It is not just the general public's right-click-and-save mentality image producers and agencies need to worry about. While stock-photo professionals assume that those employed in creative jobs are at least conversant with copyright, a new Deutsche Telekom survey revealed that nearly half (44%) of marketing, public relations and publishing professionals think that a royalty-free image is an image that can be used without payment. Worse yet, 37% of respondents admitted having used images illegally by swiping them off the Internet.
PhotoShelter has updated its Web site code base to offer "better reliability and easier extensibility," says chief executive officer Allen Murabayashi. The company has also introduced several frequently requested features--including the latest version of popular pricing software FotoQuote--into its online photo-archive product favored by independent photographers and stock agencies.
Getty Images has completed the full acquisition of HAAP Media, the Hungarian company that retained partial ownership of Stock.xchng and StockXpert after Getty's acquisition of Jupiterimages.
Getty Images-owned iStockphoto has announced the changes it plans to make in the coming year. The company's long-term shift toward exclusive content continues with new products and pricing adjustments, which include major increases. iStock is also changing credit pricing and contributor canister levels, which drive the commission structure.
California-based multi-ethnic image boutique PhotoEdit conducted a survey that suggests that the most typical buyer of rights-managed imagery is an early-forties female employed as a photo researcher or photo editor. Survey questions, which were sent to 1,230 buyers, were geared toward those working at large publishing houses and magazines.