Note: This article was last updated on December 16, 2019 and may contain outdated information.
This article examines the tradeoffs between utilizing stock photography and investing in professional photo shoots for website imagery.
Stock Photography
Speed Advantages
Stock photo selection can be completed quickly without office presence, whereas hiring a photographer involves finding one whose aesthetic aligns with your brand, securing availability (potentially weeks or months), preparing for the shoot, conducting it, and waiting for edits.
Cost Considerations
Free stock photography options exist for budget-conscious businesses seeking professional-looking images. However, premium sites can charge £100+ per image. Licensing requirements vary significantly across platforms.
Selection & Availability
Hundreds of stock photography websites offer thousands of options at your fingertips. However, competitors may use identical images, potentially limiting brand differentiation.
Professional Photo Shoots
Advantages
Custom photography eliminates licensing concerns and provides personalized content featuring your actual workspace and employees—offering authenticity that stock imagery cannot replicate.
Disadvantages
Professional shoots typically cost more than stock photos and photographers may have extended booking waits. However, newer photographers may offer reduced rates with shorter turnaround times.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Consider partial shoots (staff photography only) combined with carefully selected stock images to balance uniqueness with affordability.
Conclusion
The optimal choice depends on individual budget constraints, timeline requirements, and whether customized imagery aligns with your business objectives. Hybrid approaches can effectively address both factors.