Most people do not know this but there are a number of rules associated with what can be submitted to stock image/ photo websites.

1) People if you take a picture of a person it is vital that you get a signed model release signed by the person you have taken the picture of, so that you can legally sell that photograph. There are certain times when a model release is not needed for example an extreme close up of a body part without distinguishing markings like a tattoo, or a (crowded scene) where no one is identifiable.". Basically the simple way to look at it is if you take a photograph and someone’s is clearly identifiable and recognisable then you need a model release.

2) Propriety
When taking photographs within a building a Property release is needed to be signed by the owner of the building, this is all due to privacy laws. Also some buildings
Exteriors also need property releases especially if the building is identifiable. This is not to say all photographs of buildings require a property release, for example an abstract photograph of a buildings windows might not need the property release as the building itself would not be recognisable.

Also need property release especially if the building is identifiable. However not all photographs of buildings require a property release, for example most historic buildings or general shots of cityscapes that don’t focus on any one building.

3) Logos
All photographs must be checked for any identifiable logo or symbol as this violates copyright law. Believe me the last thing you want is McDonalds trying to take legal proceedings against you. So it is worth checking your photos to make sure no Logos are visible.

4) Signposts and Number plates
Signpost identifying street names and number plates are also not allowed this again breeches privacy law. My advice would be to use a program like Photoshop to make the text from them unidentifiable

5) Taste and decency
Each website has its own standards on what is allowable to be photographed, violence cruelty and abuse is not allowed. It is worth checking out what each stock image/photo website thinks especially with nude photography. Some websites will not allow it some only like partial nudity and some don’t mind full nudity. As I say it all depends on the stock image/ photo website,

6) Artwork
Making use of somebody else’s artwork is not allowed taking a photo of an artwork or sculpture is a waste of time as it breaches the artist’s rights.

7) Who Created the Image?
All images and photographs supplied must be created by yourself, it is not allowed to use somebody else’s images or photographs.

There are many other rules on what photographs can or cannot be used, what I have mentioned above is only a brief guide. My advice would be to look at what each website rules are as they know what is or is not allowed.

Image Quality
Each website also has its own standards on what the quality of images of photographs and images must be.

Basically each stock image/photo website will have its on standards of pixel width and height. If you image or photograph full below the requirements then the image or photographs will not be accepted. To find out what the pixel width and height is look at the propeteries of each photograph or image.

Up scaling images is also not allowed basically if your image or photograph is small and you use some software to increase its size this is up scaling. My advice would be to not to increase the photograph or images size.

Other things that can affect image quality are:

Poor exposure of image of photograph.

Noise which is a form of very visible pixelated effect.

Poor composition of photograph or image.