The Stock Photo Debate

Written on June 23, 2011 – 9:49 pm | by Michael Harris

The conundrum continues for many of us business owners. We want to increase our marketing but need to make sure those efforts align with our company philosophies and goals. Unfortunately, that usually means spending more money on creative ads and photography- which leads us to the cheap fix of stock photography.

In the New York Times “You’re the Boss” blog , MP Mueller suggests spending the time to get to the essence of your company, your brand and messages. Get rid of the stock photos on your website of perfect looking people shaking hands across a boardroom table. Instead, use photos that reflect your business’ philosophy and culture.

There are going to be instances when it is easier to buy stock photography that setting up an expensive and time-consuming photo shoot. When using stock photography, make sure you buy from a site that offers “real” shots instead of the perfectly staged shots that have given stock photography a bad name. Check out Bigstock for millions of fast, easy-to-use photographs and illustrations from talented photographers and artists around the globe.

“When your marketing reflects your brand and persona, your company will also differentiate itself from its competitors.” –MP Mueller

Perfect Business!