Last week, I was deeply involved in a project in my 'day job,' working on a presentation for a consulting client. I needed a few specific images to illustrate what I was trying to say. I checked out clip art, thought about looking on the web, and then I realized:
Dreamstime!
I logged in, did a few searches, and found a dozen terrific images. I put them all in a lightbox, then came back to them a bit later. They all still seemed appropriate, so I downloaded the most relevant. They fit into the presentation extremely well, not only jazzing it up visually, but also extending the points I was trying to make. The client was happy, I was happy, and I got to see Dreamstime from the other side of the table.
This image of mine
and a somewhat similar version have been downloaded once or twice recently. It's fun to speculate on the uses to which their designers have put them. . .
Any other people out there working on both sides of the screen, as designers and photographers?
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Charlesoutcalt
Great question, and I see that this is sort of strange, for a photographer to be paying for a stock photo. In my case, there were a few reasons I chose to pay, instead of create:
First, I needed the images in a hurry--within a couple days.
Second, I needed images of subjects and situations I couldn't quite conjure up without a lot of work (a diverse group of people using a computer, creative images of the concept of travel meshed with computer use).
Third, and most important, there are thousands of super-talented photographers and illustrators on Dreamstime. Being able to tap into their collective skills, gifts and hard work was really amazing. Their creativity helped me be more creative.
Thanks for asking this question, Paul. It really helped me appreciate Dreamstime all the more.
Paulcgreen
I havent been in this situation but I have been wondering what would make a photographer buy a stock photo instead of getting out their own camera and taking the picture themselves. One answer would be that the subject may be of a particular location thats difficult for the person to visit.
Amyemilia
No, I haven't. But the idea does intrigue me... wish I had some reason to download. I've thought about just making art - would be fun to take a couple of images and manipulate them.