Stock Photo Basics

There are two distinct types of photographs available from many stock photo agencies: "Rights Managed" and "Royalty Free".

Rights managed means the right to use a given image is granted to a certain user that will prevent the same image from being used by two groups at the same time for the same purpose. Rights managed photographs are usually rented or licensed for specific uses and for specific time periods. The smaller the scope of the project, the smaller the fee. Use of an image can range from $20 - $100 for a small brochure to thousands of dollars if used in a national advertising campaign. A use history can be maintained that chronicles the use of a given image for the benefit on any prospective future users. Rights managed images have been traditionally offered by large stock photo agencies.

In comparison, Royalty free images are typically purchased for a one time fee, and can be use for most any legal purpose by anyone at any time. There is nothing to prevent two companies, even in direct competition, from using the same image, which can be disastrous for branding. Royalty free images are usually priced based on the size of the image. Royalty free images are now available from stock photo agencies, and are normally sold in CD collections of about 100 images for $300 - $500. Low quality royalty free images can also be purchased as a part of clip art CD's at most computer stores, but these have very limited applications. In order to get a few usable images, you need to purchase the entire collection.

In either case, there are restrictions on what an image can be used for, such as offering the images for resale or distribution, or for any defamatory of illegal purpose. Our images may be freely viewed and downloaded for comp or layout purposes, but any further reproduction without payment of the appropriate license fees is prohibited. This applies to both digital images and prints.

Mt Rainier Photographs provides rights managed photographs only. All our work is original and has never been sold as royalty free images nor to any stock photo agencies. We maintain strict control over the use of our images to ensure a better product for all our customers. Our images are available here and nowhere else.

All photographs which include recognizable individuals are model released.

Mt. Rainier Photographs is a division of Seattle Photographs.

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