Stock imagery is popular these days because it saves time, looks good and gets the job done with little heartache. The main strength of stock imagery is its artistic style and use of vibrant colors.

— Mala Desai, SMMPA, Rochester MN

Stock visuals are getting better every day. The quality is often comparable to custom photography.

— Jim Jackson, Fame, Minneapolis MN

With deadlines getting shorter and shorter, it's much more convenient and cost effective use stock rather than use a photographer and do a shoot.

— Steve Salhaney, Eisbrenner Public Relations, Troy MI

Early stock photography was about as stiff as a Sears mannequin. Now, with former assignment-only photographers in the mix, the bar has been raised.

— Catherine Russell, Art Attack, Charlotte NC

Stock offers easy access, instant images for layouts and client approval, and instant downloads if buying online. Speed, cost, access, quality.

— Andrea Owsinek, Anneink, Bloomfield MI

Stock photography allows design professionals to use great photography in their designs without the expense of a traditional photo shoot.

— Mark Anthony Munoz, RipeCreative, Phoenix AZ

The price and the availability of many subjects is great.

— Lisa Ghisolf, Gizmo Design, Chicago IL

Stock is better today. More contemporary, although some dated images still exist.

— Sakol Mongkolkasetarin, Acme Advertising, San Francisco CA

Yes, stock photographs are better today. They have a nice creativity to them.

— Maureen Eide, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River NJ

There are better choices today than in the past, because of the consolidation of many libraries under one umbrella portal, better online searches, and more niche providers offering both specific subject matter and varying styles of common subject matter.

— Jeff Breitenstein, Amazon.com, Seattle WA

The range of choice has improved a great deal over the years, and stock is continually becoming a good and better source.

— Ed Bagdadlian, Image Arts, San Ramon CA

Stock is definitely better. More styled shots of objects/backgrounds would be nice.

— Carie Turner, Maco Furniture, Clackamas OR

Stock images help communicate the client's message. The strength: you don't have to take or arrange for your own photographs. The weakness: sometimes clients are convinced that the exact image is out there and that you're just not looking hard enough.

— Phyllis Dumond, Turgeon Group, Madison Heights MI

Stock is absolutely better than it was in the past.

— Cassandra Bethoney, CB Graphic Designs, Middleboro MA

On the whole, yes, stock choices are much better. Still, there is nothing comparable to setting up your own photo shoot. Only I know what I truly want.

— Christopher Werger, Fixion, Austell GA