Hi all

Can someone please clarify for me about objects you can and can't photograph for stock images. For example, if I want to photograph a child playing with toys with the emphasis on the toys in the hands, can I only use toys that look like they are very generic / could be made by anyone? I'm guessing all things trademarked e.g. even vaguely recognisable as disney are out. But what about the rest in between? Thanks!

Basically this. Check with each stock agency, as there are many things that are surprisingly copyrighted (e.g. bottle designs). Also, if you have a feeling it might be somehow copyrighted, then it probably is. I would say that shutterstock is the strictest on copyrights, and dreamstime being more lax.