Royalty free stock image and video options

Depending on how you plan to use the image, these issues might or might not be a major concern. However, the way I see it, I never want to put myself or my clients at risk, so when I plan to use images for commercial purposes I always err on the side of caution, and the best way to do that is to choose a good stock provider.

Stock imagery is created specifically for the purpose of being used by publishers, marketers and advertisers and others for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. You can find a few free or very low-cost sites out there, for your simpler projects, such asStock.xchng,

On top of that, because these images are shot with re-use in mind, they often have uncluttered backgrounds, empty space where copy can be easily added and other attributes that make them well-suited for a wide range of tasks. Check out the cool “CopySpace” feature under the advanced search filters on iStock to search for images that are filtered by color, and where on the photo you might need to add text.

With a huge selection of images, illustrations, videos and audio clips, many of which can be purchased for very low cost, it’s no wonder iStockphoto and other leading stock providers have become the de facto standard for those looking to achieve the perfect balance between quality, cost and usability.

So, how to know what option to choose? Let your conscience, the project, the budget and the projected return on investment be your guide. I recently pitched a client knowing I was the dark horse, so I put more time and energy and thought into my pitch than I believed any competitor would, and I chose the perfect images to exemplify outcomes and the “feeling” buyers of this beauty product would have when our PR hit. I certainly found good images for a few dollars each, but for the most important slides and transitional slides, I spent a bit more, and I won the business the minute the client saw a suggested byline slide with an image that captured her imagination. Remember as PR people our job is to persuade. I wish you fantastic luck in using imagery, video and sound to help you do so safely, whether for yourself or for your clients.

Kara Udziela is the owner and principal of Vibrance PR. She is a 20-year veteran of the PR industry with agency, nonprofit and corporate experience with Fortune 50 brands. Udziela founded Vibrance PR in 2006 to specialize in launching start-ups, particularly in the social networking, imaging and beauty industries. She holds an M.A. in Communications, has taught public speaking and television news writing, and has also been an associate news producer for an NBC affiliate. Udziela resides in Mission Viejo, Calif., with her husband and two young sons.

Date: 2015-12-18; view: 448