IStockphoto Raises Their Prices Again

For the fifth time in a little over three years, iStockphoto has raised their price prices for a pack of photo credits.

Back in 2005, one could purchase a pack of ten credits for $10. One photo was one credit, and most vector images were around three credits. Today, for their pay-as-you-go plan, the least amount of credits you can buy is twelve for $18. Photos are still one credit, but vector illustrations of okay quality start at ten credits. Good quality vectors are fifteen credits, and high quality illustrations are a whopping 25 credits.

With this particular package, no commercial rights, not even limited commercial rights are offered. One single illustration with commercial rights costs 125 credits, totaling close to $200. If you can put down $979 for a year's subscription you can download thirty credits-worth of photos. Many self-employed, part-time web designers and graphic designers can't afford such a subscription in today's economy.

What's more annoying, is that their credit packages are not unlike buying hotdogs and hotdog buns at the grocery store - ten hot dogs and eight hotdog buns. After you finish buying what you need, you always wind up with an odd, useless number.

While many companies are slashing prices left and right, iStockphoto refuses to follow the trend, resulting in long-time customers dropping istock like a hot potato for other websites like Shutterstock, who have more attractive pricing options.

iStock still has some of the best designs on the web, but Shutterstock is quickly closing in. The most attractive aspect of Shutterstock is their subscription plan. A user can purchase a one-month subscription to Shutterstock for $249 for one month or $709 for three months. This might seem pricy, but each day you are allowed to download 25 images a day, and here, all images are created equal.

True, very few people need 25 images a day, but you can stock up on photos, illustrations and clipart that catches your eye - graphics you think you will use in the future.

Like istockphoto, Shutterstock offers commercial rights at a cost. A pack of five photos with unlimited commercial rights costs $449. While the price might be right for large companies, small businesses owners might find this a little steep. Still, it's a much better deal than iStock no matter how you look at it.

A few months back I purchased the one-month package and was beyond pleased with the process and the images. Every day, I set aside time to collect my 25 images just to make sure I got the most out of my money. I was able to set up themed lightboxes to help organize the process. I would recommend Shutterstock's service to other web designers and anyone needing a great deal on graphics.