Definition of "Stock Photo" by Graphic Design Newcastle:
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A stock photo is a professionally captured image that is licensed for specific uses, typically for commercial or editorial purposes. These photos are created without a specific client in mind and are made available through stock photography websites or agencies. Users can purchase or download stock photos to use in marketing materials, websites, advertisements, social media, and more, often saving time and resources compared to commissioning custom photography.
Stock photos are usually categorized into two main types:
- Royalty-Free (RF): Allows the buyer to use the image multiple times for a one-time fee, without paying royalties for each use.
- Rights-Managed (RM): Licensing is based on specific usage parameters such as duration, geographic location, and media type, often with more restrictions and higher costs.
Popular stock photo platforms include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, and iStock.