Photobank is an on-line repository of images that performs an intermediary function between the buyer and the author of the image. Today there are many photobanks, they are all divided into two types: paid and free, the latter are also called photo stocks.
History of photo stocks
For the first time, photobanks appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century, when the professionals of the publishing industry realized that the acquisition of a ready-made image is sometimes much cheaper than creating your own. In Russia, one of the first photobanks was created on the basis of the archive of the ITAR news agency (TASS).
At the moment, there are photobanks that provide photos according to micro-management, traditional schemes, as well as free of charge. Free publication of photographs occurs with the indication of the source link and the author of the work.
Why do we need photobanks
There are several reasons for using materials from free photobanks, for example, visits to a site, as a rule, increase dramatically if there is well-designed content on it. Buying thematic photos in this case is not entirely reasonable, but using free ones is a great idea. Photobanks also use projects that have an academic, scientific or educational focus.
Photo stocks are also useful for novice photographers, stocks in this case help to declare themselves, build an audience.
Free photo banks are good because the images stored in them can be used for free for commercial purposes, sometimes, however, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, which should be taken into account when accepting the terms of use of the service.
Cons of working with photo stocks
Usually, free photos are not of high quality. In addition, it can often take a lot of time to find what you need.
But the main disadvantage of free photobanks is that, using free works, you will not have a license for them. That is, firstly, it is possible that a site with a similar theme to yours will have the same illustrations, and secondly, if in the photo you have taken there is a person who did not give permission to use his face for commercial purposes, perhaps a lawsuit will be initiated.
It's not uncommon for companies to pay hundreds of thousands just for not asking a model for permission. Therefore, paid photo banks require the written consent of the photographed person to display his photo in the stock.
If you nevertheless decide to use the services of free photobanks, you can use the following resources: Stock, Visipix, Freefoto, Dreamstime, Wallpaperstock.
