What are stock photos? Explained by an industry expert

Ever found yourself asking, “What are stock photos?” or “What are stock images?”. Here’s everything you need to know about stock photos:

» More: All stock photography terms explained

Stock photos and images are key components in modern design and digital marketing strategies due to their high quality, versatility, and convenience. They help to visually communicate a message, promote a product, illustrate an idea, or enhance a design without the time, effort, and cost of arranging a professional photo shoot.

Example of a generic stock photo:

Pros and cons of stock photos

Advantages

• Time savings. Stock photos can save you time and money; you do not have to hire a photographer to take custom photos.
• Improved quality. Stock photos can help you improve the quality of your content, as they are typically of high quality.
• Reach a wider audience. Stock photos are available to anyone who wants to use them, which means that you can reach a wider audience with your content.
• Compliance with copyright law. Some types of content, such as news articles or blog posts, require you to use copyrighted images. Stock photos can be a great way to comply with copyright law without having to worry about getting permission from the copyright holder.

Cons

• Lack of originality. Stock photos can sometimes look generic, as they are often used by multiple businesses and individuals.
• Inaccuracy. Stock photos may not always be accurate representations of the real world. For example, a stock photo of a business office may not accurately reflect the actual office space of a particular company.
• Lack of control. When you use stock photos, you are not in control of the images. This means that you may not be able to find the perfect photo for your needs.

How do I choose the right stock photos for my project?

When choosing stock photos for your project, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Your needs. What are you trying to achieve with your content? What kind of mood or atmosphere do you want to create? Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can start to narrow down your search.
• Your budget. Stock photos can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start looking for photos.
• The type of content. What type of content are you creating? Will the photos be used on a website, in a marketing campaign, or in a presentation? The type of content will help you to narrow down your search.
• The license. When you purchase a stock photo, you will need to agree to the terms of the license. Make sure you understand the license before you use the photo.

How do I use stock photos legally?

When you use stock photos, you must abide by the terms of the license. The license will typically specify how you can use the photo and what you are not allowed to do with it. It is important to read the license agreement carefully before you use a stock photo. By using the photo, you are agreeing to the terms of the license. If you are unsure about the terms of a stock photo license, you can always contact the stock photo agency for more information.

How to use stock photos

There are a few things you need to do to use stock photos:

Step 1: Find the right stock photos

There are a few things you can do to find the right stock photos for your project:

• Consider your needs. What are you trying to communicate with your content? What kind of mood or atmosphere do you want to create? Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can start to narrow down your search.
• Use keywords. When you’re searching for stock photos, use keywords that describe the images you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for photos of people working, you might use keywords like “office,” “workspace,” or “team.”
• Browse different websites. There are a number of different stock photo websites and agencies, so take some time to browse through different options. Look at the different types of photos each website has to offer and see what catches your eye.
• Ask for help. If you’re having trouble finding the right stock photos, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a number of resources available online, such as stock photo forums and blogs. You can also ask a friend or colleague for recommendations.

Once you’ve found a few stock photos that you like, it’s important to make sure that they’re the right size and format for your project. Most stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and formats, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.

If you’re not sure how to use a stock photo, there are a number of tutorials and resources available online. You can also ask a friend or colleague for help.

With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect stock photos for your next project.

Step 2: License stock photos

There are two main types of licenses for stock photos: royalty-free and rights-managed. Royalty-free licenses allow you to use a photo without paying any additional fees. Rights-managed licenses require you to pay a fee each time you use a photo.

The type of license you need will depend on how you plan to use the photo. If you only plan to use the photo once, a royalty-free license may be a good option. However, if you plan to use the photo multiple times, a rights-managed license may be a better choice.

When you license a stock photo, you will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the license. These terms and conditions will define how you can use the photo and what you are allowed to do with it.

It is important to read the terms and conditions of any stock photo license before you use the photo. By using the photo, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the license.

If you are unsure about the terms and conditions of a stock photo license, you can always contact the stock photo agency for more information.

Here are some tips for licensing stock photos:

• Read the license agreement carefully. Before you use a stock photo, make sure you read the license agreement carefully. This will help you understand the terms and conditions of the license and how you can use the photo.
• Choose the right license for your needs. There are two main types of licenses for stock photos: royalty-free and rights-managed. Choose the right license for your needs. If you only plan to use the photo once, a royalty-free license may be a good option. However, if you plan to use the photo multiple times, a rights-managed license may be a better choice.
• Give credit to the photographer. When you use a stock photo, always give credit to the photographer. This is a courtesy to the photographer and helps to ensure that you are using the photo legally.
• Be aware of copyright laws. Make sure you are aware of the copyright laws in your country before you use stock photos. Some countries have strict copyright laws, and you may not be able to use all stock photos without permission.

Step 3: Use stock photos in your content

Stock photos can be a great way to add visual interest to your content. They can also help you to communicate your message more effectively. When used correctly, stock photos can make your content more engaging and persuasive.

Here are a few tips for using stock photos in your content:

• Choose relevant photos. Make sure the photos you use are relevant to your content. If you’re writing about a topic in business, for example, you might want to use photos of people working in offices or factories.
• Use high-quality photos. Don’t use blurry or pixelated photos. Make sure the photos you use are high quality and will look good on your website or in your marketing materials.
• Use photos that tell a story. The best stock photos are ones that tell a story. When you use a photo, try to imagine what the story is behind it. What are the people in the photo doing? What are they feeling?
• Use photos to create a mood. Stock photos can also be used to create a mood or atmosphere. For example, if you’re trying to create a sense of happiness or excitement, you might use photos of people laughing or playing.
• Use photos to break up text. Stock photos can also be used to break up text and make your content more visually appealing. When you use a photo, try to place it in the middle of a paragraph or on a new page.

Using stock photos in your content can be a great way to improve its visual appeal and make it more engaging. With a little bit of creativity, you can use stock photos to tell stories, create moods, and break up text.

Frequently asked questions about stock images