PHOTO: Blurred traffic lights at night: Lighting issue

Hi,


I could use some help understanding why this image was rejected. I've seen blurred traffic lights on iStock, so I'm wondering why mine isn't as good. It is is on https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzkus54h0f5jsuj/Tower%20at%20night_vert.jpg


Here is the rejection email:


We regret to inform you that we cannot accept your submission, entitled Neon movie theater marquee in evening with blurred traffic ( https://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/23051369/2/stock-photo-23051369-neon-movie-theater-marquee-in-evening-with-blurred-traffic.jpg) for addition to the iStockphoto library for the following reasons:

We found the overall composition of this file's lighting could be improved. Some of the technical aspects that can all limit the usefulness of a file are:

-Flat/dull colors
-Direct on-camera flash and/or flash fall-off (bright subject, dark background)
-Harsh lighting with blown-out highlights that lack details and/or distracting shadows
- Distracting lens flares
-Incorrect white balance


 


Thank you so much!

(Edited on 2013-02-07 12:25:42 by donald_gruener)

We're pretty picky with traffic light blurs. There has to be a good reason for the blurred lights in the first place, and it should make a positive contribution to the feel & composition of the image.

This image is dominated by the blown-out headlight blurs but which don't really provide a benefit to the image - on the contrary, they rather distract from the cozy main-street feel. There's not a real message here...it's not a rush-rush urban scene (this is Bend, Oregon, right?) which could be enhanced by speeding streaking lights. The streaks themselves are awkward, some start/stop mid-image, there are some jagged crazily curved ones...it just doesn't really come together.

Not helping with your case are the other issues which I assume were also mentioned in the rejection (names/logos, artifacting, identifiable people).

(Edited on 2013-02-07 12:37:57 by donald_gruener)