StarkPhoto Launches 'Boutique' Stock Photo Web Site

Emerging Need for Alternatives to Mega Stock Photo Sites Leads to Creation of 'Boutique' Concept

SAN DIEGO, Calif.-Sept. 9, 2003-StarkPhoto, a commercial photography studio in San Diego, today announced the launch of its 'boutique' stock photo website, StarkPhoto.com. Starkphoto's boutique concept addresses the growing needs of art directors and designers for fresh images not suffering from overuse, and a site that can be searched and navigated intuitively. Starkphoto's boutique concept includes the new 'Custom Stock' feature, which gives photo buyers a viable alternative to existing inventories of images.

Unlike the mega sites that represent over 500 photographers and contain over a million photos, StarkPhoto.com assures clients that their time will be well spent as the posted images have been carefully edited for quality, style and subject matter."It won't take hours of a stressed art director's time to zero in on the best options available. Our search engine was designed to be simple yet powerful, so it's a very fast process," says Rick Starkman, president and founder of StarkPhoto.com.

The boutique concept specifically addresses the biggest problem today in stock usage, which is that of image overexposure. "The downside of stock photos is that they lose their power from overuse. That's where our site has the advantage. The chance of seeing one of our images in a competitor's ad is quite small," adds Starkman.

The feature StarkPhoto is labeling 'custom stock' has been created to solve the problem faced by designers trying to produce unique and effective design while constrained by limited budgets and unrealistic scheduling. Buyers now have the opportunity to request the creation of new images to their specifications and at stock rates. After explaining the details to the photographer, images will be digitally captured and posted to the site. Usual stock fees apply only if they are approved by the client. "More cost-effective than commissioned photography, this option provides buyers with complete flexibility while reducing cost," notes Starkman.

About StarkPhoto.com

StarkPhoto.com (888-840-2246) offers the convenience of purchasing, licensing and downloading professional royalty-free or rights-managed digital and film images online in one quick, secure credit-card transaction. Search for photos by keyword or a variety of popular categories, including medicine, sports, technology and travel. Registered users enjoy free instant access to watermark-free comp images.

Rick Starkman is president and founder of StarkPhoto.com. The native New Yorker has operated Rick Starkman Photography in San Diego's Sorrento Valley since 1986. Clients include many of San Diego's leading ad agencies, as well as numerous corporate clients.

Sample StarkPhoto.com photo, in high-res digital format, available upon request.