Types

• Stock photography can include any subject matter, but the more conceptual and vague the image, the better it will sell as a stock image. People engaging in routine activities, close-up photographs of objects, technology and money are very popular subject matters for stock photography.
  
  

Identification

• Stock images that sell well are executed with a professional touch. Images of people use models. The lighting is controlled in a studio, and stylists make sure foods, objects and locations are clean and perfect representations of the subject matter.
  
  

Effects

• Stock photos can help illustrate concepts. They bring a visual element to written materials and draw attention to products.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Stock photography is not royalty-free. Just because an image may be visible on the Internet or in a text book doesn't mean you can copy it and reproduce it at will. Copyright laws pertain to stock photography.
  
  

Sales

• Stock photography is often sold on stock-photography websites, by photo agencies or by private photographers. For a fee, certain rights will be sold with the image. One-time publishing rights and lifetime usage are common levels of rights that may be granted.