The Origins of Stock Photography

Although most of us think of stock photography as being an internet based system, the roots of stock photos can be traced back to well before the web. One of the innovators in this field was Dr. Otto Ludwig Bettmann, founder of the Bettmann Archive.

Dr. Bettmann, or the "Picture Man" as he was known, emigrated from Nazi-Germany in 1935. He brought with him trunks packed with all the various photos, drawings and reproductions he had collected. This was the start of what would become a lifetime project. Bettmann continued to add to his collection for the next 50 years.

The archive was founded in 1936 in New York City. Bettmann collected over 5 million images that ranged from archival photos to old woodcuts. This collection contains important archival images from throughout history. As his collection grew, he realized that there was a growing demand for these images. Editors, advertisers, as well as art directors saw the great value in his collection.

Bettmann also set up an organized filing system for his collection. Images could easily be found through cross referencing themes and subjects, much as a search engine would work today. In a way, he was also on the keywording and search data forefront.

The Bettmann Archive has grown over the years and currently consists of 19 million images. It is now owned by Corbis. Much of it has been scanned and converted to digital form. The physical collection has been moved to an underground storage facility with a controlled environment to ensure it will survive as long as possible. That is quite a compliment to the value of these images.

Top 5 Hairdo Photos

Stock photos these days are not the generic, uninteresting images that they once were. Stock photography sites now serve up stylish, hip images. Designers want their work to be cutting edge so the fashion and styles of their images need to keep up.

Today, we have picked 5 of our favorite stylish hairdos from a selection of stock images. These aren't hairdos for everyone, but they certainly do catch your eye, which is what we all want from our images.

(c) Mauritius Images. Image #04130141.

(c) Tips. Image #561GAG00225.

 

 

(c) Somos. Image #42-18496704.

(c) Blend RF. Image #BLD080396.

(c) EyeCandyPro. Image #ECP089156.

Top 5 Athlete Photos

The world of athletics is very easily related to the all sorts of themes. The same values that lead to success for athletes lead to success in business or really most any field. These values, like determination, strength, teamwork, selflessness, strategy, commitment and communication, are things we can all relate to.We may not all be world-class athletes, but we can all recognize and appreciate the things that lead to success.

(c) Glowimages RM. Image #100000002.

The situations that arise in athletics also mirror real life. In both, you will face challenges and adversity, experience defeat and victory, pain and bliss. Many stock photography sites have a rich selection of conceptual athletic images at your disposal. Visualize your concept and find the perfect image.     

This group of stock images conveys a bevy of concepts and chances are you can find a way to apply them to your work. It also helps if the photos aren't so bad to look at.

(c) Ojo Images. Image #PE0028575.

(c) Imagesource. Image #IS098Q8NR.

(c) Uppercut RF. Image #PAA04072.

(c) PhotosIndia.com. Image #PIRF_20100114_SH0226.

Top 10 Nude Yoga Poses

Healthy is sexy. So, what better way to show it than through nude yoga!

These photos below give off a healthy body and mind vibe. Add in some beautiful human forms and you have a very appealing group of stock images.

Warning: the images below do contain some nudity.

 (c) Cultura. Image #20JY0012RF

(c) Mind Body Soul. Image #00436MBS00417.

(c) Imagesource_Micro. Image #IS086-034.

(c) PicturePress. Image #01104665.

(c) Westend61 RF. Image #00183BA.

(c) Tips. Image #263LDG00830.

(c) Tips. Image #003PCU00337.

(c) Imagebroker RF. Image #IBXASX00583788.

(c) Imagesource. Image #EV017-069.

(c) First Light. Image #FL5233.

Unnecessarily in Their Underwear

When cute and cuddly just aren't cutting it, it's time to rely on sex appeal.So, what kind of stock images can you use without getting an "R" rating?

One safe, yet effective, plan is to go with the "unnecessarily in their underwear" images. This is where the model is doing something everyday, like reading or cooking, but is inexplicably doing it in their skimpies.

© Corbis RF. Image #42-16731373.

Stock photography sites often have a wide selection of choices to offer for this type of image. Images like these portray a kind of cool sexiness. It is almost a passive sexiness, which is often easier for designers to use.

So, while it's more aggressive counterpart might intimidate, an image like this could be more inviting to your audience. It conjures up different ideas like freedom, confidence and health, while still maintaining sex appeal.

© Tips. Image #004GBA00898.

Remember the "unnecessarily in their underwear" photos next time you need an image that is sexy but non-threatening.If you choose to do the work while stripped down to your undies, please save that for the home office.