| 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.
- 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.
- 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 photography to shoot
to your specifications.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 don't 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.
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 (www.kellypaalphotography.com).
She has an educational background in photography, business, and
commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and
photography principles to her web design.
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