Searching

There are three ways in which you can search for images: simple keyword search, advanced search and search by categories. You can also combine the advanced search with searching by categories. You do not need to be logged in to search for images. However, if you wish to add images to lightboxes, request comping images or purchase licences for use, you will need to log in.

Keyword Search - Step by Step instructions

1. Enter any of the following details into the search field: keyword, keyword phrase, image number, batch number or location.
2. You can enter any combination of these terms, using a comma between each.
3. Keywords can include nouns, adjectives, verbs and locations.
4. Locations include world region, country, city/town, state/province and island.
5. Keywords are NOT case sensitive.
6. If your keyword has more than one meaning, you will be asked to specify what you are searching for. The page will list the keyword with each category it is assigned to and ask you to choose which meaning you wish to search on. For example, "water" is assigned to three categories: beverage, landform and four elements.
7. Click in the checkboxes next to each meaning for the keyword that you wish to see results for. The more checkboxes you tick, the wider range of results you will receive.
8. You search results will appear listed on the page below as thumbnail images. With each thumbnail, you'll see the location, image number and photographer name.
9. To see more image information, click on the thumbnail to view the preview/enlarged version.
10. To refine your search results, you can search again within your existing set of search results. To do this, simply select the 'Within results' radio button next to the keyword search field and enter your new search term/s into the field.

TIP: Avoid using the keyword search form on the home page and instead, always use it on the advanced search form, even if you don't choose to use any other fields on the form.

Category Search - Step by Step instructions

The category search is very handy if you are not sure where to start. By providing you with a list of keyword categories, it will help give you ideas for searching as you drill down through each 'category tree'.

1) Go to the Search page and select the 'Categories' tab.
2) From the multi-select boxes, choose a Level 1 category. The page will refresh to bring up the Level 2 Categories multi-select box.
3) Each category will have between 1 to 5 levels of sub-categories.
4) Continue choosing lower sub-categories to refine your search.
5) You can use the keyword search field to help refine your search.

Advanced Search - Step by Step instructions

1) Go to the Search section to use the Advanced Search form.
2) Select from any of the following search parameters to help you refine your search:

• a) Photographer name
• b) Location: world region, country, city/town, state/province and island.
  • You can search for more than one city/town, state/province and island by using comma's between the names.
  • You can use the general keyword field as well as the state/province/island and city/town fields to search for multiple locations.
  • When also using the World Region and/or Country dropdown menus, be sure your location/s in the keyword, state/province/island and city/town fields relate to the country and/or world region.
• c) Orientation to view only horizontal, vertical or square images. If you do not select any orientation, the search will return results for all Orientations.
• d) Using the 'Without' field:
  • The system will remove from the search results any images with the search terms entered into this field.
  • You can enter keywords, keyword phrases, batch numbers, locations or image numbers.
  • Multiple search terms can be added to this field and must be separated by comma's.