Steve Marsel Stock
Stock photography websites contain existing images ready for purchase that can be licensed to buyers for specific use. Consumers who use stock photography in place of a photographer are able to save time and money though they may sacrifice creative control. Stock images are accessible through search engine databases, purchased online, and delivered by means of downloading or e-mailing. Picture libraries, photo archives, and image and photo banks are similar to a collection of stock photography. Some current stock photography distributors offer stills and illustrations as well as videos and are, therefore, slightly different from other image banks. Stock photography is a collection of images readily available for commercial use upon purchase. It is not assignment photography, and it does not cater to an individual’s requests or specifications. Stock photography is usually purchased by magazine companies, publishing firms mostly for textbooks and encyclopedias, advertising and design agencies as well as film and television production agencies. Other purchases include and are not limited to calendar and greeting card companies, CD ROM manufacturers, political campaigns, and non-profit organizations. The term “stock photography” refers to images usually found on stock photography websites that are available to be licensed for commercial use. With the exception of illegal and harmful purposes, these images can be used in several manners including advertising, marketing, and design. Professionals often take advantage of stock photography as a quick and easy option that meets and satisfies design needs. A buyer with a rights-managed photography license is required to pay for each use of an image where fees may be higher than royalty-free images. However, if that buyer has a rights-managed license, he or she is able to have exclusive possession of the purchased image for a specific time period.
