7 Best Tips To Get Your Photos Accepted On 123RF (Part 1 – Concept & Idea)
- 123RF Content Acquisitions Team
- Mar 28, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 11
We are always looking for great content – from images, vectors, audio clips and even footage! If you love taking photos or designing quirky icons, why not upload them on the 123RF library (registration is free!) and possibly get monetary benefits?
Of course, we do keep a stringent process on image reviewing and acceptance but fret not, we have some tips and guides to help you get your content through to us without any hassle. Read on for Part 1 of this series:
PART 1: CONCEPT & IDEA
Be Creative! Think Differently.
Conceptual and creative ideas are always welcome.
Not Too Abstract
Although we encourage conception and creativity, but if the message that you are trying to convey is not clear or too abstract, then high chances it will be of no commercial value. Here are some samples that we will not accept:
Drawings & Illustrations
Yes, you can submit your artwork to us; either hand-drawn sketches and paintings or even in vector format. But only if you can do it really well.
We however do not accept doodles or any drawings done with minimum effort.
Similar Images
Series of images shot in same setting? Yes, we do accept them. However, do not expect us to accept images with slight changes of angle, colour or brightness.
Or even with the slightest change of pose or expression.
Same goes for different cropping of the same image.
And finally, rotating the same image wouldn’t help either. Conclusion, choose your best shot!
Offensive & Sensitive Content
There is a limit to freedom of creativity. Concept of discrimination like racism, atheism, terrorism, sexism, xenophobia, prejudism are totally not encouraged.
Did you know that burning a flag is a crime in some countries? Same goes for burning money; images of shredded money are inappropriate to be sold as they are considered as an act of crime.
Burning money Cutting money
Burning flag Terrorism word on flag of Saudi Arabia
Anti homosexuality Anti symbol of religion
Additionally, when it comes to photographing banknotes, there are a few conditions that should be met when submitting before we could consider accepting them. This is to prevent the images from being used for counterfeit banknotes production.
A currency that is shot flat, where 80% or more of the bill is displayed, is not acceptable. Bills cannot be in full view, nor in their exact dimensions. Flat scans of banknote are unsuitable for commercial use.
Negative Idea / Self- Harming
*Warning: Following content may contain elements that are inappropriate for some audience. Reader discretion is advised.
Images that convey negative and inappropriate messages are not allowed.
We do not condone any shots which portrays any direct suicidal acts such as inflicting pain on self or others. This is to not encourage or influence any youth to try any new things related to it.
Indirect and conceptual images are however acceptable.
Images should not have any models in them. Using props to convey the message and concept is permissible.
Not Too Exotic
*Warning: Following content may contain elements that are inappropriate for some audience. Reader discretion is advised.
Gruesome images that are repulsive and disturbing like road kills, internal organs, puke or other disgusting object are not acceptable.
However, we will still consider the images if the subjects are presented in a clean, neat and less gory manner.
Nudity Rules
When it comes to content involving nudity, pure pornographic and explicit kind or images will never make it to our site. The following content are NOT allowed:
Content that is sexually explicit or pornographic (such as nudity or sexual activity) or promotes any commercial activity linked to adult content, such as escort agencies.
Content that seeks to harm or exploit children or depicts children in a way that encourages or promotes attraction towards children.
In conclusion, please refrain from submitting any sexually explicit, pornographic, or inappropriate content, including material that depicts or sexualizes minors in any way.
That’s it for this section, look out for the next part of this series here:
And to help you out further, we have highlighted the themes of highly sought after stock images, check them out here: Why We Love These Photographers and Their Work