How to Submit Images for Review on Depositphotos

Submitting images to Depositphotos is a great way to share your photography and earn income from your work. Depositphotos offers a platform where photographers and creators can upload their images, and businesses or individuals can purchase these photos for various uses. In this guide, we’ll go through the basics to help you understand what it takes to submit your images successfully. Whether you're just starting or have experience, Depositphotos makes it easy to reach a larger audience.

Preparing Your Images for Submission

Preparation is key when submitting images to Depositphotos. Your images should meet quality standards and be aligned with the platform’s guidelines to increase your chances of approval. Here are a few steps to ensure your images are ready:

• High Resolution: Depositphotos requires high-quality images that aren’t pixelated or blurred. Ensure each image meets the resolution requirements.
• Editing and Cropping: Make necessary edits, such as adjusting brightness and contrast, and crop the images for a professional look. Avoid excessive filters.
• Removing Watermarks and Logos: Images should be free from any watermarks, logos, or branding. Depositphotos accepts only clean, professional images.
• Saving in the Right Format: Depositphotos primarily accepts images in JPEG format, so convert your files if necessary.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your images make a great impression and have a higher chance of being approved for sale.

Creating a Contributor Account

To begin uploading, you'll need to set up a contributor account with Depositphotos. The process is straightforward, and once you’re registered, you’ll gain access to the submission platform.

1. Visit the Contributor Sign-Up Page: Go to Depositphotos and click on the “Become a Contributor” link.
2. Fill in Your Details: Enter your name, email address, and other required information. Make sure the details are accurate for account verification.
3. Verify Your Account: Depositphotos will send a verification email. Follow the link in the email to complete the registration process.
4. Review and Agree to the Terms: Read through the contributor agreement carefully, as it outlines important information on copyright, earnings, and responsibilities.

Once your account is verified, you’ll have access to the contributor dashboard where you can start submitting your images.

Understanding Depositphotos’ Image Requirements

Before you upload your images to Depositphotos, it’s important to understand their image requirements. These guidelines are in place to maintain the quality of the marketplace and ensure that only the best images are approved for sale. Here’s what you need to know:

• Image Quality: Depositphotos looks for sharp, well-composed images. Avoid blurry or pixelated photos. Images must be free of noise or distortion, with clear details.
• Technical Specifications: The recommended resolution for images is at least 3 megapixels. The file format should be JPEG, and the image should be properly compressed without losing quality.
• Content and Composition: The content of your image should be relevant and visually appealing. The composition must follow basic photography principles such as rule of thirds and proper lighting.
• Model and Property Releases: If your image includes people, recognizable brands, or private properties, you must submit a model release or property release form. Without these, your image may be rejected.
• No Watermarks: Your image should not have any watermarks, logos, or text overlaid. Depositphotos wants clean, unaltered images that buyers can use for their projects.

Make sure your images meet these standards to avoid rejection and increase your chances of earning from your work.

How to Upload Your Images for Review

Uploading your images to Depositphotos is a simple process, but you need to follow a few steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how to submit your images for review:

1. Log in to Your Contributor Account: Start by logging into your Depositphotos contributor account. If you haven’t created one yet, follow the steps mentioned earlier.
2. Access the Upload Section: Once logged in, go to your dashboard and look for the “Upload” section. You’ll see an option to add new files.
3. Select Your Images: Choose the images you want to submit from your computer. You can select multiple images at once for bulk uploading.
4. Provide Descriptions and Keywords: For each image, provide a clear title, description, and relevant keywords. These help buyers find your images, so be accurate and descriptive.
5. Upload Your Files: Click the “Upload” button to start the submission process. Your images will be added to your portfolio but will remain under review until approved.

Remember, you can upload both photos and vector files, and you can submit up to 20 files at once. Keep your files organized, and double-check everything before hitting upload to avoid mistakes.

Checking the Review Process Status

After you submit your images to Depositphotos, you may be wondering how long it will take for them to be reviewed. Depositphotos provides an easy way to track the status of your submissions. Here’s how you can check the review process:

• Visit the Contributor Dashboard: Log in to your contributor account and go to your dashboard. This is where you can manage all your images.
• View Your Submitted Images: In the dashboard, you’ll see a section for your uploaded images. Each image will have a status indicator, such as “Pending,” “Accepted,” or “Rejected.”
• Click on an Image for More Details: To get more information on a specific image’s review, click on it. You’ll be able to see feedback from the review team, if applicable.
• Expected Review Time: Typically, Depositphotos reviews images within 1-2 business days. However, this can vary depending on the volume of submissions and weekends.
• Resubmitting Rejected Images: If your image is rejected, you’ll receive feedback. If it’s due to technical or content issues, you can fix the problems and resubmit the image for review.

It’s important to stay patient during this process, as it ensures your images meet the platform’s standards. If your images are approved, they’ll be available for sale to a global audience!

Common Reasons for Image Rejection

Even if you put a lot of effort into creating your images, there’s still a chance they could be rejected by Depositphotos. Understanding the common reasons for rejection can help you avoid mistakes and increase your approval rate. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why images might be turned down:

• Low Image Quality: Images that are blurry, pixelated, or have poor resolution will likely be rejected. Ensure your photos are sharp and clear, with good lighting and focus.
• Watermarks or Logos: If your image has watermarks, logos, or any text overlaid, it won’t be accepted. Depositphotos requires clean, unbranded photos.
• Technical Issues: Images that have technical flaws, such as noise, color distortions, or incorrect white balance, might not pass the review process. Editing your images to correct these issues is essential.
• Inadequate Keywords or Descriptions: Depositphotos relies on clear descriptions and accurate keywords to help buyers find your images. If your image lacks these or is misleading, it could be rejected.
• Unclear or Poor Composition: An image with poor composition, such as distractions in the background or awkward angles, is less likely to be accepted. Make sure the photo has good framing and follows basic photographic principles.
• Lack of Release Forms: If your image includes people, recognizable private property, or trademarks, you must provide model and property release forms. Failing to submit these can result in rejection.

By addressing these potential issues, you’ll increase your chances of getting your images approved for sale on Depositphotos.

Tips for a Successful Image Submission

Submitting images to Depositphotos can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you get your images noticed and approved:

• High-Quality Images: Ensure your images are high-resolution and sharp. The better the quality, the more likely it is that your submission will be accepted. Always check for focus, clarity, and proper lighting.
• Stay Relevant: Make sure your images align with current trends and popular themes. Images that cater to business, lifestyle, and technology often perform well. Try to capture subjects that have broad appeal.
• Use Accurate Descriptions and Keywords: Write clear, accurate descriptions and use relevant keywords. The more descriptive and specific you are, the better the chances buyers will find your images.
• Submit a Variety of Images: Diversify the types of images you upload. Offer different styles, themes, and compositions to attract a wider audience. This can help you appeal to various buyers.
• Follow Composition Rules: Ensure your photos follow basic composition principles like the rule of thirds, proper use of space, and balanced lighting. These elements make your images more professional and appealing.
• Check Technical Quality: Before uploading, check for technical issues like noise, blur, and color distortion. Use editing software to fix problems, but don’t over-edit your photos.
• Stay Consistent: Upload regularly to build your portfolio. Consistency can help you gain visibility and increase your chances of making sales.

With these tips, you can enhance your submissions and increase your chances of getting approved for sale on Depositphotos.

Frequently Asked Questions about Image Submission on Depositphotos

Have questions about submitting your images to Depositphotos? You’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that may help clarify the process:

1. How long does it take to get my images reviewed?

The review process typically takes 1-2 business days. However, this time may vary depending on the number of submissions in the queue. Make sure to check the status of your images regularly in your contributor dashboard.

2. Can I upload videos to Depositphotos?

Yes, you can upload videos to Depositphotos. Videos must follow the same guidelines as images, including technical quality and resolution. Ensure your video files are properly formatted and meet the platform’s standards.

3. Why was my image rejected?

If your image is rejected, Depositphotos will provide feedback on why it wasn’t approved. Common reasons include poor image quality, technical issues, and incomplete or incorrect metadata. Use this feedback to improve your future submissions.

4. Can I submit the same image to other stock platforms?

Yes, you can submit the same image to other platforms. However, check each platform’s specific terms and conditions to ensure there are no restrictions on exclusive content.

5. How do I make my images more discoverable?

To increase the discoverability of your images, make sure to use accurate and relevant keywords, write detailed descriptions, and choose the right categories. The more information you provide, the better the chances buyers will find your work.

6. How do I track my earnings on Depositphotos?

Depositphotos provides a contributor dashboard where you can track your earnings, view your sales history, and monitor the performance of your images. Keep an eye on your dashboard to stay updated on your income.

By addressing these common questions, you can get a clearer understanding of the submission process and improve your experience on Depositphotos.

Conclusion on Submitting Images to Depositphotos

Submitting images to Depositphotos can be a great way to monetize your photography skills and expand your reach to a global audience. By understanding the platform’s guidelines, ensuring your images meet their quality standards, and following the best practices for submission, you can increase the likelihood of your images being accepted and sold. Remember to regularly check the review process status, stay consistent with your uploads, and take feedback seriously to improve your future submissions. Success on Depositphotos takes time, but with effort and attention to detail, you can build a profitable portfolio and establish yourself as a contributor on the platform.