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Participant
September 10, 2018
Answered

"Excessive artifacts/noise" ?!?

  • September 10, 2018
  • 5 replies
  • 2018 views

I got a few images rejected recently, due to "Artifacts problem". The more detailed (generic) description is (as some of you might have experienced as well):

"Excessive artifacts/noise can be caused by low light, bad camera settings, strong compression or excessive post-production."

The images were shot at bright daylight, ISO 100, and have very few (if any) edits - mainly a slight crop, and +- 1 on some sliders. I'm poking my eyes, looking at 200-300% zoom, but can't see a single artifact. Fair enough, some images if shot with little light and high ISO (or heavy editing ex. too much increase in shadows/ lowering highlights, too much sharpening, or strong noise-reduction) might have noise, but not those shot during the day at low ISO and no editing. This image also got accepted at another stock agency, so can't be that bad.

The one below is resized for upload here, but the submitted one was exported full size, 100% quality JPEG, at either 300 or 350 dpi. Is there something I'm doing wrong? How much dpi is considered enough?

I know there are millions of images submitted weekly, but some more detailed feedback would be appreciated from reviewers (rant over).

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Ricky336

Regarding the photo - I think the exposure/tone is a bit flat/dull. There is not enough tonal contrast. So, perhaps 'Technical Issues' was intended, rather than artifacts.

Something like this would be better:

5 replies

Participant
April 2, 2021

There is a blue cast, from top to bottom, making it hazy, I think thats why

Jill_C
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 14, 2018

Seems a bit hazy/lacking in contrast. I would also straighten the verticals. Then resubmit in a while. A different reviewer may accept it, though I think the comp with that diagonal roof in the foreground may limit the commercial appeal.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer
edstines
Participant
September 14, 2018

I am new here but could it be because the image is not straight on the horizon?

Legend
September 14, 2018

You’re right, the image also isn’t straight at the horizon. But I think it’s the least of the problems ...

Abambo
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 10, 2018

I have also some images rejected due to artifacts. Some of the pictures I would argue, some othere are ok or could be ok. This picture does not show artifacts, at least not the version I see. Artifacts occur when you take pictures at high ISO or you use a high compression ratio. You may also have problems with your sensor or postproduction. But a picture like shown here does not have artifacts. Unfortuneatly there is no established path to apeal the decision. That’s one point that I would like Adobe to improve.

I simply think that the moderator chose the wrong reason.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
joanH
Inspiring
September 10, 2018

Thanks, Abambo - I am with you on this one for sure,  JH

joanH
Inspiring
September 10, 2018

Hello vkoitchev,

Very nice photograph. Certainly looks sharp to me but I can not see it at the magnified level required to find artifacts.

Good that you looked at the work at high magnification. Love the Seagull on top. Clouds like these sometimes carry noise or artifacts. If you did not find any then I will tell you 500dpi is a must for offering stock for sale on Adobe. For more information see -

For more information on what makes a quality image, see The review process and Create better photos for Adobe Stock with 7 tips for success

Search the entire guidelines for Adobe Stock contributors. Best regards, JH

Ricky336
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 11, 2018

joanh22203655  wrote

...500dpi is a must for offering stock for sale on Adobe.

Actually, the DPI is irrelevant in this case and should not be confused with PPI. DPI - Dots Per Inch, PPI - Pixels Per Inch. This only becomes important when printing, and this then will depend on the size of the print and then you can choose the actual print quality and of course your print size.

In most circumstances, 300 PPI seems to be sufficient. Megapixels, however, are important and quality should be based on this, not DPI. Also saving and uploading at the highest quality is of course important.

All About Digital Photos - What is DPI?

Ricky336
Community Expert
Ricky336Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 11, 2018

Regarding the photo - I think the exposure/tone is a bit flat/dull. There is not enough tonal contrast. So, perhaps 'Technical Issues' was intended, rather than artifacts.

Something like this would be better: