Sometimes I feel like there is a hesitancy to use stock photos in business, and I think this comes down to a few (easily explained and corrected) misconceptions about stock photos, and the industry.

Myth #1 – Stock photos look really bad.

I think this one is associated with those weird & whacky, colourful filters and edits that you see a lot when you search for stock photos. This used to be true a lot of the time…. up to about 5 years ago, but not so much anymore.

Today, there are so many beautiful stock photos available out there for all types of people and businesses. And, they are at a much more affordable price than what you might think. You just need to know where to look and what to search for.

Myth #2 – Stock photos are only for giant companies, newspapers or magazines.

This is also a misconception based on how the industry used to work and the customers stock photo companies used to rely on in the past.

Yes, copyright laws and protection rights haven’t changed much, and you can still get in big trouble for using an image of OR by someone else.

The difference today, is that stock photos are now being created and sold by the individuals (for example me, Cherry) who own the copyright to the images themselves.

This means that rather than the images being sold exclusively through a huge stock library like Getty or Shutterstock, images purchased through small businesses are not only cheaper, but also more easily accessible, and more relatable. Why? Because.. small businesses understand and create for other small businesses and aren’t trying to please a giant market of hundreds & thousands of different brands.

Myth #3 – Stock photos are bland, boring or just stereotypical.

To me, this is another belief that started and grew back when stock photos were only used by big companies for marketing purposes.

There are still some images that can be classed in this way, however, it just means that it’s likely because there is a market for it and lots of people and brands need this particular type of image.

I try to make my Beach Babe Stock images as unique as possible, and if I am re-creating an idea that I know has been re-done then I try to make it different in some way. For Beach Babe Stock, I know I’m creating for small online businesses or female entrepreneurs and I try to create images based around a different ‘theme’ for each of the sets that relate to online businesses and female entreprenuers.

Myth #4 – Stock photos won’t relate to my business and brand.

This just depends on your niche and how specific it is. However, having said that, I truly believe that there is something out there for everyone. One of my favourite tips for someone who is new to the idea of using stock images for their business is simply to start by doing some preparation, and research. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my content buckets or brand pillars? (The “feeling” I want to elicit when someone comes across my brand online.)
• How do I serve my customers?
• What do I usually talk about, write and blog about?
• Where do I need to use images for my brand?

Then once you’ve got those answers down, you’ll be able to start searching and having a look around for the types of photos that are going to take your brand and business forward.

Don’t worry about needing to find something straight away on the same day, a lot of small stock sites offer free stock photos as an opt-in and you can subscribe to their newsletter to test out the types of images available on their site before choosing to pay for images.

Now, if you’re an entrepreneur running an online business and you’re looking for stock photos to help you create beautiful content that reflects the high quality of your products and services, then why not give your brand a mini-makeover right now with our FREE 20 stock photos. Sign up below to get them delivered straight to your inbox!