When it comes to creating visuals for websites, marketing materials, and other digital products, it’s important to choose images that are both visually appealing and communicate the right message. When faced with the decision of whether to use stock images or create original images, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of each option.

Stock imagery are images taken from a library you can choose from, this can be from Shutterstock, iStock, Google Images. Original images are images taken by a professional photographer, or someone in house.

While stock images are often cheaper and easily accessible, original images can be tailored to your specific brand and message. Original images can also give your content a more unique and personalised touch. However, they may come at a higher cost and require more time and
effort to create.

Overall, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each option before deciding which type of images to invest in.

If you are considering stock photography versus real images, prices should be one of the first things you consider. There are many stock photo banks that will allow you to choose from an assortment of images for free or for very little cost, both of which tend to be very economical.

In addition, people who are limited by time might not be able to afford or hire a professional photographer. An image bank usually offers a wide selection of images, with a search feature that makes finding a suitable image quick and easy. Many stock photo websites offer a range of options from professional photographers, which ensures that the images are visually stunning and engaging. Businesses can use stock images across multiple platforms without worrying about legal ramifications because stock images can often be licensed for multiple uses.

While there are definitely some advantages to using stock images, there are also some drawbacks that need to be taken into consideration before making a decision about which types of images to invest in.

Some of the potential drawbacks of using stock images include:

1. Lack of Originality: Because stock images are used by many different people and organisations, they can quickly become overused and stale. If you want your brand to stand out and be memorable, using original images is often a better choice.
2. Inauthenticity: Many stock images can feel generic and staged. If you want to create a genuine connection with your audience, using original images that show real people and real situations can be a more effective approach.
3. Limited Customisation: While many stock image providers offer a wide variety of images to choose from, they may not always have exactly what you’re looking for. Additionally, you may not be able to customise stock images to fit your brand’s unique style and voice.
4. Legal Concerns: While most stock image providers do offer licenses for their images, it’s important to be aware of any potential legal issues that could arise if you use an image improperly. This could include copyright infringement, which could lead to legal trouble and damage to your brand’s reputation.

Overall, while stock images can be a convenient and cost-effective choice, they may not always be the best option for creating a unique and memorable brand. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both stock and original images before making a final decision.

While stock images have their advantages, original images have their own set of benefits that are worth considering. Here are some of the top advantages of using original images:

1. Unique and Authentic: The biggest benefit of using original images is that they are unique and authentic. Since they are created specifically for your project or brand, they can capture the essence and personality of your brand in a way that stock images simply cannot. Original images can also set you apart from competitors who are using the same stock images as everyone else.
2. Better Quality: When you use original images, you have complete control over the quality and resolution of the images. This means that you can ensure that the images are of the highest quality possible and that they will look great no matter how they are used. Using original images also allows you to maintain consistency in your branding and messaging. Since you have control over the creation of the images, you can ensure that they are consistent with your brand’s visual identity and messaging.
3. SEO Benefits: Original images can also provide SEO benefits. By using unique images, you can help your website stand out in search engine results pages. Search engines like Google value original and unique content, and this can help improve your website’s search engine rankings.
4. More Versatile: Original images are also more versatile than stock images. They can be used for a wider range of purposes, including social media posts, blog posts, print materials, and more. This versatility can save you money in the long run, as you can use the same image across multiple channels and platforms.

Images are a crucial component of branding. They are one of the most effective ways to communicate your brand’s message to your audience. Your choice of images can either reinforce your brand’s identity or completely dilute it.

When it comes to branding, using original images can be highly beneficial. This is because original images can be tailored to reflect your brand’s personality and values, and are more likely to be unique to your brand. Original images are also more memorable and can help your brand stand out in a crowded market.

On the other hand, stock images may not always be aligned with your brand’s messaging. These images are often generic and can be found on many other websites, making them less likely to stand out or be memorable. This can dilute your brand’s identity and make it harder for your audience to recognise you.

When selecting images for your branding, it is important to choose ones that are not only visually appealing but also reflect your brand’s message. By investing in original images, you can create a unique and compelling visual story that captures the essence of your brand and connects with your audience.

How can Hive help?
We will put together a brief for your photographer, that conveys your branding and the image your dental business wants to portray, customers want to see real, meaningful interactions with your brand, giving your brand the authenticity, that is conveyed across website, social media and printed matter through its images.

This brief, will direct the photographer to create the images that you require, we will usually include a mood board, that reflects the images that should be taken, often, these include examples of images reflecting the interaction between the customer and the practitioner as well as connecting with the audience. We find that images of customers interacting with the dental surgeon and staff work better than purely clinical images, leaving a memorable impression and showcasing your brand with visuals on your website.

Here is an example mood board presentation that we provide: