Using Stock Image Libraries

[YooDooRight]

I just want to know if they're a reliable commodity for aspiring young designers? I've seen a few images id like to purchase for use in a current job but am a little unwilling to part with subscription fees over the internet before hearing any horror stories people might have about using stock image sites.

The library in question is charging 80GBP per month for a max. 750 hi-res downloads within that month (all royalty free) you can then cancel your subscription at the end of that month. Trouble is i only need 2 images this month for the design but the site doen't deal in single image subscriptions. So, i'm willing to invest a part of my flat fee back into the project and the 80GBP is within my budget so im thinking i'll just go ahead and make the purchase.

Any pitfalls i should watch out for (bearing in my mind i've read all the usage rights and am okay with them) before i do so?

YDR.

[marilynr]

Hi there

Though I have subscriptions to several, I always find myself looking (and finding) what I need at www.istockphoto.com

Their prices are very reasonable (they used to be even cheaper than they are now...shame) and they have a great selection. Lots of talented photographers who submit their work there.

There's also:

www.stockxpert.com
www.dreamstime.com
www.luckyoliver.com
www.bigstockphoto.com

Just to name a few. :)

Hope that helps.

[YooDooRight]

The one i was looking at is http://www.shutterstock.com

Any good?

YDR

[marilynr]

I'm not a fan of the 25 per day limit. I know they advertise that you can get up to 750 images for a month for the $159, but...that would be a big time investment. :)

They have a good mix of vector and photo, which is useful...and there are a lot of images there which I've also seen available on istockphoto too.

We used to have a shutterstock subscription but let it run out after the year. We found istockphoto to be more economical.

[YooDooRight]

Yeah, i've just been looking through istock and it is great.. trouble is im designing for record sleeves so the hi-res download needs to be 12"x12" or more, most of the images on istock come in smaller than that it seems.

Shutterstock holds the image that the band chose and i can't find this image anywhere else and the deadline is biting my butt so i think i'll go with shutterstock this time and see what else is out there in the future.

Thanks.

YDR.