Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Stock Photography Service.

Ratings

Feature Set

This rating criterion refers to the collection of tools, abilities and services the stock photography company offers. These include what kind of releases and licenses they offer, as well as their media management tools.

Search/Sort Options

Finding the right image as fast as possible is extremely important in this industry. We evaluated how many search options are available to expedite the search process, including the ability to search by keyword and color.

Quality

A reputable and selective stock photography site offers attractive, professional and persuasive images, with a variety of resolutions available, suitable for a broad range of applications.

Please Note: The quality score was not provided by professional photographers, but by designers who use stock photography services as part of their everyday business.

Selection

Image variety and choice increases a stock photography service's overall flexibility. This criterion takes into account the number of collections available and the types of images available, as well as the total quantity.

Image Types

Ilustrations

Illustrations, unlike clip art, are full page or large artistic or cartoon type representations.

Photography

Photographic images are digital or printed photographs, taken by means of a digital or traditional camera. Sometimes, these images incorporate illustrative elements, such as a digitally altered photograph that relates a concept.

Photo Objects/ Cut Outs

Isolated objects or subjects, usually with a white background or dotted edges, which can easily be inserted into a desired background.

Editorial

Images available for reporting or journalistic purposes, as opposed to commercial use.

Clip Art

Unlike illustrations, clip art consists of simple digital drawings that are not full page and usually include either a white background or come in the shape of the drawing. For example, a flower drawing may be in the shape of a flower, as opposed to a photograph that is square or rectangle.

Features

Variety of Size/Resolution Available

The best services offer images in several sizes and resolutions to accommodate a variety of applications. Some offer helpful guidelines as well, such as how small or large an image can be manipulated before it loses quality.

No Membership Fee Required to Browse

It is useful if a site allows searches without requiring a membership fee or registration; however, most sites require registration.

Royalty Free

Generally, royalty free means a purchased image can be used for multiple applications for an extended or unlimited period, but is not exclusive.

Rights Managed/Protected

At a price far above that of a royalty free image, buyers can often purchase protection from having an image appear elsewhere; all terms of this agreement may be negotiable-such as where the image may appear or how long an image may be protected.

Model Released

This type of release refers to a signed agreement by the model that enables a purchaser to publish the talent's image. Usually this release does not support defamatory, libelous or humiliating uses of a person's likeness.

Please Note: All licenses, whether royalty free, rights managed or protected, or model releases are unique, it is imperative that all licenses be individually reviewed before an image is used.

Video Clips

Some services offer video clips or flash downloads as well as images.

CD Collections

Many services offer CD collections that include an assortment of related images at a reduced price.

Custom CD

This type of CD is a hardcopy backup of unique images chosen by a client.

Assignment Photographers

Some stock photography agencies collaborate with photographers available for contract work.

Media Management Tools

Member tools that can include light boxes, pasteboards or other account management tools. Some services offer the ability to store previously chosen or purchased images as well as the licenses they hold.

Comp Images

These images are free to copy or download and are usually low quality, accessible for clients to incorporate into pre-published designs, for experimentation or approval before purchasing.

Prints

Prints are traditional photographs that are suitable for framing or quality-demanding presentations.

Search/Sort Options

Theme/Concept/Categories

A sort option that enables you to search by subject (i.e. cars) or by theme or concept (i.e. frustration).

Color

Color sorts supports searches by a color name (i.e. red) and some even search for a chosen color or a unique, submitted color that's needed for a specific design.

Keyword

This search supports inquires by a simple word or phrase (i.e. old house) or by a complex word string (i.e. dark haired woman alone in yellow dress).

Photographer

A service that offers this search ability allows users to enter a specific photographers name to gain access to a collection of their work.

Collection

Many agencies offer multiple collections and allow clients to search through a specified collection.

BW/Color

This search option enables the member to filter results by color or black and white images.

Release Status

This is a good search option when a specific type of license is needed.

Orientation

This refers to horizontal or vertical presentation of an image.

Special Interest

Medical

This special interest subject refers to in-depth procedural or internal images, rather than industry-representative images, such as a photo of a nurse.

Celebrity/ Famous People

Some sites offer images of well-known people, both past and present, at a premium price and offer complex licenses to be used for specific purposes. Some services also offer assignment photographers at a price, for obtaining hard-to-get or unavailable images.

Editorial Archives

Services that offer these types of images have access to historic photographs or picture journals of social, political or other relevance.

Photojournalism

A stock photography service that supports this interest offers socially or politically significant and timely images for editorial use.

Help/Support

Phone Support

A reputable service offers phone access to sales, technical and customer support with accommodating schedules.

Fax

Some services offer a fax number to send inquires or orders.

eMail

Stock photography agencies usually offer some form of email support and good services respond quickly with courteous and helpful responses.

Chat

A few offer instant contact by way of chat or instant messaging, the help should be useful and not seem as if it is operated by a computer with automated responses.

Mail

A service that offers this form of contact publishes mailing addresses for submission of inquires, orders, requests or other concerns.

FAQ/ Help Section

All services should publish online a comprehensive and useful FAQ page and/or help section that answers common questions and defines unique terms.

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