Stock Photo Companies

Evaluating Stock Photo Prices
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Stock Photo Prices.

If you are in the market for stock photos for your web site, sales collateral, or other functions, one of the places you will want to look are web sites that offer the images for a fixed fee or on a leased basis. Often, these types of sites will include images that cannot be obtained as free images, and tend to be somewhat more focused in their subject matter. Of course, not all of these fee-based stock photo galleries are exactly alike, so it is important to compare and contrast several before you make a decision on who to do business with. Here are some tips on how to evaluate the stock photo prices associated with these sites.

One of the first things to consider is the simple unit price for the image that has caught your eye. This may be a little more complicated than you would think at first glance. Often, the unit price is based on the sizing of the image you want to use. Many galleries offer their images in at least three different sizes, since the image may be intended for us on a web site, on a poster, or in the design of a brochure. Generally, many sites use the strategy of displaying the lowest rate associated with the image, and provide a link to see what the cost is for the same image in a larger format. If you have a specific size in mind, make sure you how much it will cost to get the properly sized photo for your project.

Second, don't let the unit price be your guide in all situations. This is particularly true if you plan on purchasing multiple images. Many galleries will offer discounts on their rates if the client orders several images for use. This means that while the stock photo prices on one site may appear to be a better buy, the truth s that the site that has a slightly higher unit price but offers a significant discount when five or more images are ordered may work out to be a better deal. Do the math before you commit.

Last, keep in mind that stock photo prices for more obscure subject matter may be a little more expensive. Like any business, a stock photo gallery wants to move product. The more popular images on more common subjects may be a little cheaper, while images associated with specialized subjects will cost a little more. Don't let that throw you. After all, while you want the best prices, you also want the highest quality photos to use in your work. Take your time, investigate your options, then make a decision.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, Amazon, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.