Picture Perfect
If time and/or budget make it impossible to stage a photo shoot, you’ll need to plan ahead for stock photography. To help make the best stock photography choice, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is royalty free stock photography?
Royalty-free describes material (typically graphics such as stock photography and icons, but also sound such as music loop samples) that may be used for profit, without paying royalties. Royalty-free media is usually acquired for a “one time only” fee, although public domain imagery and many works created under a copyleft license are also usable without paying royalties or an initial fee.
We recommend using only royalty-free stock photos, as they are less expensive and the terms of use are less restrictive than Rights Managed and Rights Restricted photography.
How do I select the right stock photo for my project?
Consider editor preferences:
- Natural compositions of people
- Not obviously posed or looking into the lens, so they are seen as representative and not people from the community.
- Photos that will reproduce clearly in both color and black and white:
- Have enough detail in shadows and highlight: not too dark, too light, nor too contrasty.
- Whatever the subject, choose stock photos that are well composed and attention getting as well as well lit. Even on the most expensive sites quality varies.
How do I know which size to purchase?
You need to match the right MB to the right width.
For Features:
- Main photo: at least 12 inches wide at 300 ppi (approximately 28 MB)
- Secondary photos: at least 6 to 8 inches wide at 300 ppi (approximately 10 MB)
For Releases:
- At least 5 inches wide at 300 dpi (approximately 10 MB).
May I alter stock photos?
Not in a way that could be seen as a product endorsement.
Do we need to provide a photo credit for stock photos?
Yes. If the licensed material is reproduced in an editorial manner (as it is in a Family Feature or Release), the licensee must include the following credit adjacent to the Licensed Material: "[Photographer's name]/[Collection Name]/Getty Images."
|