Stock photos for web site

how much should I expect to spend

[too much information]

I am currently developing a new site and I need several stock images to help with the appearance. I usually can grab a camera and create my own, but this subject matter is not as easy this time.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how much I should expect to spend on stock images? I'm talking website only, so small image files, and around 30-50 images max.

Also:
Are there any resourses for completely free images?
What are the limits to 'royalty-free' images?
Do I need a release from the people in the images? (even the ones I take myself)
etc...

I started reading the leagalese on a certain image website and they didn't really address my questions.

[hooloovoo22]

Are there any resourses for completely free images?

yea, there are some, but if you're looking for something specific, it's going to be very difficult to find completely free photography.

Royalty free means you do not have to pay for every use of the photo, and it is not priced according to circulation or views.

There are some good resources that you pay a monthly fee and have unlimited use of their catalog. The images are easily sufficient for web use. Try photos.com for the monthly subscription model. Also try gettyimages.com or another large stock photography house if you need something really specific, usually about $50-150 an image.

I used to work at a stock photo/illustration company. It's a crazy hidden away little business.

[Philiboy]

You could try istockphoto - collection of 63365 royalty free files

[too much information]

Thanks for the info, I like how you can trade images for credits. I have tons of images that I can upload (my own images) so I may make out pretty good. ;)

[hooloovoo22]

learn something new everyday

...and this is why i love this community