You pay a one-time fee to use the image multiple times for various projects without paying additional royalties.

You are the only person allowed to use the image for a set period. This is significantly more expensive.

In the world of photography, the creator (the photographer) typically owns the copyright from the moment the shutter clicks. When you "buy" a photo, you are usually purchasing a to use it, not the actual legal ownership of the image itself. Common Licensing Types

Usage is restricted by time, region, or specific medium (e.g., a one-year license for a billboard in New York).

Check the metadata, watermarks, or website footer to find the photographer or agency.

Be clear about whether you want it for personal use (like a print for your home) or commercial use (like a social media ad).

Prices vary wildly based on the photographer's experience and your intended reach.