02-Main Contents

An Insider's Essential Guide to Making the Right Choice

(Note: If you would like to read this document from start to finish,
simply press next and continue doing so to the end of the document.)


	Click here to go to a print-ready version of this document.
Contents

Buying a picture from ANYONE? A Survival Guide!
"Royalty Free" vs. "Rights Protected": Six Differences you MUST be aware of!
	Definitions of "royalty free" and "rights protected"
1. Permitted Use - What the heck are you allowed to do with these pictures?
2. Cost - (A Few Surprises!)
		Pricing - "Traditional" Rights-Protected Photography
		Pricing - "Royalty Free" Photography
3. Competing Use Protection - Don't get burned!
		The Most Important Question to Ask: Does it matter to this project if someone else, maybe m worst enemy, uses the exact same picture?
		How to figure it out: 2 Further questions:
			a. Is it likely someone with a competing usage will select the same picture?
			b. Does it really matter if someone else uses the same picture? Four key factors:
				1. Does the picture have models in it?
				2. Is the picture my "major visual"?
				3. Will I be altering the picture?
				4. Will the finished piece be widely distributed?
		Royalty Free and Magazine Advertising-- A Dangerous Combination!
4. The Nature & Purpose of the Imagery - (This'll surprise you!)
		Rights Protected Stock - "Story-Telling Power"
		Royalty Free - "Image Adaptability"
5. The Size of the Image Reservoir - (An Ocean* vs. a Pond)*
6. The "Hassle-Factor" - (Things are Changing!)
		Just How "Hassle-Free" is Royalty-Free?
			> No "Items for Resale" - What the heck is that?
			> Competing Use - The Mother of All Hassles...
			> Need a Transparency? Forget it!
			> Humanoid Photo Research - Welcome to Cyber-Chaos!
		"Rights Protected" is Getting Better, Faster & Smarter - (Learn how to take advantage!)

Model Release Fallibility - See you in Court
	Why This Stuff Matters.
	A Dirty Little Secret
	Is it safe to Assume the photo-seller has done a good job with the model releases-- and that if they have not, it's their problem and not yours?
	"Libelous" or "Defamatory" - A signed model release might not cover it.
	How To Protect Yourself:
		**Three Model Release Questions you must ask whenever you use a photo, "Rights Protected" or "Royalty-free":**
			>Does a model release exist at all, and, if so where?
			>If a model release exists, is it solid and "perfected"?
			>Does the model release cover the way I intend to use the picture?
		Steps to Take to Protect Yourself:
			>Make sure the agency has model releases.
			>Get a copy of their "Standard Model Release"
			>Assess your usage of the photo carefully.

	*Conclusion: Why Savvy Designers use a Combination* of "Rights Protected" and "Royalty-Free".**
	A Handy Comparison Chart - Rights Protected vs. Royalty Free
	Choosing an Agency, Royalty-Free or Rights Protected? What to Look for in Each
	If it's on a CD-ROM, does that mean it's Royalty-Free?
	If it's on the WEB, does that mean it's Royalty-Free?
	Shameless Self-Promotion (and some Free Stuff, to Boot)
	Questions or Feedback? We'd love to hear from you…