So you've decided to take the plunge. You know that stock photography is an effective tool for your web business, but where do you start and how do you choose the stock photo that's right for you. Here are some tips to get you started so that you are happy with your choice.
1. Decide where you want to purchase your stock photography. There are large agencies and small independent photographers. While the agencies will have more to chose from and sometimes lower prices an independent photographer will offer more personalized service and opportunities for you to have custom work done, if that is what you need.
2. Don't go in expecting to find an exact image that is in your head, a large agency or an independent photographer will not have the man in a blue suit, holding a cell phone, next to the white blinds nor will they have the beach landscape with the green and white striped chair. You need to have a clear idea in your head of the message that you want to convey and search for an image that creates the message that you want. (If you want something specific you'll have to pay for a photographer to shoot to your specifications.)
3. Make use of a free comp image to try out the image and make sure that it fits with your project or web design. Most stock agencies offer some sort of free comp image for position only so that you can make sure that you like what you're going to buy. Please use this option, if available, and make sure that the image is going to convey the message that you want it to.
4. Pay for what you need. Don't pay for a 300 dpi image for a web design, and don't buy a 72 dpi image for something you intend to print. Make sure that the agency or independent photographer offers at least a printable and a web version of every photo. Buy only the size image that you need for your job.
5. How much do you want to pay and for how long to you want to use the image? This comes down to royalty free or rights managed. If you don't want the chance of your competitor using the same image or you plan to use the image on or for a product you may want to look at rights managed. This will cost you more but it will lessen the chance of your competitor using the same image. Keep in mind that if you're using the image for an extended period of time you will have to pay for the use of the image every year or so. If you don't feel that your competitor using the same image is a threat or you dont have the money for rights managed photos look into royalty free photography. This product is also great if you're planning to use the images for an extended period of time.
I hope these tips help to get you started in choosing stock photography for your web site, business, or product. Remember to shop around and look for what you need. Also if an agency or photographer doesn't have what you need ask, you may be surprised how helpful they can be even for specific requests. If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography Forum at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php and post your question there.
About The Author
Copyright 2004 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. Recently she started her own business Kelly Paal Photography (http://kellypaalphotography.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design.
Want to see an excellently constructed website? As a writer... Read More
Dear web site visitor.I can't tell you how glad I... Read More
The object of search engines is to give their visitors... Read More
If you are anything like me, your website is a... Read More
One of the most popular methods of traffic generation is... Read More
A question we frequently get asked is, "how do we... Read More
The icons in an application are the soul of the... Read More
Many people today are tired of the Microsoft software that... Read More
Let's face it; the line from A Field of Dreams... Read More
A search for "web design" on Google returns more than... Read More
Marketing is not an easy skill to acquire.It requires patience... Read More
When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995... Read More
As of September, Smartads went through what so many have... Read More
Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More
Any design on a web application involves the effective input... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
Physical therapists have unique web presence needs. An effective site... Read More
Where does a person start when setting up a website?... Read More
With so many different configurations internet users have their computers... Read More
CNN.com's designers have gone out of their way to make... Read More
The problem with designing your site as a graphic, is... Read More
Just about every list of the "Top 10 Web Design... Read More
When you design a website how do you start ?Do... Read More
You have only 10 seconds to impress your potential buyer.... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Sin #5Poor Spelling And GrammarWe all make mistakes when we... Read More
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More
As the Internet blooms at an alarming rate, so as... Read More
With so many different configurations internet users have their computers... Read More
Never put form over function. Why? Because it's crucial that... Read More
When a prospect lands on your website will he or... Read More
Whenever singer John Mayer sings his romantic song, "Your Body... Read More
A well designed web site is great to have, but... Read More
Making a successful online business can be a long and... Read More
(Making Your Graphics Work For You)It's no secret that a... Read More
Square buttons, round buttons, flashy buttons ? will they match... Read More
Novice and professional designers alike ? you may probably be... Read More
Do know your audienceIt's important to know your audience. If... Read More
So, what's in a website design anyway? And, how do... Read More
The following list of websites is the best compilation of... Read More
One product, one long web page: this kind of web... Read More
1. Assemble a web site development plan that is integrated... Read More
Website design is a very competitive area and there is... Read More
You know that I'm always extolling the virtues of an... Read More
Contrary to the beliefs of some, advertising for web and... Read More
The icons in an application are the soul of the... Read More
Have you ever been to site with so much ad... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
It is common sense.The more time people spend at your... Read More
Are you going to design or redesign new website or... Read More
Web Design |