Question: Where can I find a picture of...?
Answer: Finding a specific image when you want it can be a daunting task. And there is no easy way to do it. The more specific the type of image you need, the harder it will usually be to find. However, all is not lost. I have some resources to help you narrow down your search and find the perfect picture faster. First, you need to decide if you'll need the image for print or if it will be for the Web. Are you willing to pay for the picture or must it be a freebie? It's easiest to find specific free images for the Web. Finding a specific commercial (or free) image for print generally takes much more patience.
Pictures for Print
Browse the Pictures for Desktop Publishing super-category to find both free and commercial sources of clip art and photos. The free images are sorted into categories such as people, landscapes, and business. For commercial images, you'll need to first go to the vendor's site then use whatever resources they provide which may include simple and advanced keyword and category searches.
Pictures for the Web
On the About.com network we have an entire GuideSite devoted to Web Clip Art. It is a huge site and you may have to drill down through many levels but all the clip art links are sorted into a multitude of very specific categories to help you find just the right image. If these mostly free pictures don't work for you, the commercial clip art and stock photo vendors found under the Image Vendors category frequently include sections devoted to collections and individual images for the Web. Use the search facilities found on each site.
Picture Search
Our Web Search Guide has compiled a list of Image & Picture Search Engines that are designed specifically for helping to locate pictures, usually by entering keywords or descriptions of the picture you want. Results will vary.
