There are many places online where you can get photos for your blog or website. But do you know where the stock photos to fill those sites come from?

Generally, stock photos are provided by freelance photographers and average people just like you. If you have a digital camera then you can be a contributor. But many of the photos are hard to come by on your own and that’s why it’s important to use stock photo sites. Many of them allow you to use your photos online or in print.

If you have a need, for instance, of a photo of Mount Rushmore and you live in Alaska you’ll have to travel a long way to get your photo. But you can download that photo online from a stock photo website. Usually, a person who lives in the area of Mount Rushmore, or who may have visited the site, uploaded the photo and is paid a commission based on the number of downloads for that photo.

Stock photo websites I recommend include:

• iStock
• Fotosearch
• Getty Images
• Shutter Stock
• Stock Vault