Understanding IStock Photo Image Sizes
Print
Topics: Design & Development | Tags: Graphics, IStock, Photos
IStock Photo provides a variety of sizes for you to select from, but which size is right for you and if you are selling images how do you know what size to make them?
When browsing IStock photo size options, it becomes rather difficult to understand which sizes are Small Medium or Large, as they often have different dimensions associated with them. The examples of image sizes below show that IStock doesn’t have a hard, fast guideline for image sizes.
|
XSmall 347 X 346 |
XSmall 400 X 300 |
If you are buying photos, the medium to Large sizes will be more than adequate for your webmaster. If using for highlights, the Small and XSmall may even be usefull. Shoot an email to your webmaster if you have any doubts.
After reviewing the IStock Photo FAQ’s we see that item number four (see excerpt below) implies that IStock Photo resizes the images when uploading for sales.
What are the specs required for images to be uploaded or rules for uploading?
- Images must be RGB JPG format only
- You must own the full copyright to any image you upload. This means you must be the photographer or artist that created the image.
- All trademarks must be removed. This includes logos, brands and entities with copyright or trademarked elements. This many also extend to trademarked products such as cast sculptures, toys, architecture and other elements of design. Copyright is checked with each file.
- File sizes: the bigger, the better. 300 dpi 5″ x 7″ is optimal. 640×480 images are not usable by most graphic artists. All files should be 1200 x 1600 pixels minimum (anything smaller will be automatically rejected).
- Entering keywords and descriptions: be descriptive. Include at least 10 keywords and use a title other than ‘dog’ or ‘man’. Supplying more keywords means your image will match more searches. Images with more keywords get downloaded more often.
- Model releases: images with clearly visible people require a model release (iStockphoto Model Release) form for legal reasons. Children in images can’t sign a model release. A legal guardian or parent must sign for all children under the age of 18 years. You will be notified if you need a model release and it can be uploaded later if you’re not sure.
- Legal notice: uploading images/artwork that belongs to somebody else (copyright or otherwise) will result in a suspended membership and in some cases may have legal ramifications.
- Your account profile must have your full, real first and last names, and mailing address entered before completing an application. Anyone uploading with a fake name will be banned immediately.
- More detailed information is available in the iStockphoto Photographer Training Manual.