MicrostockGroup

Microstock Photography Forum - General => Newbie Discussion => Topic started by: sshoults on June 12, 2018, 06:35

Title: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: sshoults on June 12, 2018, 06:35
Hi all,

Very newbie question here! I am getting a fair number of rejections, mainly from Adobe Stock, on the basis of noise/grain. Most of the photos rejected on this basis have been accepted elsewhere, so it could be a quirk of Adobe - but my question is, is there some way to check in editing software for noise levels, beyond 'eyeballing'?

I check my shots at 100% but it's hard to cover all areas, I mainly check the focal points for sharpness and the darkest/brightest areas for noise and blown highlights( also with the histogram).

Is there a way to 'highlight' noise like there is for blown highlights, or some way of seeing it like on a graph?

Thanks!
Title: Re: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: hatman12 on June 12, 2018, 06:37
What camera/lens etc are you using?
Title: Re: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: sshoults on June 12, 2018, 06:52
It varies, my main camera at the moment is Olympus OM-D EM5 mk2, 17mm f1.8 lens; sometimes I use a smartphone (Pixel 2) but usually submit those just to smartphone-specific agencies. I've got some older images too taken on a Canon DSLR.

Sometimes I can see the noise and understand the rejection, other times I can't see it. Maybe I jut need to train my eye better, but if there are 'technical' ways to check such as graphs that would be helpful.
Title: Re: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: isaozdere on July 27, 2018, 05:37
use noise grain software such as lightroom.and use color noise as well
Title: Re: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: Brasilnut on July 27, 2018, 06:22
AS tends to be pickier for these types of rejection than other agencies, but make up for it with dubious commercial images with identifiable people and/or logos, so it's OK!

I would add that as well as reasonable use of noise reduction, to go minus on clarity in Lightroom, although not so much that it will make the image too soft. Ideally expose correctly in-camera and use low ISO (if possible).

Are you opening up shadows much? Sometimes this exposes noises.

Would help to post some examples.
Title: Re: 'noise/grain' rejections
Post by: alan b traehern on July 30, 2018, 12:08
Right now AS is the pickiest of the major choices. If the other small places accepting the shots are getting no sales, you know why.

Check your ISO, try to set for the lowest which is 100 for most cameras. In a pinch maybe 200. Exposed 1/3rd over and bring the shadows down. If you expose the light and bring up gamma or brightness, that will always introduce noise. Downsize your images, which will reduce noise a little. Noise reduction software usually makes pictures softer and you'll start to get that rejection.

Post examples is the best way for anyone here to see and help.