Contributor Guidelines

• All images must be original work created by you
• You must hold full legal rights to license every image submitted
• Third-party content (stock elements, commissioned work for other clients) is not permitted

Post-processing for technical quality (exposure, color correction, cropping) is allowed.

Prohibited alterations:

• AI-generated or AI-enhanced images (including generative fill, AI backgrounds, AI-created elements)
• Body modifications that distort authentic representation (slimming, enlarging, reshaping bodies or facial features)
• Adding or removing people, objects, or significant elements that alter the scene's truth
• Excessive skin smoothing or texture removal that misrepresents natural appearance

• Obtain signed model releases from all identifiable individuals
• For minors: Parent/guardian consent required
• Property releases required for private property (homes, businesses, recognizable locations), trademarked or branded items prominently featured, and artworks, murals, or copyrighted designs

• Respect cultural practices around image-making
• For images involving sacred ceremonies, cultural rituals, or sensitive community moments: provide additional context to our curation team about permissions obtained
• When photographing vulnerable populations (children, displaced persons, rural communities), ensure informed consent and dignified representation

• Upload signed releases with each submission
• Keep original copies for your records
• If you cannot provide releases, mark images as 'editorial use only'

• You retain full copyright ownership of your work
• Akuraa licenses images on your behalf; we never claim ownership
• You may license your work through other platforms (non-exclusive by default)

You are responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met (releases, rights, authenticity). If copyright infringement claims arise due to missing documentation or false representation, liability rests with the contributor.

Akuraa's legal team provides subsidised support for infringement disputes, including legal consultation and mediation assistance (terms outlined in Contributor Agreement).

• Platform liability for technical errors or licensing disputes arising from our platform operations
• Legal defence if a properly documented submission is challenged

• You may sell your images through multiple platforms
• Clients receive non-exclusive licenses unless otherwise negotiated

Clients may request a market freeze (temporary removal from platform during their campaign, premium fee) or exclusive rights (permanent exclusive license, negotiated rate, minimum 3× standard fee). You must confirm the image has not been licensed elsewhere before accepting exclusivity.

• You receive 60% of net licensing fees (after payment processing)
• Payments processed monthly
• Dashboard tracks sales history, earnings, and licensing status in real-time

• Standard licence: contact us for pricing
• Extended/commercial licence: contact us for pricing
• Exclusive/custom: negotiated based on usage

• Complete verification (ID, portfolio review, interview)
• Upload via your dashboard with high-resolution files (minimum 3000px on longest side)
• Attach model/property releases and metadata (location, date, subject, cultural context)
• Curatorial review within 48–72 hours for standard submissions; expedited for editorial
• Approved images go live with full tracking

• Cultural authenticity and nuance
• Technical excellence (composition, lighting, storytelling)
• Diverse subjects: daily life, celebrations, work, environment, urban/rural landscapes, portraits, abstracts
• Contemporary African narratives that challenge stereotypes

We may reject images that don't meet quality or authenticity standards. Our curation team provides feedback to help you improve. Resubmission is encouraged after addressing feedback.

• Images must be truthful and unmanipulated
• Minimal technical adjustments only (cropping, exposure, colour balance)
• Prohibited: staging, re-enactments presented as real, composite images, significant object removal or addition
• Content must not mislead viewers about what occurred

Each editorial submission must include: date, time, and precise location of capture; description of event/subject; verification details (eyewitness account, news context, event documentation); and any relevant background (permissions from organisers, safety considerations).

Images involving conflict, protests, disasters, or trauma require ethical representation (dignity of subjects maintained), content warnings where appropriate, and compliance with local laws and international journalistic standards. Graphic content must be marked and may be restricted to verified editorial clients.

Permitted uses: news publications, documentaries, educational materials, non-commercial blogs and social media illustrating public interest matters.

Prohibited uses: commercial advertising, product endorsements, promotional materials, book or magazine covers (unless explicitly editorial context), merchandise.

Standard editorial licence: unlimited use within organisation for 15 years, worldwide, with uncapped indemnification (subject to editorial use restrictions).

• All clients sign our licensing agreement before purchase
• Licence specifies permitted uses, duration, and territory
• Misuse (unlicensed use, licence violations) results in penalties and legal action

We actively monitor for licence violations using reverse image search and digital watermarking. If infringement occurs, our legal team pursues the violator; you receive compensation from settlements or judgments in addition to your 60% from legitimate sales; and we cover legal costs for pursuit.

• Monitor your work independently; we cannot catch every violation
• Report suspected infringement to legal@akuraavisuals.com
• Maintain your original files and documentation for potential legal proceedings

• Respectful communication with clients, curation team, and fellow contributors
• Timely responses to licensing enquiries or verification requests
• Honest representation of your work (no misattribution, false context)

We do not accept: pornographic, sexually explicit, or gratuitous content; images promoting violence, hatred, or discrimination; content violating local laws or international human rights standards; or plagiarised or stolen work.

Violations of these guidelines may result in a warning and content removal (first offence), temporary suspension (repeated violations), or permanent ban (serious violations: fraud, copyright theft, harassment).