Important Aspects Regarding Stock Photos

Stock photography involves the supply of stock photos that have been licensed for specific uses. These images are particularly beneficial for individuals and small businesses that need to complete creative assignments, such as promotions, but do not have the means to hire a photography. Nowadays, these images are easily accessible through online databases and can be delivered and purchased through these venues.

Typically these images are produced in professional studios. An assortment of models are hired. The photo itself will range in many respects. Some examples of common photo portrayals: gesticulations, emotions, stereotypes, professionals. Mostly professional photographers shoot the photos, but there are some agencies that hire amateur photographers to do the work.

Several agencies distribute these products. Some may be called alternative because they have a specialty in a certain field of this kind of photography. Images may also be taken from microstock photo services. Although these photos are known to be sold at a low price and high volume, which often means they are not exclusive.

Some of the larger and more successful agencies own the rights to the images they sell. Others sell the photos for major collections, agencies and individual photographers. Images sold on behalf of professional photographers are usually done on a contractual basis.

Mid, micro and macro are the kinds of photography available. Macro is at the highest price point and considered exclusive. Contrastingly, macro is on the low end of the price scale and inclusive. Mid falls at a price between these two. Some websites may offer low-resolutions of certain images up to potential buyers as a way to promote the sale. If an advertiser then opts to use the image, they can purchase the high-resolution image and its rights from the site directly.

There are two key types: rights managed and royalty free. RF, or royalty free, does not mean that the image is free, but that it is free of royalties. That means that there is not a charge issued every time the image is reproduced. RF images include one fee for use. There are no limitations on how a buyer can use the picture, except the amount of times, but no one is given exclusive rights.

Rights managed, or RM, are different from RF images. The license value is selected based on the use of the image, which is often broken down based on: usage, specific use, duration, print run, size, industry, territory, and exclusivity. The licensing terms are defined clearly and made so that the buyer receives the maximum value amount and is protected by a certain degree of exclusivity. Usually these images come with a longer print run, assurance that an image will not be used by another person in a conflicting way, and with no releases, meaning images cannot be used with advertisements.

Stock photos are used by many small companies and individuals that need art for a particular project, promotion or other creative assignment, but do not have the means necessary to hire a professional to do the work. The basic photographs can add a lot to a creative work, giving it a more professional appearance. There are many different images and licenses available, as well as agencies that sell these products.