Stock photos vs. original photos: what to use for your website

The images you choose for your website can significantly impact how your users perceive your website and overall your brand. They affect the page's overall look and feel. Plus, the human brain processes images faster than text so choosing the pictures wisely is essential to establish brand authority and trust.

"The human brain processes images around 60,000 times faster than text"

3M Corporation

However, it can be challenging to determine what makes a photo appropriate for your website or source images that will have the desired effect on your audience. Especially when you are deciding whether to use stock photos or original pictures for your marketing strategy. 

Truthfully, choosing between stock photography and original imagery is not nearly as simple as one might believe. That's because there is no correct or incorrect answer. It comes down to considering who your target audience is, what story you are trying to tell and then based on this you can decide if you need your own professional photos or if stock imagery will be suitable. As you can see there are variables when trying to decide since numerous factors need to be taken into account but most people underestimate the power of great imagery. 

To help you make the best choice, we will break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of Stock Photos and Original Photos.

Stock photography vs. real imagery: 

To begin the debate between stock photography and real imagery, let's define the terms. 

1. Definition of real imagery: Original pictures are photographs you take yourself or those taken by a professional photographer for your business use. 
2. Definition of stock photography: Stock images are usually a repository of pre-existing images you can use to select for your website and other marketing projects. You can get these online from various stock image sites. They are photographs available for license by paying a fee to the artists who produced them and the stock organizations that manage them. As the user, you acquire the right to use the images legally in different ways, with the author retaining the copyright of their work.
   
   You can also use stock images from free photo websites. However, using images from these sites can be risky, especially for commercial purposes. Also, while there are some great free imagery sites you need to be happy that the imagery will not be as unique since it is so readily available for anybody to use. 

Let's look at some benefits and drawbacks of using stock photos and original pictures.

Stock photography

PROS

• Reasonably priced
  Stock photos are available in an easy-to-use digital library. They can be purchased and used by an infinite number of people. In addition, users can download a single image or an entire series of cohesive images for a relatively low price.

• Easily accessible
  Stock image websites provide instant access to an almost infinite number of images. Simply conduct a search, make a purchase, and download what you require. There is a wide variety of pictures and pricing options available depending on the stock photo website.

CONS

• Predictability
  Photographers submit photos to various websites or agencies and rely on concepts that appeal to multiple companies. This often makes stock images predictable or cliché. If you use stock photos, you may not be in a position to stand out. And in some cases, you may not be able to present your brand accurately

• Non-exclusive
  Since stock pictures are pretty accessible, other companies are also likely to use them. Your market competitors may have already used the images themselves. So before using a stock photo, it's essential to check if the stock photo isn't overutilized. You can also go for a photo with a rights-managed license, but it can prove to be expensive.

Real images

Pros

• Uniqueness
  The primary advantage of using real images in web design is their uniqueness and adaptability. You can see any vision by taking multiple shots from different angles until the desired result is achieved.
• Build trust
  Since original photos are exclusive to your website, it helps build trust among your visitors. The integration of images of your team and business headquarters into your website helps establish a personal connection that may serve as a basis for a long-term relationship.

Cons

• Costly
  Recruiting and planning a professional photographer can be expensive, depending on the type of photograph you need.
  
  Also, investment in photo equipment can be expensive. However, with the advancement of cell phone cameras and the availability of easy-to-use image-editing applications, the cost may not be a significant deterrent.
• Time-consuming
  While stock photos are readily available pictures on various websites, taking original high-quality pictures can require some planning. It is also time-consuming to gather the equipment and models for the shoot. And, of course, carrying on the actual shoot can be a tedious process. 

The bottom line 

Whichever route you take, keep in mind that images are an important element of a website. While stock imagery may save you money in the short term, it may create authenticity issues in the long run. And, while authentic images are undoubtedly an investment in terms of money, they are more likely to yield a higher return over time.

Both stock pictures and original photos are valuable. To improve your business model, you should use a combination of stock and original photos. 

While it's important to use original photos of the products you sell, you can compliment them with stock photos for your blog.

Both stock photos and original photos have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, both options are effective in different situations and can be used independently or concurrently.