots, it may be helpful to avoid the sky.  There are several composition techniques for this.  Using a longer focal length would also help, which may or may not be possible with a phone camera.  It's also common for me to clone out those bright areas when I'm processing the image.

             

            It will take some experimenting to know whether your phone camera produces results that are adequate for stock, which is partly the limitations of the camera and partly the technique used when shooting + editing.  It's not impossible to get decent results with a smartphone, but there are additional hurdles like having a fixed wide open aperture and a smaller sensor that doesn't handle low light conditions as well.  If you are serious about stock, you may want to consider a dslr at some point.

             

            Good luck and welcome to the forums!

             

            George F, Photographer & Forum Volunteer
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