Beginner's Primer

Stock Image Resources

If you don't have your own photos to use, there are lots of places where you can find quality images online. Look for royalty free* images - they are generally cheaper and have a more flexible license. We've ordered these links in the order that we look for graphics.

• Microsoft's Design Gallery Live (office.microsoft.com/clipart)
  Read the licensing agreement carefully. You can use these free images if you're using a Microsoft product, such as FrontPage.
• Istockphoto (www.istockphoto.com)
  A collection of 'pro-to-amateur' royalty free photos at extremely cheap prices - a few dollars for a web-resolution photo. If you're willing to wade through the 'not so good' stuff, you can usually find some great images.
• Istockpro (www.istockpro.com)
  Combines collections from many other major image providers (pricier) but also features independent photographers at lower prices.
• GettyImages (http://creative.gettyimages.com)
  Large selection of professional-quality photos and illustrations, and a nice search/filtering system (once you get used to it).
• Comstock (http://www.comstock.com)
  Large selection of professional-quality photos and illustrations. They have a nice "category" browsing system, but you have to register in order to view larger images.
• Corbis (http://www.corbis.com)
  Large selection of professional photos.
• ImageState (http://www.imagestate.com)
• Photosphere (http://www.photosphere.com)
• Index Stock Imagery (http://www.indexstock.com)

*Note: What's the difference between "rights-managed" and "royalty-free" images?

Rights-managed photography is priced based on the buyer's intended use, as well as factors like the size of the photo, how long it will be used, and the distribution of the photo. The people who sell rights-managed photography track the usage so that they know how the photos are being used. Rights-managed photography is generally more expensive.

Royalty-free photography is purchased once by the buyer and can then be used multiple times, for multiple purposes. Licensing agreements may vary, so you should read the agreement carefully to see what you can or can't do with the image.

Rates

• Rates Overview
• The Design Process: From Concept to Creation
• Beginner's Primer
• Vision Worksheet (web)
• Vision Worksheet (logo)
• Get a Free Estimate

Index

1. Introduction and Costs
2. Basic Decisions
3. Domain Names
4. Web Site Hosting
5. Writing Your Content
6. Bells and Whistles
7. Ecommerce
8. Marketing Your Site

Appendices

1. Web Site Template Options
2. Software and Tools
3. Stock Image Resources