Whether you’re a marketer, blogger, or designer, finding the right images for your project can be a daunting task. That’s where stock photography comes in. Stock photos are pre-existing images that are licensed for specific uses from digital libraries. They are affordable, easily accessible, and come in a variety of styles and genres.
Stock libraries and websites have been around for ages, and things have changed quite a bit in the image licensing industry in the past several years. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying stock photos on Aflo Images.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Table Of Contents:
- What is Stock Photography?
- Why Use Stock Photos?
- What Can I Use Stock Photos For?
- Where Can I Buy Stock Photos?
- How to Search for Stock Photos?
- How Do I Know if a Picture is Right for Me?
- What’s the Difference Between Royalty-free (RF) and Rights-managed (RM)?
- Do I Need a Commercial or an Editorial License?
- What Is a Model Release and Do I Need One?
- What Is a Property Release and Do I Need One?
- How Does Pricing Work With Stock Photos?
- How Can I Get the Most Out of Stock Photos?
- What File Size Do I Need?
- Conclusion
What is Stock Photography?
Fushimi-Inari Shrine under the snow. (Photo by Shosei/Aflo Images)
Stock photography refers to pre-existing images that are available for licensing for specific uses. These images are typically created by professional photographers or agencies and are available for purchase through stock photo websites and libraries such as Aflo Images. Stock photos can be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing materials, websites, and social media.
The most important thing to understand about stock photography is: When you purchase an image from a stock site, you don’t buy the actual copyright (that will always remain property of the photographer who took the shot) but a “license”, a permission to use the image for a specific use.
Why Use Stock Photos?
Stock photos offer several advantages over hiring a photographer or creating your images. First and foremost, they are affordable. Stock photos are priced based on usage rights or size, and the cost can be significantly less than hiring a photographer. Additionally, stock photos are easily accessible. You can browse and purchase images from the comfort of your own home. Finally, stock photos offer a wide range of styles and genres. Whether you need a business-related image or an editorial photo, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. When it comes to seasonal topics, or archive images, stock images are often your only option.
What Can I Use Stock Photos For
Stock images are widely used in a plethora of ways and in vast quantities, so it’s very likely that you’ve come across some of them without even noticing! Over the years, stock photo collections have grown significantly: here at Aflo Images for example, we have an extensive selection of over 15 million images available for licensing. Stock photos can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
– Marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and advertisements
– Websites and blogs
– Social media posts
– Presentations and slideshows
– E-books and digital publications
– Editorial sites and magazines
Where Can I Buy Stock Photos?
There are many different websites where you can access and license stock images in a variety of types and prices, ranging from very cheap micro stock to high-end and exclusive high-price. Some of these sites even offer images for free depending on the usage.
Aflo is one of the biggest stock agencies in Asia, and has been licensing images and videos to customers worldwide since 1980. On Aflo Images you can find stock and editorial images for all your needs and at any price point.
If you need high-end stock images from professional photographers you can check our collection here. And if you’re on a budget, our Imagemart collection starts at just 3$ per image.
Looking for editorial images of Japan, with a focus on Japanese sport athletes, news and entertainment? Our editorial collection is the perfect fit for your needs, with easy pricing and bulk discounts available.
We are also very proud to be representing some of the best and most unique collections of archive images from premium Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Newspaper and the Yomiuri Newspaper. Check our premium historical archive to get a glimpse of this beautiful and rare collection of images dating all the way back to the late 1800s.
How to Search for Stock Photos?
When searching for stock photos, it’s essential to use relevant keywords. Start by brainstorming words that describe the image you’re looking for, such as “business,” “nature,” or “food.” Then, use these keywords to search for images on stock photo websites. Aflo Images also offers advanced search options, allowing you to narrow down your results by license type, orientation, and more.
Here is a quick introduction on how to search on Aflo Images:
First of all, you can type in for your desired keywords in the search box at the top of the page. Make sure the keywords you choose are relevant and spelled correctly to get the best results.
You can use the drop-down menu on the right-hand corner to narrow down the search results to the exact type of content you need, editorial or creative, photo or video.
Finally, the “Filter” section on the left-hand side will help you refine your search even more. Here you have many options, from “License type”, “Number of people”, “Orientation” and so on. This section is really helpful when you are trying to find something very specific from a large number of results.
Once you have found the perfect image, you can click on it to open a preview page with all the licensing information and price options, add it to a lightbox for further use or to your shopping cart.
How Do I Know if a Picture is Right for Me?
This depends on what you’re trying to achieve by using a particular image for your project. Are you looking for a simple and accurate photo to illustrate a real location or product for editorial purposes? Or are you searching for a highly stylized image to showcase a concept related to your brand? The final goal of your campaign will usually dictate which type of image is the right choice for you.
When choosing a stock photo, consider your brand’s aesthetic and messaging. Does the image fit with your brand’s color scheme and tone? Does it communicate the message you’re trying to convey? Additionally, consider the image’s composition and quality. Is it well-lit and in focus? Does it look professional?
There is no 100% correct answer to this question, but here are some basic guidelines to follow when searching for a stock image:
Branding: Does the image reflect your brand aesthetics and message?
Placement: Do you need a landscape or portrait image? Will it be displayed online or printed?
Copy space: Do you need to overlay text or graphics to the image? Does the shot you chose lend itself well to it?
Localization: Does the image need to be reflective of the region it’s being used in, or the scope of your campaign is more global?
What’s the Difference Between Royalty-free (RF) and Rights-managed (RM)?
A beautiful view of Mount Fuji in the morning. (Photo by Hideaki Tanaka/Aflo Images)
When you buy a stock photo, you are essentially buying a license to use that photo for a specific purpose. Two of the most common types of licenses are Royalty-free (RF) and Rights-managed (RM).
Royalty-free licenses allow you to use the image as many times as you want, in multiple projects, without paying any additional fees. You choose the size you want, pay a one-time fee and you’re ready to go. These licenses are usually more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run if you plan to use the image in multiple projects.
On the other hand, Rights-managed licenses are more restrictive. They only allow you to use the image for a specific purpose, such as a single print ad or website banner. If you want to use the image again in a different project, you will need to purchase a new license. However, RM licenses usually offer more exclusive usage rights and are often less expensive upfront than RF licenses.
Rights-managed images are slowly disappearing from most stock sites due to a global shift to Royalty-free and micro stock content, but there are plenty of times where RM images are the better choice for your project, especially if you need exclusivity and market control.
Aflo Images is proud to be representing some of the best RM images in the world, shot by award-winning photographers that devoted their life to get the perfect shot. Our easy pricing makes licensing RM images simple and hassle-free, allowing you to bring your project to the next level.
Do I Need a Commercial or an Editorial License?
When you buy a stock photo, you will typically be asked whether you need a commercial or editorial license. The type of license you need will depend on how you plan to use the image.
Editorial licenses are used for images that will be used in editorial content, such as news articles or documentaries. If you plan to use a stock photo in an editorial context, you will need an editorial license.
Commercial licenses, on the other hand, are required for images that will be used to promote a product, service, or brand. This includes advertising, marketing, and promotional materials. If you plan to use a stock photo in a commercial context, you will need a commercial license.
It is important to note that some images may require both a commercial and editorial license, depending on how they are used. For example, a photo of a celebrity may require an editorial license if it is used in a news article, but it may also require a commercial license if it is used in an advertisement.
Acquiring a commercial license for editorial images can sometimes be very hard, but our team at Aflo Images can help you with every step of the way. If you need commercial clearance for editorial content feel free to get in touch with us at contact@afloimages.com. We’ll do our best to help!
What Is a Model Release and Do I Need One?
A model release is a legal document that gives you permission to use a person’s likeness in a photograph or video. If you plan to use a stock photo that features a recognizable person, you will need to make sure that the image comes with a valid model release.
Without a model release, you could be at risk of legal action if the person in the photo objects to the use of their likeness. This is especially true if the image is used in a commercial context.
It is important to note that model releases are not always necessary. For example, if you use a photo of a crowd of people where no one person is the focus of the image, you may not need a model release. However, if you plan to use an image that prominently features a specific individual, it is best to make sure you have a model release on file.
What Is a Property Release and Do I Need One?
A property release is like a model release, but it gives you permission to use a photo of someone’s property, such as a building or a piece of artwork. If you plan to use a stock photo that features someone else’s property, you will need to make sure that the image comes with a valid property release. Without a property release, you could be at risk of legal action if the owner of the property objects to the use of their property in the image.
How Does Pricing Work with Stock Photos?
Pricing for stock photos can vary greatly depending on the image and the license you need. Generally, the price of a stock photo is based on the size and resolution of the image, as well as the license type.
For example, a low-resolution image that is licensed for personal use may cost as little as a few dollars. On the other hand, a high-resolution image that is licensed for commercial use can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in some cases.
It’s important to understand that buying a stock photo doesn’t mean you own the image. You are simply purchasing the right to use the image in a specific way, as outlined in our end user license agreement.
How Can I Get the Most Out of Stock Photos?
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of stock photos:
Plan ahead: Take the time to plan out your project and the types of images you’ll need. This will help you avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure that you have the right images for your project.
Be specific: When searching for stock photos, be as specific as possible. Use specific keywords and search filters to find exactly what you need.
Use a variety of images: Don’t be afraid to mix and match images to create a unique look. Use a combination of close-ups, wide shots, and different angles to create visual interest.
Be aware of licensing restrictions: Make sure you understand the licensing restrictions for each image you use. Using an image in a way that is not allowed by the license agreement can result in legal issues.
Keep track of your images: It’s a good idea to keep track of the images you use and the licenses you have for them. This can help you avoid using an image in a way that violates the license agreement.
What File Size Do I Need?
The file size you need for your stock photos will depend on the intended use of the image. For print projects, you’ll generally need a high-resolution image with a DPI (dots per inch) of at least 300. For web use, a lower resolution image with a DPI of 72 is usually sufficient. If you’re not sure what file size you need, it’s always better to choose a larger file size. You can always resize the image later if necessary.
If you need to change the file size of your stock photo, you can do so using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Simply open the image in the software, select “Image Size” from the menu, and adjust the dimensions as needed. Be sure to maintain the aspect ratio of the image to avoid distortion.
Conclusion
Buying stock photos can be a great option for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their marketing materials, website or social media presence. With the availability of high-quality and affordable images, it’s no wonder that stock photography has become such a popular choice.
When purchasing stock photos, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the license that best suits your use case. Whether you need commercial or editorial use, Royalty-free or Rights-managed licensing, or a model or property release, understanding the different options can help you make informed decisions and avoid any legal issues down the road.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can make the most out of your stock photo purchases and take your visual content to the next level. By using Aflo Images, you can rest assured that you’re getting access to some of the best images on the market.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of stock photography and see how it can help take your visual content to new heights!