Looks Can Be Deceiving

When I first joined up on Dreamstime almost 7 months ago I uploaded hundreds of photos because when at first glance they looked fantastic or I knew that they made a great 8x10 photo. After having many pictures denied I started going back and looking through my photos to see what exactly was wrong with them. Most of my refusals had the same message on them that this is a well covered subject but honestly that message did not tell me any thing since my subjects had been all animals at the time. I figured that there had to be some thing else then just a very well covered subject because I was having tons of the same subjects approved and I thought the ones that got denied was the better photos. It turns out I was not looking at my photos close enough meaning I was not looking at them 100%. Without looking at these photos at 100% I was not seeing major flaws in the picture. Dreamstime has taught me to be more critical with my photos and to always look at the photos 100%. I can say now of days most of the times my animal photos get approved. I still get denials on other subjects but I am starting to figure those out too.

Funny Pictures that got denied for not looking at 100% but made a great 8x10 (by the way I still love these shots even though they are not perfect):

The World's Happiest Kitty

Did Someone Say Dinner?

Photo credits: .
Susan Pettitt
View blog View portfolio
  • Lifesazoo
  • Mountain View, United States
Update November 17, 2010:

Earlier this year I made a decision that I would not be selling my photos any more but would start removing my photos in November. I would like to thank everyone that has given me wonderful comments on my photos the past several years and to the the buyers that have bought my photos. I now will only be displaying my photos for show in a photography journal that I have created which you can find the link listed under my website.

I've recently started going back to school for a degree in Zoology and trying to keep up with my stock photography and schooling at the same time was not working out for me. My schooling comes first and then photography has and always be just for fun.

Thanks again everyone cause I really have enjoyed the past several years at Dreamstime.

-Susan L. Pettitt

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Dabobabo

December 10, 2008

HI, you have a wonderful portfolio..and we can see that looking into deep at our photo could be a real good opportunity to grow up..! ;D

Irisangel

December 06, 2008

Of all the animal pictures that I have seen here, yours and among the best. Keep up the great work!

Lifesazoo

December 05, 2008

Thanks :) I have to agree about the mind wants to see what it wants to see. I never noticed things about both of those photos until after they had been denied but I still love those pictures and they are even hanging up on my wall in my living room :)

Noonie

December 05, 2008

Love your cats! Sometimes I swear I have looked at mine at 100% and it gets turned down, then when I look back I see what's wrong. I think at times my mind sees what it wants to see! It's because we all like what we shoot or we wouldn't pick up the camera..........

Marilyngould

December 05, 2008

Hey Susan, Both photos are great shots -- the dinner shot is especially fun. You are correct in scrutinizing potential submissions at 100% -- My schedule is to check a photo at 100% once deciding that is has potential for stock, make corrections and cropping then double check at 100% to see what I may have missed. Your work is always a pleasure to view and a pleasure to see your latest uploads. Cheers!