Most commercial buyers use established platforms that provide (protection if someone claims the image was used illegally). High-End/Editorial: Getty Images or Adobe Stock. Mid-Range/Subscription: Shutterstock or iStock. Affordable/Budget: Depositphotos or Dreamstime. 3. Verify Model and Property Releases

Keep a digital copy of the receipt and the license terms in case of a future copyright audit . 5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Always check the image details page for a note saying or "Property Release: Yes."

The most common and affordable option. You pay a one-time fee and can use the image multiple times for different projects without paying extra royalties. However, it is not exclusive to you.

You pay based on specific usage (e.g., "front cover of a magazine for one year in North America"). This can offer exclusive rights , meaning your competitors can’t use the same image.

Buy via a single-image credit or a monthly subscription.