How to use stock images with your branded photos

Even if you’ve had a branding shoot, you’re still going to need other photos, so today I thought I’d share how to use stock images with your branded photos and where to find them.

To start with, I’ve always had a bit of a problem with stock photo websites. The photos are just too pretty for my social feeds (I know…is that even possible?).

But bare with me…

You know the ones…a flatlay with all rose gold accessories, a massive bouquet of flowers and designer handbags…or even a living room scene straight out of Hollywood with palm trees in the background and endless space.

But that’s not how we live in the UK (or at least, it’s not how most of us live). We’re more Yorkshire Tea, blossom trees, roses, 3 bed semi’s and fields of animals.

One of the unexpectedly good things about the recent lockdown is that we’re seeing more real life in those little square on instagram; and facebook is awash with behind the scenes photos.

So would you want to go back to generic whimsical photos of pretty delicate little iced biscuits and designer flatlays?

Its not real life.

After you’ve had a personal branding shoot, (because you know you need to be more visible), it doesn’t seem right, relying on stock images for your feed just because they look pretty.

Surely if the stock photos also allowed you to tell your story it would feel more authentic?

So…the best way to use stock photos in my “humble” opinion is that they should continue the story of your brand. Not just be a pretty place holder.

So…here are my top tips for using the photos and finding them.

Style

Were your branding photos bright and colourful, dark and brooding or light and airy?

Choosing a similar style when you’re looking for stock photos will ensure your feed looks seamless between stock photos and branded photos.

Colours

You’re still going to want to continue with the aesthetics of your feed but in a more organic way.

Find photos that sit well with your brand but include an element of your branded colours.

This feed is bright and airy but with a blue theme running through it. And I’m pretty sure most of us could relate to the things in the photos.

Theme

If your business is being a coach and you love baking in your spare time …then it’s an easy way to include more of you in the feed, without having to use your own photos.

The trick is to find images that suit your feed and tell your story – but still look professional.

Where to find stock photos…

You could head to the bigger sites like Shutterstock or istockphoto, maybe even try some of the freebie sites like Pixabay or Unsplash.

They both have great professional looking photos and although you’ll have to look through (potentially) thousands of images, you’re going to find some great images.

You could also try my new website SOCIALFILLER where we offer a membership (you get 30 images/quotes and captions every month) or collections of images specific to different industries and hobbies.

Real life stock photos that allow you to be authentic but still use professional images.

———-PS If you’d like our FREE stock photo & caption STARTER KIT click here!