Pictures are everywhere. You can download thousands of images from the Web. You can buy CD-ROMs full of photographs and line art. And, of course, you can scan conventional photos or import pictures from a digital camera into Photoshop.
When you start thinking about combining images, you'll probably realize that some pictures are more suitable than others for this kind of use. You can even classify some as backgrounds, others as objects, and some as the raw materials from which to create special effects. As you browse through your own pictures and look at collections of stock photos, some images will jump out at you, and you'll begin to see possible combinations.
Stock photos? If you're not familiar with the term, you should be.
Stock photos are pictures that are made available to you for a fee (a flat fee or sometimes a per-use royalty) to do with as you see fit. Under most stock photo agreements, you can use the images in your reports, in ads, or practically any way you want, as long as you're not reselling them as is or using them in any way that's libelous, defamatory, pornographic, or otherwise illegal. Be sure that you read and understand the licensing policies before you use them.
The quickest route to the Land of Stock Photos is through Adobe Bridge. In Photoshop, choose File