Welcome!
Thanks for considering working with Getty Images to represent some of your images. Here are some of the basics you should know about working with us.
To make it easier for you to find the information you need we've set up this FAQ about four major topics:
1. Introduction to stock photography and Getty Images.
2. How are images licensed and used?
3. Contract basics.
4. Enrollment -- How to sign up with us.
5. Exclusivity -- what it means to you.
6. Additional FAQs.
1. Introduction to stock photography and Getty Images.
What is stock photography?
Stock photography is a collection or archive of images that can be licensed for use. It's a way for companies or individuals to obtain photographs without having to hire a photographer for a specific shoot.
What does it mean to "license" my images?
Getty Images doesn't actually SELL your images because you always retain the ownership of the copyright. Instead we LICENSE the rights to the customer to use your image. Licensing is similar to leasing. Your ownership of the image does not change and a licensing fee is paid for the rights to use the images based on the licensing model through which they are licensed and the rights the customer is purchasing (how and where they will use the image).
What are the benefits of working with Getty Images to license my images?
Getty Images has a phenomenal platform, licensing expertise and a worldwide customer base. By working with Getty Images, your pictures have a better opportunity to be seen and licensed more often than anywhere else.
Getty Images is a proven leader in image licensing -- we license your existing images while you are out making great new images.
We offer wide exposure to all levels of image buyers worldwide.
Broad reach and exposure of your images means the potential for an increased number of sales vs. your selling directly.
Our platform is truly international, allowing buyers worldwide to search in multiple languages and make purchases using multiple currency choices, 24/7.
We guide you through the process of making your images ready for licensing.
We know what our customers are looking for and our editors are selecting accordingly.
You are joining a world-class list of emerging and well-known artists who already contribute to our collections.
We have a robust system for monitoring and investigating potential copyright infringements.
2. How are images licensed and used?
How will my images be used?
The options really are endless. On a billboard? In a book or a magazine article? On a popular website?
It's important you understand that any Getty customer can license the work you contribute to Getty Images. Once they have purchased a license for its use, it might turn up anywhere. Getty Images prohibits any use that is defamatory or pornographic, so there are some ways you should not expect to see your images used.
What is Commercial use vs. Editorial use?
Generally speaking, "commercial use" means a message intended to help sell a product, raise money or
to promote something. An example would be an advertising, promotional, marketing, advertorial or
merchandising use. This is in contrast to an "editorial use" intended to report a newsworthy event or
illustrate a matter of general interest.
What are the two types of image license models?
Royalty-free (RF) -- Royalty-free images are licensed at set prices based upon the file-size the customer purchases. The end-use is not specified (though certain types of uses that are defamatory, pornographic or illegal are banned) so the customer has a lot of flexibility in how they use the images, and can use them multiple times.
Can be used by the customer multiple times in various situations without additional licensing fees.
Are able to be used by the customer for an unlimited time frame.
Are never licensed with exclusivity.
Number of sales per image (volume) is generally higher than that of the Rights managed collections
Are priced affordably according to file size.
Works well for the growing market of customers with small projects and budgets, and customers who aren't concerned about how many others are using the same image.
Rights-managed (RM) -- Rights-managed works are licensed on a use-by-use basis. Price of the license takes size, placement, duration of use and geographic distribution into account. (Getty Images has built a calculator for this.) Exclusive rights to work are available for rights-managed products.
Are licensed on a use-by-use basis.
Are generally priced according to the nature of the license and intended use.
Need to be relicensed for any new use or extension of territory, distribution or duration.
Are able to be licensed exclusively.
Are perfect for customers who want some element of awareness or control over the image's use.
Further details and copies of the license agreements that we issue to customers ("end user license agreements"), for each of these lice