All recognizable faces require a model release, including crowds:

All recognizable human faces require a model release, including public areas, crowds, self portraits and vintage photographs.


Logos are acceptable in wide angle photographs:

Any visible logo should be removed in royalty-free stock photography.


Identifiable design marks, such as the 3 stripes for Adidas or the Nike swoosh, are allowed if the name is removed:

All design elements that are recognizable to a company may also be protected by trademark, and should always be removed for royalty-free stock photography.


Landmark buildings such as the Sydney Opera House or Empire State Building require a property release to be used as royalty-free stock:

Famously recognized buildings and modern architecture may require a property release. Questionable buildings should be researched prior to uploading.


A model release is required for a self portrait:

All recognizable human faces require a model release, including public areas, crowds, self portraits and vintage photographs.


The photographer can witness their own Model/Property Release:

A model or property release cannot be witnessed by the photographer.


A simple snapshot is acceptable; iStock does not require quality in composition:

The iStock collection is a selection of the highest quality, both creative and technical, images submitted. Simple snap shots will not be accepted.


It is acceptable to protest a rejection in the iStock forums:

To protest an image, it should always be addressed through "Scout", located in the Support section.


It is acceptable to copy the composition of another photographer’s work

iStock respects the creative value of each original image and does not condone mimicking the work of others.


Photographs should be upsampled or interpolated to the maximum XXL size:

iStock will not accept images that have been upsampled or interpolated above their native resolution.


The above example contains:

Compression can be spotted in a photograph by the "chunking" of colors.


The above example is:

Harsh light or distracting shadows unintentional to the composition will be declined from the iStock collection.


The above example is:

The use of noise reduction should never create a "watercolor" or overly smoothed appearance.