Quality Issues rejects

[Picunique]

I sometimes get "Quality Issue" rejects but am never sure exactly what is wrong. What do I need to do different?  These photos were shot with a Nikon D3200.  1/60 sec., f-5.6, ISO 200, pattern metering, with flash on, focal length between 18-20. Is the problem with the camera, photo settings or post processing. I want to learn to do a better job as I absolutely love photography.

[Abambo · Accepted solution]

Pictures are underexposed, the flash creates a harsh light, the cropping is unpleasant. Having a body somewhere, without a head, does not make sense. If you want to avoid showing the model, crop more in the main subject.

Your last picture, especially, would make it in my insurance agent's report, but in no case it will get published in a great magazine.

I have similar pictures documenting my house expansion project, but in no case I would want to use them for adding to stock.

Your shooting gear is decent. I would guess, that you would need to use your flash differently, may also be adding a diffuser and a second flash. And you should learn to use your flash unleashed.

[Picunique]

Thank you

[Jill_C]

The technical issues aren't the fault of the camera; they're caused by the way you've used it. Apparently the 1/60 second shutter speed is too slow for you to handhold effectively, which has introduced camera motion. When I shoot that slow, I brace myself against a wall or a post, or keep the camera close to my chest to make myself into a tripod shape. Additionally, 1/60 second is too slow for an image with subject motion, as in this case where your subject is moving. However, the 3rd image is also not sharply focused, which had to be due to camera motion rather than subject motion.

The on-camera flash is almost useless, in my opinion, unless you bounce it off the ceiling or a nearby wall or put a diffuser on the flash head. Just aiming it at the subject creates the harsh, unpleasant shadows and hot spots that are apparent in your image. Your images have chromatic aberration, which is apparent along the high-contrast edges.

[Picunique]

Thank you. I thought the flash would compensate for the slow shutter speed. This is helpful.

[John PDX]

1/60 second is a typical sync speed for a flash photography.  However, I agree with Jill that the focus is soft.  I'm not certain whether that's due to camera shake, small depth of field at f5.6, or something else.  If you are using a built in flash on the camera that will make it very challenging to get good lighting.  An external flash with a diffuser is your best bet.  I use a Gary Fong diffuser for real estate photography.  It does an excellent job of softening the harsh shadows from the flash.  They are avaialbe on Amazon.  MagMod is another option.  Both are around $100.  If you're looking for a budget friendly flash check out Godox, Altura and Neewer.

You may also want to bump up the ISO a little for flash photography.  With a higher ISO (e.g. 400-800) you won't need the flash to put out as much light.  That will reduce the harsh shadows.  However, be mindful that higher ISO equals more noise.  Inspect the photos carefully for signs of noise.  Lower the ISO if you see any.  Noisey photos will almost certainly be rejected by Adobe.  Best regards, John

[Nancy OShea]

I agree with all points made by @Abambo.  The image quality (light, camera angle, details) could all be better if you hope to sell these kinds of images commercially.

[jacquelingphoto2017]

Hi @Picunique ,

The first file is underexpose, and out of focus with a white balance issue. It has color fringing with harsh shadow.

The second photo is also underexposed with color fringing and appears to be noisy.

The third photo is not sharp and also has white balance issue.

You can learn more about what's required from the Contributor Learn Support.

Tips on how to get you photos accepted is found here.

This other link will explain what to look for and and to identify the issues.

Best wishes

Jacquelin