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By Amos Struck
Amos StruckIndustry Expert and Founder
Amos Struck, a renowned expert with over two decades in the stock photography industry, is known for his profound expertise in both stock imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). He is the founder of StockPhotoSecrets.com and a driving force behind the innovative AI-driven platform, Stockphotos.com. His pioneering work in visual AI is marked by co-founding Ximilar AI. Amos also established the Microstock Expo Conference, a key event in the stock photography sector. As a regular speaker at major industry conferences like DMLA and a prominent member of CEPIC, he consistently contributes to the industry's growth and evolution through a blend of technological innovation and market insight.
Updated 19 Jan, 2024
Edited by Ivanna Attié
Ivanna AttiéSenior Content Manager, Market Analyst, and Lead Author
I am Content Manager, Researcher, and Author in StockPhotoSecrets.com and Stock Photo Press and its many stock media-oriented publications. I am a passionate communicator with a love for visual imagery and an inexhaustible thirst for knowledge. Lucky enough to enter the wonderful world of stock photography working side-by-side with experienced experts, I am happy to share my research, insights, and advice about image licensing, stock photography offers, and the stock media industry with everyone in the creative community. My background is in Communication and Journalism, and I also love literature and performing arts.
Reviewed by Amos Struck
Amos StruckIndustry Expert and Founder
Amos Struck, a renowned expert with over two decades in the stock photography industry, is known for his profound expertise in both stock imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). He is the founder of StockPhotoSecrets.com and a driving force behind the innovative AI-driven platform, Stockphotos.com. His pioneering work in visual AI is marked by co-founding Ximilar AI. Amos also established the Microstock Expo Conference, a key event in the stock photography sector. As a regular speaker at major industry conferences like DMLA and a prominent member of CEPIC, he consistently contributes to the industry's growth and evolution through a blend of technological innovation and market insight.
A watermark on any photo is an indication that the photo has not been purchased from the stock photo agency.For copyright reasons a watermark, generally, the logo of the stock agency is placed on an image, so the image can be viewed by potential purchasers but not downloaded without authorization, in this case, without payment.An example of a stock photography agency that protects its images with a watermark is iStockphoto.
Another agency that protects its photos with a watermark is Shutterstock. But there are great (and legal) ways to remove a Shutterstock watermark.
Looking for more ways to get free stock photos without a watermark? Free trials from renowned agencies are the best way to go for this! Check out our complete list of stock photo free trials here!
Is the watermark gone once I buy the stock photo?
The watermark is removed when a stock photo is bought and downloaded.Only the images on the stock photography agency website while you are searching have this watermark.That said, if you tried to copy the image without payment, you will have the watermark on the photo.
But the photo is on the internet with a watermark?Why can’t I use them?
If you complete a Google image search for ‘cats’, it is likely that your search will show stock photography agency photos.They are indexed for website and internet browser searches.The watermark is a clear indication that the image is a stock agency photo and cannot be used unless you buy the photo through their site.Think of the watermark as a clothing security tag, which clothing stores use against theft protection.The watermark is used in the same fashion as this.
When using any images on the internet, it is the correct form to purchase the stock photo through the agency to honor the photographer or designer that created the work.If you have found a watermarked image and want to use the stock photo, follow the link associated with the photo and buy the photo directly.It is cheap to buy stock photos and worth the money to have a great image, find out why stock photos are so cheap?
Free weekly stock agency photos
Check our highlighted free photos featured every week.To benefit from these weekly specials, sign up for a free membership to the stock photo agency and download the stock photo for free.Deadlines do apply, but we post free photos weekly so that people can experience the quality and convenience of stock photos sold through stock photography agencies.
Image:benoitb / iStockphoto.com
