How can you use a stock photo?

Stock photography can be used to present a rough draft of an idea; if time is of the essence; with low budgets; and with brochures, book covers, websites, newspapers, projects and more. Usage rights vary from site to site and from license to license.

Some photographers may place restrictions on how their stock photos are used, and some sites that sell stock photos restrict the extent to which the photos can be used commercially.

Stock photos are generally not recommended for situations in which a custom photo shoot is possible. However, stock photos can be a useful precursor to such shoots by allowing companies to create drafts of ideas for approval.