The Makifaa platform subjects every image to a rigorous moderation. To optimize your chances of acceptance, it is crucial to prepare your visuals by adhering to quality, legality, and content criteria. Follow this detailed guide to present impeccable images that meet Makifaa’s expectations.
Image Quality and Resolution
The technical quality of your photos must be impeccable. High-quality images are far more likely to be accepted and sold.
Here are the key points to monitor:
- Sharpness and Rendering: Ensure that your images are sharp, properly focused, without accidental blur or excessive grain. Avoid motion blur by using a tripod or good stabilization if necessary. A well-exposed photo, with natural colors and without digital noise, will be better appreciated. Also avoid extreme adjustments (over-boosting contrast or saturation) that could give an artificial appearance.
- Accepted Formats: Makifaa accepts all common image formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.). Prefer the high-quality JPEG format for photographs, as it offers a good balance between quality and file size. The PNG format can be suitable for illustrations or images with transparency. Make sure that the color profile is standard (preferably sRGB) for consistent rendering among buyers.
- Recommended Resolution: Use your device’s maximum resolution to provide a detailed image. It is advisable to aim for at least several megapixels. For example, a 6 Mpx sensor will produce a photo of about 3000 × 2000 pixels, which corresponds to ~17 MB uncompressed (in 8-bit TIFF) – roughly 3 to 5 MB in high-quality JPEG. The higher the resolution, the better: your images can be used both for large format prints and on Retina screens. Do not artificially enlarge a small image (no disproportionate re-sampling via software), as this degrades sharpness. Prefer to crop moderately and retain as many pixels as possible.
In summary, opt for the best possible quality right from the shot. Sharp, well-exposed, and high-resolution photos will make a great impression during moderation and with final customers.
Rights and Permissions
Before submitting an image, ensure that you are in compliance with rights. Some photos require explicit permissions, while others can be sold freely. Here is how to distinguish between them:
Images Requiring Permission
In general, anything involving people or private property requires a prior written authorization for commercial use.
Examples of images subject to permission:
- Recognizable People: A portrait or any photo in which a person can be clearly identified (visible face, distinctive tattoo, unique silhouette) requires model permission. This is done through a release form (often called a model release) signed by the photographed person. Without this authorization, Makifaa will refuse the photo in order to protect the subject’s privacy.
- Private Locations: Images taken in private properties (home, fenced garden, interior of a building not open to the public) require the owner’s consent. This takes the form of a property authorization signed by the owner or manager of the location. For example, a photo session in a boutique hotel requires the establishment’s written approval for sale on Makifaa.
- Protected Works of Art: If your photo includes a protected work of art (painting in a museum, contemporary sculpture, recent graffiti, protected modern architecture), you must obtain the agreement of the artist or copyright holder. Selling a photo containing a work without written permission would infringe copyright. As a precaution, avoid including recognizable artistic creations unless you have written permission.
- Private or Restricted Events: Concerts, shows, fashion shows, sporting events, weddings, etc., may have distribution restrictions. For example, most concerts prohibit the sale of photos without proper accreditation. If you photograph an event subject to entry conditions, make sure to check the rules. You will need the organizer’s agreement (in writing) to commercially exploit these images.
💡 Note: Avoid including in your photos any brands, logos, or registered products that are recognizable (car brands, logos on clothing, protected fictional characters…). These elements fall under intellectual property and cannot be sold freely. If a logo or brand appears prominently in the image, the photo will be rejected in the absence of permission from the brand holder (permission that is often difficult to obtain). It is better to frame or retouch the image to remove any identifiable logo before submission.
Images Free of Permission Requirements
Fortunately, many images do not involve any third-party rights and can be sold freely. Here are examples of content that does not require any special authorization:
- Natural Landscapes: Nature photos (mountains, forests, beaches, sunsets, etc.) taken in public places. As long as no person is identifiable and no private property is clearly visible in detail, these images are safe. Landscapes without copyrighted elements (such as a modern sculpture in the middle of a park) can be sold without formalities.
- Still Life: Arrangements of everyday objects taken in a studio or at home (food, flowers, books, tableware, etc.), provided that the objects themselves are not protected. For example, photographing an arrangement of fruits or generic utensils is risk-free, but a still life centered on a branded product (a well-known soda bottle, an identifiable electronic gadget) would pose a problem.
- Everyday Objects without Visible Branding: Scenes illustrating everyday life with neutral objects. For example, a bicycle without an apparent logo, a notebook and pencil without branding, a generic phone (without the Apple or Samsung logo) are freely usable. Make sure to mask or remove any logo on objects before shooting (by clever framing or a piece of tape) in order to obtain an image that is “free of rights”.
- Abstract Patterns or Textures: Artistic blurry photographs, plays of light, material textures, very close-ups where nothing is recognizable in terms of ownership. These purely aesthetic visuals involve neither people, property, nor a specific brand. They can therefore be submitted without fear of infringing on copyright or image rights.
In summary, opt for 100% free subjects whenever possible. If no person, location, or object can claim a right over your photo, it is ready to be sold without any constraint other than your own intellectual property (which you assign via the Makifaa license).
Obtaining and Proving Permissions
If your photo project involves a human model, a private location, or a protected element, anticipate and obtain the permissions in writing before submitting the image. Here are a few practical tips:
- Standard Forms: Use recognized authorization forms. For a model, have them sign a model release form (including the person’s name, date, and authorized uses – in this case, sale on a stock photo site). For a private property, use a property authorization form signed by the owner. There are models available in French and English used by major agencies, which are generally accepted by Makifaa.
- Information to Include: Ensure that the authorization contains all necessary information: the identity of the model/owner, a description of the photo or project, your own contact details, and a clause mentioning worldwide commercial use with no time limitation (this is generally implicit, but it is better to specify it). If the model is a minor, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by an identity document of the signer.
- Proof to Provide: Keep these authorizations safe (scans or photos of the signed documents). Makifaa may ask you to prove that you hold the necessary rights, especially if an image raises a legal question. Ideally, attach the authorization form when submitting the photo if the platform allows it, or be ready to send it upon request by the moderation team. Mention in the image description that “Written authorizations are available on request” if applicable, as this can speed up validation.
- Works and Events: For works of art and events, contacting the rights holders in advance is essential. For example, if you wish to sell photos of a recent urban mural, contact the artist (via social media or their website) to obtain their written agreement. If they respond favorably, keep the authorization email. Similarly, for a concert, ask the organizer or press officer for a written accreditation authorizing the sale of the shots (which is rare, but possible for some events). Without a response or agreement, it is safer not to offer these images.
In summary, only submit images for which you hold all the required rights. Like other stock photo agencies, Makifaa insists on respecting image and copyright rights: a photo including people or works without permission will be automatically rejected during moderation. It is better to lose one shot than risk a legal issue.
Image Processing (Retouching and Modifications)
An appropriate post-processing can greatly improve an image, but it is important to remain moderate so as not to compromise authenticity. Makifaa authorizes photographic retouching as long as it serves overall quality without falsifying the reality of the scene.
Here are some recommendations for retouching:
- Accepted Adjustments: You can, without any problem, correct the technical flaws of your photo. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and white balance to obtain a natural and balanced rendering. A slight increase in saturation or sharpening is acceptable if the result remains realistic. The goal is to approach the quality of a raw professional image (JPEG from a good camera) or a faithful print, without visible over-processing.
- Image Cleaning: It is advisable to remove minor distracting elements. For example, in landscape shots, erase small debris or sensor dust that could distract the viewer. In portrait photography, you can soften a fleeting blemish or a dust spot on the sensor, but avoid excessively retouching the appearance (do not transform the model’s face or body). The retouch should remain discreet: if it is not noticeable, it is well done.
- Moderate Cropping: Feel free to crop to improve the composition or remove an unsightly border (e.g., an object partially cut off at the edge). However, keep in mind the final resolution: do not crop too tightly to the point of falling below the recommended resolution. Find the right balance between composition and image size.
- Undesirable Elements: If a detail disturbs the overall reading (a pole extending from a head, a small unwanted object), you can remove it digitally with a clone or local correction tool, provided that it is not noticeable. For example, erasing a distant vehicle in a landscape is acceptable, but removing an entire building or a person in the foreground could leave visible traces or raise questions about authenticity.
What to Avoid: Any heavy retouching that distorts the original scene. For example, do not change the color of the sky from blue to green, do not add an element that was not present (no composite montage without declaring it), do not artificially blur the background excessively, etc. Overly strong artistic filters (such as very marked Instagram filters) are discouraged, as they might be seen as too creative or limiting for a buyer. Similarly, do not add any text or graphic element to the photo (other than for your personal tests) before submission – no borders or stylistic effects either.
In short, the retouch should enhance the photo while remaining invisible. Ask yourself: does my image look natural? If the answer is yes and the quality is better than the original raw version, your retouch is on the right track. If it is obvious that the image has been manipulated, lighten the treatment. An authentic and clean photo will always be preferred during moderation.
File Size and Compression
Makifaa requires that each image file weighs at least 3 MB. This criterion aims to ensure a good exploitation quality of the image by the customers (for printing, cropping, etc.). Here is how to manage the file size and compression of your files:
- Why a minimum of 3 MB? A file size of at least 3 megabytes generally means that the image has a good resolution and a minimally destructive compression. Conversely, a file of 500 KB, for example, would indicate either a very low resolution or a very high JPEG compression – in both cases, the visual quality would suffer. By setting a floor of ~3 MB, Makifaa ensures that contributors provide sufficiently detailed images. For example, a ~6 Mpx photo (~3000×2000 px) saved in high-quality JPEG will weigh around 3-5 MB. Below 3 MB, it is likely that the resolution or recording quality is insufficient for professional use (A4 printing, etc.). Therefore, 3 MB is the minimum, but feel free to submit larger files if quality requires it (10 MB or more). There is no maximum size announced, as long as the upload is technically possible.
- Use Adequate Compression: When exporting your image, favor a high-quality JPEG format (level 10-12 or 90-100% depending on the software). Avoid excessive compression that introduces artifacts (blockiness, blur, color bands). The TIFF format without compression or PNG can be used if you want zero loss, but these files will be much larger – and end customers do not necessarily need a TIFF, a good JPEG is usually sufficient. The important point is that the resulting JPEG file exceeds 3 MB.
- Tips if Your File Is Too Light: If after export your image weighs less than 3 MB, two cases are possible: too low resolution or too high compression. Check the resolution first: below ~2000 px on the longest side is likely insufficient – you should start from the original photo and crop less, or use a device offering more pixels. If the resolution is correct, then compression is the issue: re-export by increasing the JPEG quality level (for example, from 80% to 100%). Do not artificially add “weight” by doubling the pixels or inserting noise, as this will not fool moderation (which judges by appearance, not by indicated weight). The perceived quality must match the file size.
- Optimization Without Visible Loss: Conversely, if your JPEG file weighs, for example, 15 MB (which can happen with a 24+ Mpx sensor and few uniform areas), you can consider a light compression to reduce size without visible loss. A JPEG at 90% quality instead of 100% might reduce the file from 15 MB to, for example, 8 MB while maintaining an identical appearance to the naked eye – which remains well above the minimum required. You can also use lossless optimization tools (or lossless) that remove unnecessary metadata and optimize the encoding without altering the pixels, thereby gaining a few percentage points in file size. The goal is not to go below 3 MB, but to avoid providing unnecessarily large files that prolong upload times.
- Original Format and Dimensions: Preferably, do not downsize your images just to save file size. Leave the native largest size. For example, if your photo is 6000×4000 px originally, do not reduce it to 3000 px just to reach 3 MB – send it in full resolution (it might be 10 MB in JPEG, which is perfectly fine). Buyers appreciate having the flexibility (for cropping or zooming) and you better showcase your work this way.
In summary, adhere to the minimum threshold of 3 MB and, if necessary, adjust the export quality to achieve it. A properly sized file is a sign of an image rich in visual information. Combine that with good retouching and high resolution, and your photo will have every chance to pass the moderation barrier.
Signature and Watermark
It is strictly forbidden to add a signature, a watermark, or any text to your images intended for sale. If you submit a photo with your name or logo on it, it will be automatically rejected by moderation. In fact, the end buyer wants an image free of any inscription so that it can be used freely – a marked photo has no commercial value for them.
Even if you wish to protect your works, know that Makifaa (like other stock photo agencies) already applies its own protection measures. For example, during preview on the site, a discreet Makifaa watermark may be superimposed on the image to discourage theft, then it disappears once the image is purchased. Do not do this yourself: any personal mark (name, copyright, logo) on the original visual is disqualifying. Your credit as a photographer is ensured by the information associated with the image (metadata, contributor profile); it does not need to be visible on the photo.
In practice, always export a clean version of your files. Also check that no border element or automatic text has been added (some applications add a frame or mention – remove them). The file must be identical to what the buyer will receive: only the photo itself. If you have signed versions for your social networks, do not confuse them with those intended for Makifaa. On the platform, only images without signature or timestamp will pass the control.
Accepted and Forbidden Content
Makifaa has an editorial policy that excludes certain sensitive or inappropriate content. To avoid immediate rejection, do not submit images containing the following elements:
- Pornographic nudity or explicit sexual acts: any crude, pornographic, obscene sexual representation or one involving minors is strictly forbidden. Even an artistic image will be rejected if it shows a real or simulated sexual act.
- Extreme violence or gore: visuals showing scenes of unbearable violence, abundant blood, mutilations, or glorifying violence are banned. Makifaa does not want shocking or traumatic images on its platform.
- Incitement to hate or illegal activities: any content that promotes racial, ethnic, or religious hate, or that shows criminal activities (hard drug use, ongoing crimes, Nazi symbols, etc.) will be rejected. These themes not only violate Makifaa’s rules but may also break the law.
- Defamatory or polemic content: avoid images that could harm the reputation of a person or group, or extremely polemic subjects without context (for example, a staged violent scene without a clear message). Stay within an ethical and legal framework.
Conversely, Makifaa tolerates sensual or artistic content within reasonable limits. For example, an artistic nude where the model poses elegantly, without explicit sexual connotation, may be acceptable (with the model’s permission, of course). Similarly, soft seduction themes (non-vulgar lingerie, non-explicit scenes of affection) can pass moderation as long as they remain tasteful. Major stock agencies distinguish between artistic nudity and pornography: for example, Shutterstock accepts a certain level of nudity or erotic sensuality “light” as long as it is not too explicit or degrading. Makifaa adopts a similar approach by authorizing non-sexual nudity and sensual moods if they are aesthetic and not offensive. It goes without saying that in these cases, the model must be an adult and have given written consent.
To summarize, be selective with your subjects. A piece of content can be very aesthetic, but if it falls into a forbidden category, it will be rejected. Favor positive, creative, cultural, and inspiring images – exactly what Makifaa seeks by emphasizing African innovation and authenticity. In case of doubt about a borderline image (for example, artistic eroticism), you can contact Makifaa for clarification before wasting time submitting it. It is better to prevent than to cure when it comes to sensitive content.
Advantages of Exclusivity
Makifaa offers contributors the possibility to sell both images that are already available elsewhere and images that are exclusive to the platform. However, opting for exclusivity can maximize your earnings and your success on the site. Here’s why exclusivity is interesting:
- Less Competition: An exclusive image means that only Makifaa offers it. Customers will not find it on other stock photo agencies or free sites. This increases the likelihood that they will purchase from Makifaa if they specifically want that visual. For you, it is the assurance that your sales will not be cannibalized by other sources.
- Platform Recognition: Makifaa highlights the rarity and authenticity of African visuals. By submitting content that is not seen anywhere else, you fully participate in this approach. Your exclusive images are more likely to be chosen for highlights (for example, in a thematic selection or on the homepage) because they reinforce the unique identity of the Makifaa catalog.
- Better Compensation: Many stock photo agencies offer a higher commission percentage for exclusive content. Makifaa, in particular, boasts one of the highest royalty rates in the market – *up to 60% of the sale price returned to the creator (How to become a creator on Makifaa ? | Makifaa)*. By prioritizing Makifaa for the sale of some of your photos (rather than dispersing them on multiple sites), you could benefit from this maximum rate. In comparison, non-exclusive sites often pay 20-40%. Exclusivity can almost double your earnings per image sold.
- Customer Trust: A corporate buyer may be willing to pay more for a visual if they are assured it will not circulate elsewhere. Marking your images as exclusive to Makifaa builds trust: the client obtains a more unique content. This can justify a higher price and foster loyalty among customers seeking original visuals. By being an exclusive contributor for certain images, you essentially become a partner in Makifaa’s quality, which can give you a strong reputation among buyers.
In practice, you are not obliged to make your entire portfolio exclusive. For example, you can choose to offer only your best photos with a strong African identity exclusively on Makifaa, or those that you have not published elsewhere. These images will have the novelty and exclusivity label that will attract attention. Meanwhile, nothing prevents you from selling other more generic images on several sites. However, keep in mind that the more exclusives you offer, the more Makifaa and you can earn (in both income and brand image).
Makifaa rewards this approach: its business model, centered on fair compensation for creators, already ensures you up to 60% commission (How to become a creator on Makifaa ? | Makifaa), and this applies to all your content. Imagine the impact if your visuals also stand out for their unique character on the platform. It is a true virtuous circle: exclusivity -> better visibility -> more sales -> better compensation -> incentive to create high-quality, original content.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you maximize your chances of having your images accepted on the first try by Makifaa’s moderation. Ensure excellent visual quality, scrupulously respect others’ rights, perfect your files (size, absence of watermark), and pay close attention to the types of allowed content. Prepared in this way, your photos will not only have a higher chance of being approved, but they will also attract more potential buyers on Makifaa.
All that remains is to grab your camera, capture the visual richness around you, and share your best shots on Makifaa – *happy creating and good selling!*
