"These images are very similar in subject matter or style. We would like to see a demonstrated range of diversity and variety in subject matter, so if you have anything else you can show us we would love to see it."

This is the third time i've gotten this exact rejection message from iStock.

I half-think that the lack of "diversity" is the fact that all my examples are flat. Or maybe i just got a lazy reviewer, who finds my stuff sub-par but isn't bothering to explain.

In my last upload, i explained that situation: I'm not a great photographer, (nor do i have a decent camera) i'm a graphic designer who likes to use photographic textures in his work, and i believe i've found and scanned some nice and very hires textures. These flat textures are what i'm trying to sell.

Is there anything i can do to increase my chance of success? Do i have what it takes to get into iStock?


For reference, here's my portfolio on SS, which i recently joined.
Shutterstock : stock photography, stock photos, stock images

Try photographing some different subjects. I can see why you didn't succeed if you sent them 3 photos of a flat subject. They like to see some variation.

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istock-Shutterstock-Bigstock-Mostphotos-Dreamstime-Stockxpert

Send three totally different images - I kept getting that message and could not work out how a portrait of a dog and chickens were the same. I ended up with the dog portrait, a crane against a setting sun and in sheer frustration at trying to get the third, a brick wall that I happened to be walking past, I did not even compose it just stopped, shot and walked on and they accepted it. I still don't know why I bothered :-)

Christine

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FT|SS|DT|Fotolia |Kerioak

As i explained, i don't have a decent camera- in fact it's junk. I use scanners.

What kind of camera are you using digital or film? try doing some food pics on white background, still life nature. I like the banana pattern on SS but it does looks blurry
try using a tripod
Jack

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http://www.dreamstime.com

I think it is unlikely that they will accept 3 scanned images for the initial review. Can you borrow or hire a camera for a few days?

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istock-Shutterstock-Bigstock-Mostphotos-Dreamstime-Stockxpert

Maybe, I'll look into that.

I just got into iS.
The very 1st try I got exectly the same message.

I'm quite embarressed as it took 5 trys to get in.

I think they are getting more strict (or my photography is getting worse??)

I could be way off base with this one but: I also think they reject some initial submissions to see how determined you are. Which to me makes good business sense.
If a person gets rejected and simply puts their tail between their legs and walks away, then they werent really that committed and not willing to try to improve.
If they keep trying and trying, then they are committed and willing to work at it.
Just thoughts.

I think the thing (forgive the rhyme) that help me into IStock was that I explained WHY I took an image in a certain way, like " I choose..., to emphasize the idea/ impression of..." Hope that helps, SY

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YayMicro-New Site!
In case you are looking for me, that is where I am !

I can do commercially viable vector files, but not with great speed. If i get 3 vectors accepted would that help my case with the photos?

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ShutterStock ? Dreamstime ? StockXpert