When you are promoting anything, you’re telling a story. Words can describe an object beautifully, but it’s the images that create a lasting impression.
Advertisement campaigns heavily rely on visuals to capture the audience’s imagination, and there is a good reason for it.
Our visual learning is enormous since about half of the nerve fibers connected to the brain are, directly or indirectly, related to vision. This fact shows the value of images when promoting a product or service.
The images used in a campaign must deliver the correct meaning.
otherwise, they will distort the underlying message.
as you know there are many different types of photography available, so it’s quite hard to find the picture which you’re actually looking for.
Often, campaigns opt for fresh pictures taken as per the needs of the project.
It gives them complete control over the content.
However, it can be a costly and time taking affair. A professional photographer can easily charge up to $250 per hour.
If there is enough time and budget, this is an ideal option.
However, one cannot rule out the usefulness of stock images.
Instead of going through the hassle of engaging resources and getting fresh pictures taken.
existing images can be used by simply paying a fee. You can find stock images of all kinds on the internet, and you can indeed find the ones that suit your campaign.
To decide whether to opt for original photos or stock ones, one has to weigh all the pros and cons.
Much depends on the type of the projects, time, cost, the level of creativity, and what the campaign aims to achieve at the end of the day.
so in this article, I’m going to share some of the key differences between Stock vs Original Photography.
this article going to help you to find out the perfect (more suitable) type of image.
no matter if you want to buy images using a stock photography site, or want to capture them by hiring a freelance photographer.
Stock vs Original Photography: Which one should you choose?
here are some key factors which I’m going to share with you so you can easily choose which one to pick, between stock photography and original photography.
Nature of the Project
If your project deals with particular products or services, original photography may be your only option.
For example, if you’re working on an ad campaign for a leather jacket company, you will like their products to feature in your campaign.
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It is the only way you can genuinely reach out to the potential customer and make a pitch.
However, there may be times when fewer particular pictures can work due to the nature of the offering; stock photos can come in handy.
If a travel agency is looking for images for hoardings and posters, they can do well with the stock photos.
Sending a photographer to tourist hubs worldwide for the campaign isn’t a good idea in this case.
Relevance
Image relevance is the key to delivering the message.
Original photos guarantee that unless, of course, the whole campaign is abstract beyond anyone’s comprehension.
The creative control available makes it worthwhile to get new snaps taken.
Stock images can also help though it can be an effort to find the relevant ones.
However, scanning through millions of images can be a hassle if the needs of the project are too specific.
Stock photos work best if there is some room to wriggle and flexibility in the concept and you can find them with ease.
Timeline
Original photos can be time-consuming.
You will need a photographer that will professionally take these snapshots. You may also need to engage models if the project involves humans as well.
Putting everything together takes effort. The time required will further go up if the shoot takes place outdoors, as additional measures will be needed to get all the logistics in order.
Stock photos, on the other hand, are an instant solution. Well, almost an instant solution. Once you find a picture you like, you can acquire a license for its use from the stock photo website.
There are different kinds of licenses, so be sure to get one that covers the scope of your project.
there is one free and interesting way, you can start learning photography ( if you’re only interested ).
so you can get the shot which you’re looking for ( just anytime, anywhere ).
here’s some important resource, which might help you to learn photography quickly…
- how to use DSLR camera: the ultimate guide with images
- Master manual mode
- 17 best photography blogs to follow right now | specifically for beginners
Budget
Original photos not only take time, but they are pretty costly as well.
A cameraperson can charge rather handsome amounts for a project.
You can decide on the variables, such as opting for per picture price, paying them by the hour, or simply paying a lump sum for the entire project.
Hiring models also add cost to the project. You also need to take care of logistical costs, especially if it is a location shoot.
All in all, high-quality original photos will need a heavy budget. You can try your luck with amateurs, but that generally doesn’t end up well.
On the flip side, stock photos do not carry these costs.
Whatever costs took place were borne by whoever took the pictures.
You need to find the ones that suit your project and pay for their use, generally online.
If you can find the right high-quality images, you typically save a significant amount of money.
May you like it…
Use of Images
The use of images can be a tricky situation.
If you have original photos taken, you will need release forms signed by both the photographer and the models.
The release forms allow you to use these photos whenever, wherever you need them.
Be sure to have a contract that allows you any use for these pictures.
It is not a bad option to discuss the arrangements with a lawyer if you are not used to such projects. A proper legal perspective will save you from any litigation in the future.
Stock photos have licenses attached with them. These licenses decide the kind of rights of usage you have with these photos.
Be sure to understand these and opt for the license that suits you the most. These can range from using a picture for specific purposes once, or use it whenever you want to.
Apart from acquiring the license for the image, be sure to inquire about models’ consent if they’re present.
In some cases, you may need to get a release form from the models as well. It is something you can discuss with your stock photo provider.
When not to use stock images
There are times when you do not want to use stock photos. To begin with, never pull images of a Google search and use them in a project.
While you may find the exact images you need, you can end up being dragged into litigation for copyright violations.
Also, avoid images that have been used in too many places.
A picture depicting a perfect sunset over the ocean may have been used a thousand times. You can opt for a different one in such a case. Several options are generally available on the stock photo websites.
You should also avoid images if the license information is unclear.
Be sure to check out the licensing information and terms & conditions for the website offering the photos.
Some sites offering free photos do not have procedures in place to check if the image is from the copyright holder.
A bit of due diligence can help avoid possible legal issues later on.
The Bottom Line
now let’s discuss some pros and cons of Stock vs Original Photography.
Both original photography and stock photos have their pros and cons.
There is no perfect solution, and it only comes down to the needs of the given project.
If someone is looking for something very fresh and original, taking new pictures is a great way to go forward.
Yet, it will cost a fair bit with the involvement of photographers, models, and logistics.
It will also take time to put together the entire operation and execute it.
sometimes, Stock photos can have their limitation when it comes to finding the ones that perfectly suit a given project.
They can also have some restrictions on their licenses, limiting their use.
However, if you find the right pictures, it saves you a lot of time and effort, and money at the same time.
For some campaigns, such savings can be a breath of fresh air.
Eventually, it comes down to the needs and the several aspects discussed above.
Opt for whichever option suits you the best. And always make sure that you have your legal bases covered every single time.
So, these all are some different points which you need to remember before choosing your next photos.
hope you guys like this in-depth article on Stock vs Original Photography.
If you’ve any questions to ask then please comment below and let me know.
thank you, have a good day 🙂
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