These days, everything revolves around how any task can be completed in the quickest and easiest way. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, there are a few tasks that should not be completed in the “easiest” way possible. For example, using stock photos! There is always a temptation to use stock photos on your blog post or website for the sake of convenience. And, there is a time and a place where it is appropriate to use stock photos. If you needed a picture of a volcano in Hawaii, for example, it wouldn’t be practical to fly there and take a picture with your own camera (nor would it be wise to get very close to an active volcano!). It also would not likely be worth the expense of hiring someone else to do so. If you need this kind of photo, then it would certainly be more practical and sensible to browse stock photos to find it. However, if you can take the photo yourself, or have one taken for you, then this is always a better option. Here are a few reasons why:
“Have I seen that before?”
Let’s face it… You have no way of knowing how many times that stock photo of that one “customer support lady” has been used, but it’s probably thousands of times!
Cheap and free stock photos can easily be overly circulated. This means that people may have seen that same photo on other sites, maybe dozens of times. This can make your business appear very unprofessional and cheapen the atmosphere of your website.
“I’m not a photographer!”
If you are not savvy with a camera, or you just have that cheap Coolpix camera you bought from Wal-Mart seven years ago, then you might not be able to get professional quality photos on your own. In such cases, it’s probably a better idea to hire a professional to take the photos for you. If you are a photographer, then that’s a definite plus! Having custom photos gives your website and promotional designs a far more memorable and professional edge.
The Importance of Showcasing your Real Staff Members!
Using staff images is a great way to show off your company personality. If you use some generic photo of “staff members,” then people are definitely going to notice that, and it’s not going to make your company look genuine and professional. Having a photo of your real staff is a much better introduction to your business. On the left is a stock photo of a “team,” and on the right side is a photo of our team here at NMCO Media. Which one do you think feels more personal?
It’s always a good idea to invest in a photo shoot with professionals and avoid stock photography as much as possible. Custom photos can be used for months or even years on your site, social media accounts, and promotional prints. Plus, you don’t have to worry about other people using them. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
If you are located in Las Cruces and need professional photos taken for your business of your staff or other materials, please Contact Us!
