Track down the perfect stock commercial photo or stock photos for advertising your business, or product, through a stock photographers' agency website, organization, or individual photographer site.

Stock photography for commercials and advertising is as expansive as your imagination. And if someone hasn't already developed the image you are seeking, they can do it upon request. There are a few considerations as you start your search for your advertising stock photo or photos for commercials:

1. Resolution of images varies, so know the size and contrast requirements of the stock pictures for advertising you desire.

2. Determine your usage so you know whether you're seeking free, royalty-free or rights-free stock pictures for commercials.

3. Consider the subject matter of the images you want as it applies to your target market.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find stock photographs online for your commercial or advertising needs

It isn't difficult to find stock photography online, but it is overwhelming, especially in the expansive category of commercial advertising. It's a well-paying field, and new photographers always seek your business.

I recommend: AKEL Photo has an extensive offering stock photographs for commercial and advertising needs, as well as custom creative services. You can look through thousands of advertising stock photos in the archive at Coloribus. Aeronautic Pictures offers aeronautical stock photographs for TV commercials and advertising purposes.

Use an agency to find stock photos online

Find an advertising and commercials stock photo agency that gives you immediate access to downloadable images. Most photo stock agencies will require you to register before you can download images. You'll then be able to purchase and access the royalty-free or rights-free images fitting your needs.

I recommend: StockPhoto maintains a list of professional photography organizations worldwide, so you can find a photographer near you, or one who specializes in exactly what you seek. The American Society of Picture Professionals offers a listing of professional stock photographer agencies covering many subject areas.

Hire freelance advertising stock photographers for your creative project

Freelance photographers abound and can be found through word of mouth, looking through magazines or newspapers, and online through freelance job boards. Use all avenues to find potential candidates. Make sure to check out their websites and look through any portfolios you can find, and remember that some freelance listing sites will narrow search results by photographic specialty.

I recommend: Post your project requirements and receive bids, or do your own search on iFreelance for photographers who would like your business. You can locate a photographer experienced in advertising and commercials through FreelanceDesigners.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The availability of stock photos for commercials continues to grow as fast as new products are presented to consumers. If you don't find what you need one day, it may exist the next.