[Garylee]

Hi all,

I was taking a look at one of the "free images" directories (forwebdesigners.com) which lists a load of places to source stock images, but there's something niggling me that I'm hoping you might be able to share your experiences on.

I've always been a bit skepitcal with using "free images" as you can never be sure as to where they have come from in the first place and I would hate to get caught up or for any clients to get caught up in all the copyright issues. Most of the sites listed on this directory state that they issue free images for personal or commercial use, but in return ask for a link back to them on the webpage/site of use.

Just wondering, if you use these types of images on client's websites, how do you manage the link back? Or do you leave it out altogether?

I usually use paid for images but times are tough! The free images are great on these sites, but I'm not sure if I would like to include a link back to them on a client's website as it may seem a tad unprofessional.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

This post has been edited by Garylee: 05 April 2011 - 06:10 PM

[joe2011uk]

Garylee, on 05 April 2011 - 05:55 PM, said:

Hi all,

I was taking a look at one of the "free images" directories (forwebdesigners.com) which lists a load of places to source stock images, but there's something niggling me that I'm hoping you might be able to share your experiences on.

I've always been a bit skepitcal with using "free images" as you can never be sure as to where they have come from in the first place and I would hate to get caught up or for any clients to get caught up in all the copyright issues. Most of the sites listed on this directory state that they issue free images for personal or commercial use, but in return ask for a link back to them on the webpage/site of use.

Just wondering, if you use these types of images on client's websites, how do you manage the link back? Or do you leave it out altogether?

I usually use paid for images but times are tough! The free images are great on these sites, but I'm not sure if I would like to include a link back to them on a client's website as it may seem a tad unprofessional.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

Oh.. and also, maybe im just slow on this, but did anyone notice that Getty have now taken over www.sxc.hu

Hi mate,

Personal preference I dont use free stock images quite simply for reason you don't know the origin, and could cause problems. If you are using stock images for a client, invoice the client for them, that takes the weight off your shoulders.


Joe

[Garylee]

joe2011uk, on 05 April 2011 - 06:05 PM, said:

Hi mate,

Personal preference I dont use free stock images quite simply for reason you don't know the origin, and could cause problems. If you are using stock images for a client, invoice the client for them, that takes the weight off your shoulders.


Joe

Thanks Joe, I know what your saying, I would usually be the same. The only issue with adding it into the cost is that I tend to target the budget end of the client 'spectrum', sole traders and sorts, so all work is done on an upfront fee basis, and it's difficult to increase one-off fees as there is quite a lot of competition in the 'budget' area, but get it right and you can get a lot of referals.

Hmmm... difficult one.

[joe2011uk]

Garylee, on 05 April 2011 - 06:14 PM, said:

Thanks Joe, I know what your saying, I would usually be the same. The only issue with adding it into the cost is that I tend to target the budget end of the client 'spectrum', sole traders and sorts, so all work is done on an upfront fee basis, and it's difficult to increase one-off fees as there is quite a lot of competition in the 'budget' area, but get it right and you can get a lot of referals.

Hmmm... difficult one.

Why not make it into your price and state that the package includes 5 stock images charged at ** each( you dont have to tell them the price) and before final payment minus what you haven't used and then give back to client that would look good to them. Money back woohoo although its only a £1.50 lol.

With my site I plan to have design packages and I will be using something along these lines.

Hope this helps
Joe

This post has been edited by joe2011uk: 05 April 2011 - 06:21 PM

[Garylee]

Oh, and another little question for you This one's been on my mind for a while too, so any help would be appreciated!!

Most free stock images prohibit the use of their images on templates and paid images require a extended license, but what is defined as a template for resale?...

For example, (bare with me here please haha), if you were to provide a product for 'budget' clients whereas the design, hosting and update of the website was done by the designer or whoever, and you displayed a range of website 'design options' as part of that product for the client to choose from (budget end remember) and those 'design options' included a stock image in them - is that classed as redistribution? I would have thought that as you are not selling the template, you are offering a design option for the overall service and using the stock images as an display example that it wouldn't be classed as redistribution, as the intent would be to purchase the stock images once the client has chosen a design suitable for their business.

I hope that garble makes sense! Maybe i am just splitting hairs here but any thoughts would be very well received...

Thanks again.

[Garylee]

joe2011uk, on 05 April 2011 - 06:20 PM, said:

Why not make it into your price and state that the package includes 5 stock images charged at ** each( you dont have to tell them the price) and before final payment minus what you haven't used and then give back to client that would look good to them. Money back woohoo although its only a £1.50 lol.

With my site I plan to have design packages and I will be using something along these lines.

Hope this helps
Joe

Thanks Joe! That sounds like a plan to me

Cheers!

[joe2011uk]

I think what that means is that people who develop templates to sell multiple copies of the same things. I know a lot of designers using stock and never had any issues using it for their designs

[Sogo7]

In answer to your first question about attribution links, seldom does the owners terms and conditions specify the nature of the link required. They ideally want a fully human visible and search engine indexable link for SEO purposes to promote thier own website, but there is often nothing stopping you from making the the text invisible (or incredably small) and adding the no-follow attribute to the links tag if one is feeling particulary mean.