Content Guidelines - Photo

Summary

1. Technical Requirements 
2. General Requirements 
3. Aesthetic Requirements 
4. Legal Issues 
5. Releases
6. Submissions & Review Process

1. Technical Requirements 

1.1 File Size & Dimensions

In order to maximize image quality and usability, image files should be minimum 4 MP (megapixels) and 50 MP max, and no more than 50 MB (megabytes). 

Recommended ratios: 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1. 

Please note that megapixels (MP) are not the same as megabytes (MB). Megapixels refer to the dimensions of your actual image (not the file size). To find out how many megapixels an image has, simply multiply the image width (X) by the image height (Y).

For example, say you have an image that is 2,000 pixels wide and 2,400 pixels tall. This is the formula for calculating the total megapixels: 

2,000 x 2,400 = 4,800,000 (4.8 MP)

That image is larger than our minimum requirement (4 MP), and thus, acceptable. However, imagine you have another image that is 1,200 pixels wide and 3,000 pixels tall: 

1,200 x 3,000 = 3,600,000 (3.6 MP)

That image is smaller than our minimum requirement (4 MP) and will not be accepted by our system. 

Pixels, Points, Picas, & Inches

Pixels, points, picas, and inches are all units of measurements. Your computer’s DPI/PPI settings determine what a specific number of megapixels equals when converted to each unit. Assuming your computer is set at 72 DPI/PPI (the current standard), here’s what 4 MP would be when converted to pixels, points, picas, and inches:

4 million pixels = 4 million points = 27,562 picas = 771.62 square inches

1.2 Format

We only accept JPG/JPEG images that have been compressed at the lowest available level.

1.3 Color

To make sure the colors in each of your images are displayed correctly across most devices, the images must use the sRGB (Standard Red Green Blue) color profile.

1.4 Metadata 

Each image must have a unique title and set of keywords--all of which should be in English. All titles and keywords must accurately describe the subject matter within the photo and cannot contain special characters, spelling/grammar errors, or excessively repeated words or phrases.

Editorial images must be accompanied by an title in this format: City, State, Country, Year - Editorial description

Example: New York City, NY, 2020 - Time-lapse of people walking inside the Grand Central Terminal

Substitute a country over city/state when appropriate

1.5 Noise 

Proper ISO settings vary depending on the situation and camera. However, you can avoid producing photos with visual distortion (i.e., “noise” or “grain”) by ensuring the ISO setting on your camera is not too high.

1.6  Artifacts 

Saving an image as a JPG/JPEG causes it to be compressed. This compression results in a loss of image quality, which, in turn, generates artifacts (visible distortions) within the photo. Because of this, we recommend compressing your image as little as possible when saving the file as a JPG/JPEG.

1.7 Focus

Photographs must be properly focused. Selective focal points on concrete parts of images are allowed and encouraged. We will only accept images that are entirely out of focus (e.g., “blurred” backgrounds) in specific cases.

1.8 Shutter Speed

When taking photos, be sure the shutter speed is set high enough to produce a clear, focused, and sharp image.

1.9 Poor Lighting/Overexposed 

Photos must contain appropriate lighting that allows the main subject to be seen clearly (this is especially important for portraits). Intentional aesthetic defects (such as “burned” or white areas) are allowed as long as they can be recovered by the user who downloads the image.

2. General Requirements 

2.1 Similar Submissions  

 Variety among and within each author’s submissions is encouraged. Therefore, all photos must have noticeable differences in composition, framing, motives, or elements (this also goes for photos taken within the same photography session). Also, avoid submitting multiple copies of the same image with different post-editing effects. In specific cases, we may accept multiple copies of the same image, depending on the quality and commercial value. However, keep in mind that these images may still have other technical issues.

Before submitting your photos, be sure to review them for proper framing and focus and adjust levels, correct aberration, etc. Submitting only your best resources is the quickest way to enhance your portfolio and reduce the number of rejections you receive.

2.2 Duplicates

We will only accept images that have not been previously submitted or already published. Please note that repeatedly submitting the same resources does not increase their chances of being published.

2.3 Corrupted File

Sometimes, once an image is submitted and fully uploaded, it presents errors that prevent the image from loading and appearing correctly. If this happens, we will notify you so that you can review the file for issues before trying to upload it again.

2.4 Spelling, Grammar, or Non-English

We only accept text in images and metadata that is written correctly in English. Before submitting, review your images and metadata for textual errors (spelling, grammar, logic, information, etc.--see “Poor Text/Graphic Placement” for more information), and be sure all text is related to the image and correctly integrated into the file.

Exceptions to this rule are specific, relevant festivities, wherein a brief text in the local language is acceptable. We recommend also reviewing our ethical policies so you can ensure your image is in accordance with them.

2.5 Ethical Policies 

Images must be free of content that depicts or encourages inappropriate behavior (e.g., violent, sexual, pornographic, etc.). We only accept images that will not, in any way, affect the user’s sensibilities (think PG-13).

2.6 Do Not Include Attribution 

Be sure your images are free of any signature, watermark, or other mark that identifies the author of the photograph. Content must also be free of signatures or comments related to Eezy (e.g., “designed by Eezy” or “selected by Eezy”).

3. Aesthetic Requirements 

 Every photo submitted must meet our aesthetic and technical standards (composition, focus, framing, levels, etc.). Post-editing effects should not be applied in an attempt to correct issues with these quality standards. We will also only accept images that have been created using appropriate photographic equipment (for example, a phone camera would be inappropriate).

3.1 Composition 

In order for an image to have good composition, all elements must be put together in a visually appealing way. Each photo should comply with basic composition rules and be balanced. Be sure to use proper framing, apply the Rule of Thirds correctly, etc.                

3.2 Over-editing/Over-filtering  

Excessively editing an image can lower its quality immensely. Post-processing effects should serve to enhance a photo--not become the main element. All photos should contain:

• A proper saturation of colors
• Correct use of whites and blacks
• Well-executed digital editing
• Filters (if used) that expand--instead of limit--the photo’s later usage 

3.3 Sharpening 

The use of digital sharpening should be kept to a minimum. Overusing this filter will visually distort the image, resulting in its rejection.        

3.4 Chromatic Aberration

Colored edges (usually magenta or green) in areas of an image that have high contrast are called chromatic aberrations. This visual “color fringing” can be corrected easily in the digital editing process. Chromatic aberrations must be corrected in order for the image to be accepted.

3.5 Multi-image Photo 

Images made up of multiple photos (or collages) generally do not comply with the basic rules of composition or minimum technical requirements for photography. We recommend separating your photos and sending them individually.

 3.6 Dutch Angle 

 Intentionally slanting the camera angle when taking photos can sometimes produce an appealing effect in the final image. However, we will only accept photos in which the angles serve an intentional aesthetic purpose. This applies to both horizontal and vertical rotation.

3.7 Style 

Be aware of current aesthetic trends (technological items, clothing, styling, etc.) when taking and editing photos so that the images you produce will attract a higher number of user downloads.

3.8 Lack of Coherence

Elements within a photo should be arranged in a harmonic, appealing, and consistent way. If your image contains models, be sure that all facial expressions and actions relate to the photo’s context. We will only accept images that are taken in context so as to avoid affecting the content usability.

• Still Life Images: We will only accept photos that follow the general aesthetic rules for photographs. For still life photos, be sure the composition and background are clean. Coherence between the elements of the scene is also essential. 
• Portraits: Portraits should include appropriate facial expressions, coherent actions, correct framing, and expressions and actions of models that relate to the photo’s context. We will only accept images that are taken in context so as to avoid affecting the content usability.

3.9 Poor Text/Graphic Placement  

To ensure any text/graphics within your photo can be easily edited by users who download it, check your image for the following potential issues:

 Sample text/graphic is not on a solid color and may be:

• On a gradient or pattern
• Placed over another object

Text/graphic is poorly placed and may be:

• Off-centered or too close to the edge
• Negatively affecting the design or image composition
• Unrelated to the image

Text contains errors, such as:

• Spelling and/or grammatical errors
• Logic errors (text does not make sense, or the meaning is unclear)
• Informational errors (e.g., “Welcome to New York” above the skyline of Las Vegas)

3.10 Outdated 

Images must contain subject matter that is relevant to the current time period (e.g., no outdated clothing, photo styling, etc.). As for images with themes relating to holidays that have already passed, we will only accept them if they do not include a specific date that reveals it obsolescence (e.g., “Happy New Year 2018,” “Happy Holidays 2017,” etc.). We also highly recommend uploading your holiday-related images in advance (2 months beforehand is ideal) so users can start downloading them, and you can increase your profitability. 

3.11 Resized Images

Digitally resizing images in an attempt to fulfill our size requirements results in a loss of image quality. Because of this, we will not accept images that have been resized.

3.12 Vignetting 

Excessively darkened corners in an image can reduce the image’s usability. To avoid rejection, we recommend removing this effect before submitting your image. 

3.13 3D Illustrations are accepted in our photo collection on a case-by-case basis. They are more likely to be accepted into the photo collection if they are photo-realistic. If submitting a 3D Interior image, see our property release requirements in section 5.2

4. Legal Issues

4.1 Trademark

 A trademark is a word, symbol, name, or device (or combination of these) used to distinguish and identify the source or ownership of specific goods or services. Examples of a trademark are company logos or designs that are associated with a specific product or service (e.g., Adobe, Amazon, Nintendo, Disney, etc.).

In order to avoid misuse of a trademark or logo and prevent our customers from inadvertently infringing a trademark, we review all content for potential trademark, copyright, and intellectual property violations. Because of this, we do not accept images that contain isolated or prominently displayed trademarks or logos for commercial use. Since our customers can use content designed for commercial use in advertisements, product packaging, and the like, images must be free of visible registered trademarks, landmarks, and copyrights (see the links below for known image restrictions). However, the use of social network icons is allowed.

• Known Places in America 
• Known Places in Europe & Africa 
• Known Places in the Middle East & Australia 

 If your image contains a visible trademark, you must remove the trademarked content from the image before submitting it for commercial use. However, images that contain visible trademarks can be submitted for editorial use, as long as they meet our editorial standards. 

4.2 Copyright

Copyright is a type of legal protection that provides the author or creator of an original, creative work the exclusive legal right to use their work and to authorize others to do the same. Any original work fixed in a tangible medium can be protected by copyright. In order for the work of an author to be considered “original,” it must be created solely by the author and have some degree of creativity.

In other countries, the copyright to your work may be recognized in the same way those countries recognize the copyrights of their own citizens (especially if the countries are bound by the Berne Convention (an international treaty)). However, this does not mean your copyright applies internationally--only that other countries will treat your copyright ownership the same way they would lawfully treat copyrights in their own countries.

The Berne Convention requires its signatories (the countries that have signed and agreed to abide by it) to have certain enforcement procedures when intellectual property is infringed upon. These provisions are outlined in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and they include protective measures, civil remedies, and criminal sanctions. To learn more about how you can enforce your copyright abroad, please contact your attorney.

There are also restrictions that apply to authors when they depict certain objects or subjects within an original work. You can find out more in the link below:

• Object & Subject Restrictions 
• Brands & Trademarks 

4.3 Plagiarism

All images you submit must be original and your own. As soon as we detect that you have submitted copyright-infringing content, your contributor account will be permanently blocked.

• Reusing Elements: Including elements from other authors in your content, however minimal, is considered plagiarism. Content must be free of elements (photos, vectors, and PSD files) that are already published by Eezy or other contributors.
• Inspiration: Recreating photographs based on other authors’ photoshoots will also be considered plagiarism.
• Shared Photo Sessions: When photographers share the same photo session, the models, places, and setups will inevitably be the same. The resulting photos from these shared sessions are likely to be considered plagiarism.

Although you share resources with other contributors, always submit original content that differs from anyone else’s. Failure to do so may result in your account being blocked.

5. Releases

Eezy Release Forms

5.1 Model Release

Every commercial image that contains recognizable people (even those in the background or blurred out) requires a model release to be uploaded alongside the corresponding image. If there is more than one recognizable person in your photo, then a separate model release will be required for each person.

 The following information is required for each individual model release:

• Model: Full name, contact, date of birth, signature, and date
• Photographer/Videographer: Name (must match name on contributor's account), signature, and date (no document proof required)

5.2 Property Release

Any image or clip containing a recognizable object, building, or property (especially one with a distinctive design that is likely to violate the intellectual property rights of the subject’s designer) must have an accompanying property release submitted alongside the corresponding content. If there are multiple recognizable objects, buildings, or properties in your photo, a separate release will be required for each one.

Examples of properties that require releases include, but are not limited to:

• Recognizable private property
• Venues
• 3D interiors
• Custom-designed vehicles (including cars, boats, motorcycles, & airplanes*)
• Furniture/household goods
• Jewelry/accessories
• Clothing/textiles
• Technological devices
• Equipment
• Tools/machines
• Toys/games
• Tattoos
• Graffiti
• Blueprints
• Modern religious artwork & modern statues
• Artwork (such as paintings & drawings)
• Sheet music
• Exotic pets, unusual animals, race horses, & certain zoo animals  
• Modern buildings/architecture**

3D Interior Renderings

Submitting 3D renderings of interior spaces is acceptable if 

• A property release is included that includes the software used and license type.
• The rendering is original artwork and the contributor is the copyright owner of the artwork. If you did not create the artwork, you may not submit it. If it is a free template from the software program, you may not submit it.
• You include terms such as “3D artwork” or “3D rendering” or “3D illustration” in the title and keywords.
• The 3D rendering is not of an existing property or interior or unique, isolated furniture. It must be generic and should not be the focal point of the rendering.

* Depictions of identifiable commercial vehicles (such as a Volkswagen Jetta, Porsche 911, or Honda Civic) cannot be accepted for commercial use--even with a property release--because they are protected by copyright law. Content containing these vehicles will be rejected, as it violates intellectual property laws.

** Cityscapes in which the modern building is not the primary subject of the image will be considered. Content that does not require a property release includes generic or unrecognizable interior shots and close-ups of details inside or outside the structure (as long as the subject is not recognizable).

These images will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be acceptable as editorial use with a proper caption (unless specifically restricted).

5.3 Public Domain

Images that are in the public domain typically have expired copyrights. Copyright laws vary from country to country, so it can be hard to figure out whether an image is in the public domain. In the United States, an author’s copyrighted work is protected throughout their entire life, plus 70 years after their death. When this period expires, the work generally falls into the public domain. In contrast, when a copyrighted work is created in Belarus, it is protected for the author’s lifetime, plus 50 more years.

Content that is from the public domain or that contains elements from the public domain (e.g., scans of photographs, copies of artwork or footage, etc.) will not be accepted for commercial or editorial use. Researching and verifying the copyright status of images in the public domain is not a practical part of our review process; therefore, public domain content should not be submitted for any reason.

5.4 Editorial

 On Eezy, images marked as “Editorial Use Only” cannot be used to advertise or promote a product or service, because the people, objects, or places in these editorial images are not released. However, editorial images can be used to illustrate current and newsworthy events. They can also be used to illustrate topics of human interest (e.g., culture, business, the arts, health and fitness, social events, lifestyle, technology, and travel). We will only accept editorial images that fall into two categories:

• Documentary: Images that document an event or subject of human interest
• Illustrative: Staged images that portray an event or subject of human interest

For editorial content to be accepted, it must: 

• Meet our editorial image quality requirements
• Fall under a “documentary” or “illustrative” editorial category
• Be tagged as an editorial image during submission
• Be accompanied by appropriate keywords
• Be accompanied by an title in this format:

  City, State, Country, Year - Editorial description

  Example: New York City, NY, 2020 - Time-lapse of people walking inside the Grand Central Terminal

  Substitute a country over city/state when appropriate

Quality Requirements:

Illustrative editorial images must adhere to the same standards as those required for our commercial images (free of trademarked, copyrighted, public-domain content, etc.; for more information, please see “General Requirements,” “Legal Issues,” and “Releases”). The subject or other visual elements within an image must be arranged well, and the image quality should be excellent (since the image is shot in a controlled environment). Typical post-process editing techniques can be lightly applied to enhance the content, but major alterations are not allowed.

Documentary editorial image quality standards are more lenient. The purpose of these images is to accurately communicate the event or subject, so documentary images should remain unaltered whenever possible. However, technical enhancements to improve the overall quality of the image itself are acceptable. 

6. Submissions & Review Process 

Review Process

We make it a priority to review content submitted by our contributors as quickly as possible. Since we receive a large amount of content every day, it can take up to 20 business days for your content to be reviewed. Before submitting your content, always check to be sure it complies with our quality standards and technical requirements. If we find multiple images during review that violate our standards, the entire submission may be rejected. If the first two entire submitted batches are rejected, your account will be blocked.