I like the sticky with the links to different stock photo sites. That kinda led me to a weird question: when a client says they want a picture of a fancy wheel in their logo (and/or header graphic) do you take a shot in the dark and purchase a wheel image? Or, do you send your client to the stock photo site and tell them to find one they like and note the ID number?

Of course I used "fancy wheel" as an example. A client may want a cat, plane, or books in their header/logo. Their idea of any of those items may differ from what you purchase and download and they'll say something like, I like the pic of the cat but do you have a pic with 2 cats? Next thing you know you have 2 (or more) purchases of cats!

Thanks for any suggestions...

Most of the clients that I encounter, they already have the materials that they want before they throw to you their projects. I think it will be better if you let them choose the images and just ask for your suggestions.

I wouldn't purchase an image for a client without their approval. I'd ask then first if they had images they wanted to use and then if they didn't I'd point them to some images on stock sites with the understanding that the cost would be added to the cost of the design.

If you like the image and think you could use it in other projects you can purchase it, but know that your client may or may not like the image so it could mean you're not getting reimbursed for it.

Thanks for the replies! I'm just kind of "starting out" and your guidance really helped. I think I'll just tell a client to go to a stock photo site and find what they like. That way they can't complain that they wanted a "cat" but forgot to tell you "a black cat staring at the camera."

Since most pics cost about $1 do you really need to add the price to a job? If they bought a custom header for $30, would you charge $31? Seems to me like the price of the stock image is built into the cost of the job unless the client keeps changing their mind and goes through 5-10 pics!

As a client I would want to be sure I liked the images that were going to be used

I try to get them off of free stock photo sites or already purchased collections. Usually they don't provide me with photos so I have to pick them out, which is fine because when clients pick their own photos they are usually crap.

Originally Posted by 4layouts

I try to get them off of free stock photo sites or already purchased collections. Usually they don't provide me with photos so I have to pick them out, which is fine because when clients pick their own photos they are usually crap.

Good point, I never thought of that! It would be MUCH better to have control over the pic(s) being used than have the client send an 80x80 .gif and ask you to "enlarge" it!

The only thing is, with the free stock sites like sxc, those pics are being used all over the place.

Sometimes you can grab several free stock photos and combine them into something unique. A lot of times I'll grab a stock photo and crop it to use only a very small part of it too.

With clients ask them to send you a link to the image they like. That way you can still download the best version. Also you could search for the images and send them a link for approval. Usually you can download a version of the image for free to show the client though you'll need to pay in order to use it and to get the hi-res version.

Nice thread here! As I client I really want to see all material before design. I know a designer which also allow me to see how he design my project.

When I create graphics for clients. I use the image with the watermark on it. If the client likes the deisgn then I will go ahead and purchase the design.

Thanks
andy

Some of the clients choose their own images and design but in the end the outcome of the design is not good. Well I suggest you ask the client opinion and tell yours too , to be able to meet his and your expectations and to avoid also the waste of time in modifying the design.