Linda Bestwick

They are documentary editorial. Illustrative editorial images are staged in some way. Your examples are not staged. Theses articles should help you: https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/submitting-editorial-content-part-1-illustrative-editorial https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/submitting-editorial-content-part-2-documentary-editorial

Search the SS known image restrictions lists found in the support center from your dashboard. https://www.shutterstock.com/contributorsupport/articles/en_US/kbat02/Known-Image-Restrictions-Brands-and-Trademarks?q=restrictions&l=en_US&fs=Search&pn=1 Google is also your friend: https://www.icrc.org/en/copyright-and-terms-use#:~:text=The red cross and red,unauthorized persons is strictly forbidden. You can find answers for the Quran and anything else that comes up in the future using both of these types of searches.

Yep, so wrong. It's enough to drive you mad!

I'm beginning to think they have some sort of technical issue going on. The guy from support I'm corresponding with keeps saying things that make no sense in regards to my rejected model release. I think he's just realised it makes no sense either, so he taking it to 'the team'. Either that or he's just got fed up of me! Anyway if anything comes to light I'll be sure to let everyone know. I've never used their digital release so wouldn't know about using it elsewhere.

Depends what the rejection reason is. Macro's are accepted if they are technically correct. No one can really help without knowing the rejection reason and seeing examples of the images.

No worries

I'm having problems at the moment too. Trying to get to the bottom of it but not getting anywhere. Something has changed recently but no idea what yet. May be they just don't want released images anymore.... or want to drive more contributors away, well it's starting to feel like that anyway! If they only want to accept their own digital release they should say so, and stop wasting everyone's time rejecting the others. So, they are accepting your digital SS one, just not anything else?

Check your image at 100% often when you look full size it isn't a true silhouette and the person could recognise themselves. If that's the case adjust the curves, shadows, blacks whatever to create a true black that will hide any features.

Thanks Deb, it's a nightmare, but I guess they need to try something. I'll be zooming Halloween and bombie night. Normally have a remembrance service with parade here too, doubt that will be going ahead either. Better go dig out the old broomstick! Good looking kittie there Sari ❤️

I'm having problems with a model release too. I've been using model releases for years so I know what I'm doing. I've been emailing SS to try and get to the bottom of it, not only to help myself but to help out here too. Every reply I have got (from the same person) has listed a different reason for why it was rejected. All nonsense, like not including a shoot date when it is clearly there on the release. All images using the same model from the same shoot with the same model release shouldn't have some approved and some rejected because of the release. That makes no sense. One of the reviewers is wrong, but which one? Who knows! If you haven't already submit again in case it was a mistake. If they get rejected again go through it with a fine tooth comb, make sure everything is exactly right. You might get lucky and get a reviewer who knows what they are doing.

You have some nice images and you seem to be on the right track, but going forward I think you would help yourself by considering how your images would be used by a buyer. I only had a quick look at the first couple of pages and you seem to be supplying subjects that have been done to death, and better, and that aren't really needed. I'd also suggest checking the SS catalogue when you have an idea for a shoot and see your competition. There is nothing wrong with adding too saturated topics, but if you want to increase dls be aware that approach isn't likely to help. Try to be different. Try to think like a buyer, try to imagine what they would need and then fill that need. That isn't easy obviously, but you can start by looking at what has and hasn't sold for you already, that should guide you a little. I also looked at this image. You can definitely improve the description and keywords, though they are not horrendous. I personally wouldn't use the word isolated for this image. Most buyers are looking for the whole object in shot on a solid white (or solid coloured) background when searching for 'isolated'. You also have irrelevant keywords, such as 'white background' and farm. Anyone searching with those keywords isn't going to want your image so they don't help you at all. Good luck

Well done Aaron! It is inspiring to know these figures are achievable. Unlikely by me lol, but for people who treat this like a full time job and focus on it like a true business, it's good to see it's still possible. Thanks for sharing

submit@shutterstock.com or use 'contact us' forms from your dashboard.

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-24-ultra-hd-4k-monitor-p2415q/apd/210-adzc/monitors-monitor-accessories May not be what you are after but worth considering imo.

Their own info on releases allows for several different ones. I use Easy Release which is an approved release for SS. But it keeps getting rejected for me this last week. Search release in contributor support for the full list. BUT I think Milo J is right that you'll have more success with their new digital one.