Post by `Poet. on Oct 17, 2010 16:10:23 GMT -8
Choosing Stock
`Intro
What is stock? Stock images are photos specifically licensed to be used by graphic designers, photomanipulators, editors, etc. Or in other words, they're just images that you can use in your manips.
Why do I need to use images that are specifically labeled as "stock"? Because images that are not stock most likely have copyrights on them - if you use a copyrighted photo, you can get yourself into a serious mess; perhaps even a law suit against you.
Where can I find stock? There are a few really good websites for free stock. Here is a list:
Websites that you should not, under any circumstances, use to find stock:
**Please note that not all images on Flickr are stock! (This goes for deviantART, too, but it's harder to tell on Flickr.) So, this brings us to our next section....
`Usability
Creative Commons License. Your best friend. Images under that license are available to be used as stock. Images that are not Creative Commons - you cannot use.
What is a Creative Commons License? Basically, it allows you to use the image as long as you give credit to the photographer. (See the crediting section below.)
How do I know which images are registered under Creative Commons?
For deviantART:
I like to just search under the Resources and Stock category, then go to the sub-category "Stock Images." Most, if not all images, are available for use as stock. The artist's comments below the picture should explain the rules for use.
For Flickr:
This tutorial is extremely helpful when looking for stock on Flickr: larfsalot.deviantart.com/art/Using-Flickr-Tutorial-144683164?q=boost%3Apopular+in%3Aresources%2Ftutorials+flickr&qo=1
`Guidelines
What constitutes a "good" piece of stock? Ever tried to work with a blurry, small image? I have. Ever tried to work with a grainy image with not enough contrast? I have. Have you ever tried to work with a pixely, low-resolution image? Yes. I have.
And let me tell you, it absolutely does not work. So, when looking for a good stock image, you should take into consideration: size, resolution, blur, sharpness, contrast, exposure, lighting, etc.
Good stock:
Nice contrast, good amount of exposure, simple lighting, good size (the original was over 3000x3000px. I just resized it to fit the forum.) Not blurry at all.
Bad stock:
(Yep, same picture. But take a look at the difference!) Way too blurry, horrid contrast/exposure, washed-out color... Not usable. At all.
(Maybe I made the difference a little too exaggerated, but, as much as it pains me to say this, you will see pictures like this sometimes. Trust me D:)
`Crediting
This is an essential part of using stock. You must, must, MUST credit the stock providers! Or else, like above, legal action may be taken.
How do I credit? Once you find a stock image you like, look at the artist's rules for usage.
Example: colourize-stock.deviantart.com/art/Chestnut-Arabian-Stock-2-167016930?q=gallery%3AColourize-Stock%2F4246504&qo=77
Below the picture, you'll see a box for the artist's comments. Here are colourize-stock's rules:
DO:
- Credit me.
- Report the use by sending me a link to your picture.
DON'T:
- Repost the original photo on any site. It must be either digitally altered or used as reference first, but not reposted in its original form.
- Redistribute. Do not make precuts, premades or in any way share this photo as a stock photo.
- Claim as your own photo.
SIM/RPG Sites:
- You don't have to ask me - you may use the photos there as long as you follow the terms of use stated above.
- Credits ON the picture when used on sim/rpg sites.
- Credit me.
- Report the use by sending me a link to your picture.
DON'T:
- Repost the original photo on any site. It must be either digitally altered or used as reference first, but not reposted in its original form.
- Redistribute. Do not make precuts, premades or in any way share this photo as a stock photo.
- Claim as your own photo.
SIM/RPG Sites:
- You don't have to ask me - you may use the photos there as long as you follow the terms of use stated above.
- Credits ON the picture when used on sim/rpg sites.
Her rules are very easy to follow. You must credit her, and give her a link to your manipulation. However, you cannot claim as your own, redistribute, etc.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE RULES BEFORE MAKING YOUR MANIPULATION. IF YOU'RE GOING TO USE IT ON A SIM SITE, AND THE ARTIST SAYS "NO SIM SITES" THEN YOU CAN'T USE IT. PERIOD!
Where do I credit? You can credit either in the image's description , or directly on the image.
If you're uploading it on, for example, deviantART, then you usually just have to put it in the description.
However, if you're using the image offsite, like on a SIM game, forum, RPG, etc., I'd recommend putting the credits directly on the image.
`Tips
- Size matters! Try and get a large stock image (at least 1500x1500.) This will help you when cutting, smudging, painting, eyes, markings, etc. If you have a small image, you'll have to zoom in a lot, making it pixely and hard to see.
- Try and use a respectable stock provider, NOT somebody who is known to steal/copy images from others.
- Keep track of whose images you're using. You can do this by writing it down in some notes on your computer, faving it on dA, bookmarking the page, etc.
- If you can't find the PERFECT stock image, don't give up! Search multiple sites, and you're bound to find something. Remember, you can always change the stock image to fit your needs. (Re-color, edit the pose, etc.)
Please PM me if you have any questions about this!
