** Shares of Getty Images GETY.N rise 30.3% to $2.74, while those of Shutterstock SSTK.N rise 12% to $32.67

** GETY is exploring a merger with rival SSTK, Bloomberg News reports, citing people familiar with the matter

** Deliberations are ongoing and GETY could choose not to pursue a deal, the report also says

** Including session's moves, GETY up 27.3% and SSTK up 5.3% YTD

(Reporting by Puyaan Singh)

((Puyaan.Singh@thomsonreuters.com;))