What I bought in 2014 is in the attached image.
Im a graphic designer working in print and internet. Ive been employed in graphic design for 36 years. Ive worked at companies, had my own company with staff and am now a solo shop. I buy RF photos for ads, brochures and websites. I thought this community would find where I bought photos in 2014 interesting.
I have accounts at most of the online services, I typically use iStock, Dreamstime and Vectorstock, the Corbis purchase was because a client requested a specific image. I do check prices across agencies as an image can sometimes be found on multiple sites at different prices. I seek a balance between finding the right image quickly and price.
I buy credits rather than subscriptions since I then only pay for what I use. The Dreamstime subscription was a 30-day free trial, which I cancelled after the free part.
When I need an image Im first looking for one that conveys the message for my project. I expect a photo to be in sharp focus, not overly sharpened in Photoshop, if people are in it they need to be model-released and have current dress and hair.
Vector purchases are usually modified from the original for my project, its more cost effective to buy an illustration of something and change the parts I need to than draw it myself.
Hope you find this helpful!