Can I Use Editorial Images on My Website?
If you are a freelance photographer who is looking to use editorial images on your website, you may be wondering whether you are allowed to. There are some basic rules that you need to follow to ensure that you are not infringing on copyright.
Get a release from the owner
If you’re looking for stock photos to use on your website, you may need to get a release from the owner of editorial images. These images can be used to illustrate written content, such as a news article. A good place to look is Shutterstock. They have millions of relevant pictures, and their pricing is surprisingly reasonable.
In addition to editorial, Shutterstock also has commercial content, such as logos and logos of other companies. You can browse these images and find the one you need to add to your website. There are different license options for each type of image, but the licenses are usually reasonably affordable.
Typically, a Shutterstock model release is required for commercial uses. This allows you to use the photo in print and digital products, and it can be applied to print runs of up to 500,000. The release should include a model’s headshot. To avoid any misunderstanding, always ask your legal representative about the requirements before you buy a photo.
In order to get a model release, you will need the person’s parent or legal guardian to sign the document. You should also have the subject’s legal guardian sign the document if they’re under 18 years of age.
When searching for Shutterstock editorial photos, make sure to check out their Standard and Enhanced Licenses. Depending on the size of your project, you may want to buy a larger number of images, or pay just $199 for each image.
Clear unreleased elements in an editorial image for commercial use
If you are going to use an editorial image in your commercial endeavors, you need to make sure you have the legal permission of the rights holder. Depending on the context of your usage, this can take a few days, or longer. For example, if you are using a photograph of the Empire State Building, you’ll need a property release.
In addition, you’ll need to get a model release if the subjects in the photo are adults. This is especially true if you plan to use the image for advertising purposes. A minor release is also required for under 18s.
One of the more important tasks is deciding which elements of the image will be used, and which will be omitted. There are many ways you can accomplish this. You may want to consult a Rights & Clearance team for a comprehensive project strategy. These experts are familiar with the various licensing programs and can help you determine which is best for your needs.
While you’re in the process of acquiring the relevant information, you might also want to check out some of the more nifty tidbits in the world of photography. A good place to start is the MIT OpenCourseWare, or OCW, site. It’s an excellent resource for everything from technical tips to photography inspiration.
Whether you need to clear an image for commercial or editorial purposes, the Rights & Clearance team can help you navigate the confusing seas.
Capture compelling story concepts
It is not the longest title, but a recent survey of professional and amateur photographers revealed the aforementioned as the name of the game for the past six months. One of the most intriguing aspects of this survey is that it is the first time the topic has been aired in public for such a long stretch. If the accolades continue, this new found accolade will undoubtedly be the talk of the town for years to come. This accolade could be the byproduct of a highly skilled and well trained team of dedicated professionals that exemplify the aforementioned best kept secret.
Managing multiple assignments and projects as an editorial photographer
Managing multiple assignments and projects as an editorial photographer can be a challenge. You have to be organized, have the right gear, and make the right choices.
An editorial photo shoot might include setting up a studio, shooting portraits, or even documenting a local festival. In addition to being able to tell a compelling story, you should also be able to deliver on time and within budget. Having a clear concept and well thought out brief is crucial to success.
The best way to do this is to build an online portfolio. This allows you to showcase your skills to a range of potential employers, including newspapers, magazines, and advertising agencies. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to build a network in a new and exciting field.
In fact, the most successful editorial photographers will be able to juggle several assignments and projects at once. For example, you might photograph an outdoor event, a new restaurant, or even a celebrity. If you’re interested in the field, you might want to consider attending a photography workshop.
One of the most interesting parts of being an editorial photographer is that you have a lot of latitude to express your creativity. Some publications use traditional photographic processes like film or digital, while others hire assistants to assist with production.
While you’re at it, don’t be afraid to try your hand at conceptual thinking. A great place to start is editorial fashion photography.
Shutterstock vs iStock
Shutterstock and iStock are two of the biggest names in the stock photo industry. They both have a huge selection of high-quality images and video content for you to use in your projects.
Both sites offer royalty-free imagery. However, iStock offers a wider variety of buying options. Specifically, iStock has a better image search tool and a browser-based image editor. And, of course, it also features a partnership with Getty Images.
iStock is also a lot older than Shutterstock. In fact, iStock was the first microstock agency and has been around for over a decade. But, while iStock is considered a ‘leader’ in the microstock industry, Shutterstock’s library is much larger.
iStock has two types of pricing: on demand credits and subscriptions. For each type of license, the price per image varies. The on demand credits are the most expensive, while the annual subscriptions provide the cheapest per-image prices.
iStock also offers an enhanced license. This gives you even more usage rights, including the ability to print on merchandise with an image. It costs an additional 18 credits to purchase. Generally, you will only need an enhanced license if you plan to use the image in specific cases.
Another thing to keep in mind is that iStock is owned by Getty Images, while Shutterstock is owned by Bigstock. While both agencies are excellent sources for stock photos, they may have slightly different requirements for contributors.
Rights-managed vs royalty-free
If you are a photographer looking to build your portfolio, you will need to decide which licensing method to use. There are two main license types: rights-managed and royalty free. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to know which one is best suited to your needs.
Rights-managed licenses are good for projects that require an exclusive image. This means that you can’t license the same photo for another project. These licenses are typically expensive, and they can be limited in time and territory.
On the other hand, royalty-free images are available to anyone, and they are often sold at a flat rate. In addition to a one-time fee, you will have to pay a monthly membership fee to access the images. The cost will vary by image size. You will also be required to provide a usage description.
For a professional photographer, a rights-managed agreement is usually a better option. It allows you to make money while retaining control over your image.
Royalty free images have the same benefits, but there is more competition. They are more affordable for your audience. They are also more flexible. One major benefit of a royalty-free license is that you don’t have to pay additional fees for each employee.
Another tidbit about royalty-free material is that you can use it in a variety of ways. This includes personal use, editorial uses and commercial uses. However, you should be cautious about using royalty-free materials in your company’s logo. Generally, logos are trademarked, and the use of royalty-free stock imagery in them can cause problems.