Article Computers Technology

As the saying goes
a picture is worth a thousand words
and the right photos can bring copy to life. But with today's time and budgetary constraints
it's often not practical or possible to hire a photographer to get the pictures you need. That's why
whether you're a website designer
an art director for a print publication
or even a photographer
online stock photography has much to offer.

Buying Online Pictures

For the uninitiated
stock photography is often known as royalty free photography. In other words
those who want to buy the pictures do not have exclusive rights to use them. The upside is that royalty free pictures and illustrations cost only a tiny fraction of the price of an exclusive photo or the cost of hiring a photographer to take the shot.

Better yet
when compared to only a decade ago
even royalty free pictures have come down in price. Thanks to digital photography and high-speed Internet connections
you no longer have to buy an entire stock photography CD (and wait for it to be shipped to you) to get the shot you want. Instead
you can buy only the photos you need and download them immediately. Prices can range from two dollars for a small photo (500 pixels on the longest side) to twelve dollars for a large photo (a minimum of 1600 pixels on the longest side). Similarly
the cost of illustrations ranges from about three dollars to about twenty dollars.

So
in what ways can you use online stock photography? Each photography site has its own licensing terms
but generally you can use the pictures for your own business
in print publications
on websites
in marketing and promotional materials
in PowerPoint presentations
and in film and television. You can also use them for materials you prepare for your clients. Online stock photography sites typically prohibit you from re-selling or distributing pictures
using them as part of a template that you sell
or on packaging for commercial products.

Selling Pictures

If you're a photographer
you probably already have a collection of stock photographs. Signing up with an online stock photography site is a painless way to increase your revenue stream and gain exposure for your work. Typically
a royalty free site requires that you complete an online application and submit three sample images. Once the site accepts your submission
you can begin selling your stock photos.

To sell your pictures online
a site normally requires that the photographs be your own work and that you hold the copyright to each image you sell. For photos of people
the site may require a standard model release. Typically
the site handles all of the sales
promotion
customer support
and transaction issues
and you receive half the fee from each sale. Generally
you get paid once your sales reach a certain dollar amount (the threshold for many site is fifty dollars).

Photography adds warmth and vibrancy to everything from simple brochures to complex websites. Images instantly express concepts and emotions
and can quickly capture a reader's attention. With online stock photography
it's easy to bring your work to life.