If you want to avoid subscriptions and credits and just buy one stock image, you can:
1. Buy direct from a photographer’s website
2. Find a stock image library where you buy images rather than subscriptions
1. Buy direct from a photographer’s website
Going directly to an individual photographer’s website can be a great way to source your imagery. Not all photographers contribute their photography to a stock image site, and those that do might also keep some images strictly for their own website. Buying direct is a good way to find an exclusive image as you’ll be searching in a different pool to everyone else.
If you’re thinking of opting for this route, there are a few things to think about:
– The legal contract – unlike on stock image libraries, there’ll be no legal stuff in place for image purchases, so you’ll have to speak to your legal team about creating a contract between you and the photographer
– Time spent searching – without detailed filters in place to narrow down the search, you could end up spending much longer trying to find the right image
– The cost – the photographer is in charge, so you may need to negotiate on price
– License and image rights – this information might not be listed on the website, so you’ll need to speak with the photographer to determine the license type, copyright info and any releases for the image you want to buy
2. Find a stock image library where you buy an image, not a credits package
If you only want to buy one image it could be a waste of money signing up for a subscription, or buying a credit package you aren’t going to use. There are some stock sites that sell on a ‘per image’ basis, but you might need to create an account to use them. Here are your options:
– Register for an account
Some stock image libraries will allow you to purchase just one image, but not before you have signed up for an account with them. If you don’t mind spending some time registering for an account, this kind of site could be a good choice.
– Find a site where registering isn’t necessary
A stock image library that doesn’t ask you to sign up for an account or buy-in to a credits package is perfect if you want to make a quick purchase or don’t want to exchange your details.
At 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß we’ve streamlined our purchase options to make a fast and simple checkout process, so buying an image is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
1. Search for your image
2. Select the image and license type you want
3. Checkout using Paypal or a Credit Card
For more image-buying tips, check out our guide to buying images online.
New to image buying? Have a quick read of this to make sure you’re legally covered to buy your image.