Custom Brand Photography vs. Stock Photos: Why Custom Images Matter
When it comes to photos for your business, you have two main options: stock photos or custom brand photography. Both have their place, but if you want to stand out, connect with your audience, and build a strong, recognizable brand, custom imagery is the way to go.
That said, stock photos can be a useful resource; especially if you’re just starting out or working with a limited budget. There are plenty of high-quality stock images available, and they can help fill in the gaps while you refine your brand identity.
We understand and appreciate the need to use stock photos, even if you’re more seasoned in your industry. In fact, we have a free stock photo library that anyone is free to download from. You can click here to sign up for our newsletter to gain instant access to the hundreds of high resolution photos, all of which are legal for your brand to use; you can’t say that about most of the images that you’d like to screenshot from Pinterest to use for your brand. Say it with me: that’s illegal.
If you’re in the early stages of your business or don’t have the resources for a custom session just yet, stock photos can serve as a bandaid fix when you’re in need of imagery.
However, as your brand grows, relying on stock images alone can hold you back. Here’s why custom brand photography makes a difference:
Your Brand, Your Identity
Stock photos are made to be generic so they can work for a variety of businesses. The problem? That means they don’t truly reflect your brand. Custom brand photography allows you to create images that align with your brand’s colors, aesthetic, and personality, making your business instantly recognizable.
Connection with Your Audience
People connect with people. Stock images might look nice, but they lack authenticity. Custom photos showcase you, your team, and your actual workspace, helping your audience feel a personal connection to your brand.
Stand Out from the Competition
Stock images are widely used, which means your competitors (and countless other businesses) might be using the exact same photos. Custom brand photography ensures your visuals are one-of-a-kind and aligned with your business.
Versatility and Consistency
A well-planned brand photography session gives you a library of images tailored to your needs—website, social media, marketing materials, and beyond. Unlike stock photos, which can feel pieced together, custom images create a cohesive and professional look across all platforms.
Long-Term Investment
While stock images may seem like a cost-effective solution, custom brand photography pays off in the long run. A strong visual identity helps build trust, attracts the right audience, and ultimately leads to more conversions.
If stock images are all you have access to right now, use them strategically- but know that investing in custom brand photography is a game-changer for your business. When you’re ready to take that next step, your brand (and your audience) will thank you.
