Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Importing from
For many users, the practice of backing up images to optical discs
has become very common. Additionally, many educational topics
(like this one) include media on their discs as well. This is a great
way to distribute images because they are cheap to manufacture,
are large-capacity discs, and are cross-platform compatible. You'll
want to copy the images to your hard drive before you bring them
into Photoshop. This will significantly increase the speed at which
you can work on the images (hard drives transfer data faster than
optical media drives). Additionally, you will be able to save your
work in progress to your hard drive; you can't update a file once
it's been burned to a disc.
Professionals find it is often necessary to purchase images to com-
plete their projects. Whether it's a shot of a sports car for a maga-
zine layout, a photo of a handshake for a Microsoft PowerPoint
presentation, or the Chicago skyline for the cover of a DVD, stock
photo services can help. But finding the right stock photo service
is a balancing act. You must consider several factors when making
a choice:
•
Cost. There is a lot of competition out there, and photos are
priced accordingly. Some services offer annual subscriptions;
others charge per image.
•
Resolution. Sites charge more for high-resolution images.
Be sure to know how you'll use the image. Website design-
ers will pay less for an image than someone designing an
annual report. A website uses low-resolution images, whereas
the report will be professionally printed and require high-
resolution photos.
•
exclusivity. Does the image need to be yours and yours
alone? Or is it OK if the photo is also used in someone else's
project? Images that have their usage rights managed cost
significantly more. A rights-managed image has restrictions
placed on who can use the image for a certain time period.
In contrast, a royalty-free image is purchased once and can
be used as many times as the designer desires.
NoTe
Royalty-free Does Not
Equal Free
Don't confuse royalty-free and free.
A royalty-free image must still be
purchased. This is how the photog-
rapher and distributor make money.
Royalty-free images can be a big
savings because you can eliminate
model releases, talent charges,
location fees, travel, and many
other costs associated with a photo
shoot. However, keep in mind that
someone had to pay those charges
in the first place, and selling their
pictures is their livelihood. Remem-
ber to pay for what you use. It's the
professionally responsible way, as
well as the law.
