Stock Photo Has Changed

The stock photo businbess has certainly changed. Look what I found at iStockphoto.com:

Yes, this is a vector illustration and there is more lots more. Animations, 3d models, and Flash movies among other graphics objects for sale. And all are royalty free. The prices are pretty competitive and the choice is quite broad.

However, I think the most interesting trend is that Web 2.o and other Web developments in the marketplace have diven stock photo comapnaies to become stock graphics providers.

As usual in the build or buy decision just look at the economics – these are iStockphotos but could be easily any of a haf dozen services (just Google “stock photos” – and be wary of of using Google images as ome may not be truly royalty free). $10 for a jpg at 3300x 2200 pixels or $20 for a HD video clip at 1280 x720 pixels. In short, if stock photos have what you want and need they can save a lot of bread.