Staycation Day 6 – Denied

I received a response back from the stock photography site and sure enough, my photos were not good enough. They wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to apply as a contributor with iStockphoto.com.

The iStock administrators have asked that you upload new samples based on the feedback provided below. You’re welcome to return in 3 days, upload some new samples and we’ll re-process your application.

Comments from the iStockphoto Administrator:

At this time we regret to inform you that we did not feel the overall composition of your photography or subject matter is at the minimum level of standard for iStockphoto. Please take some time to review training materials, resources and articles provided through iStockphoto. The photographs provided in your application should be diverse in subject matter, technical ability and should be your best work. Think conceptual, creative and most important think Stock photography. Try to avoid the average eye level push the button perspective of a common subject. Try and impress us, we want to see how you stand out from the crowd.

We welcome you to return after the number of days specified and upload 3 fresh samples of your work and we will re-process your application. Please note that you will not be able to upload new samples until this waiting period has passed.

Well that’s disappointing. So am I sucky photographer in general or just in the stock photography sense? I really hope it’s the latter. I’m probably not going to bother re-applying because the fact of the matter is my photography material is not that varied because my main interest are animals, nature, and travel (and the majority of buildings I’ve photographed are not acceptable via their FAQ). Oh well. I think I’ll look into selling my prints instead, assuming I’m a decent photographer. Now I’m not so sure…