This is my first time posting a photo on stock and it was rejected

[xAirisx]

The reason for the refusal is quality problems. I think the reason may be in the specially added grain. Initially, it was not planned to sell photos on stocks. Than I could try to get rid of the grain. (Because all my photos have grain). But maybe I'm wrong. Can you please suggest what is wrong with the photo?

[ricky336 · Accepted solution]

Hello,

1.  Don't add grain or noise!
2. The photo is also overexposed - it is just too light! You have washed out colours.
3.  The focus isn't good either. The palm trunk that is out of focus is too distracting.
4.  Also, a really important question to ask yourself, is why would people buy this photo. What could they use it for? What does it show and what do you want to say about this photo? What concept do you want to show? All of these are important questions. Not only do you have to get a really good photo technically, but also it has to sell (to be successful). You really need to plan what to sell on stock. Random photos rarely do well!

Have a look at the Adobe Stock tutorials:
https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/tutorials.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/user-guide.html/stock/contributor/help/reasons-for-content...

[Jill_C · Accepted solution]

Ricky has provided links to useful Help pages which are full of info to assist you in becoming in becoming successful as a Stock Contributor.  

This page specifically addresses the do's and don'ts of image processing, and makes the following points:

https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/photography-illustrations.html

Image adjustments

Do: Straighten horizon lines where appropriate.

Do: Adjust levels, curves, or brightness/contrast to ensure the best tonal range.

Do: Reduce noise if necessary — but don't overdo it, as you could create a soft image.

Do: Get to know sharpen tools and use them carefully — too much sharpening can bring out noise and unwanted texture. 

Don’t: Aggressively lighten shadows as this can introduce noise.

Don’t: Convert your image to black and white or duotone. Buyers want the maximum flexibility provided by the full color image. 

Grain/noise may be something you like seeing in your photos for your own use, but makes them unsuitable for Adobe Stock. It is not something that the Buyers want to deal with. If they want a grainy look, they'll add it themselves.