Choosing the Right Stock Images

Stock images and photos are an excellent way to add visual interest to your designs, but choosing the right image can be a daunting task. You want to make sure that the image matches your brand’s aesthetic and supports the message you’re trying to communicate with your design. Our team at Diace Designs has experience using stock photos in a variety of applications (websites, billboards, brochures…). In this post, we’re going to cover a few tips for choosing the right stock photos for your next project.

Always Check the License

Both free and paid stock images come with specific licenses that govern how you are allowed to use them. Some sites also require you to attribute, or credit, the photo to the photographer. Paying attention to the licensing and attribution requirements of stock photos is a critical step in the process of selecting the best photos for your project, especially when using stock photography for large campaigns. The last thing you want to deal with after finally fishing a big, national ad campaign is a lawsuit seeking past-due royalty fees for the use of stock photos.

Consider the Application

Envisioning the end result of your design is another key step in choosing the right stock photos. Is your project digital or will it be printed? Is it in landscape or portrait orientation? Most stock photo websites offer filters for size, resolution, and orientation, so knowing the answers to these questions will help you expedite your search. Another helpful question to ask is whether the subject of the image will need to be isolated from its background. If so, then add the phrase “on white” to your search terms to return images that are easier to extract in Photoshop.

Tell a Story

Stock photos are not a literal interpretation of the text in your design—they are a way to connect with the viewer. They set the tone, create a mood, and illustrate abstract concepts. In advertising, they tell the story of how your customer feels before using your product and how they will feel after they use your product. When you’re searching for stock photos, use search terms that describe these emotions, such as “frustration,” “happiness,” or “excitement.” You’re more likely to land on the perfect photo when you search this way than when you use terms like “young woman” or “red car driving.”

Choosing stock images isn’t easy and will always require patience and determination, but the more experience you have, the faster the process gets. If you’re feeling stuck, let us know. Our team can help you find the perfect image to complement and amplify your brand messaging.

About Kara Franco
Kara writes copy that speaks. She has a knack for creating clear, compelling messages without wasting words. She is passionate about digital marketing and believes that copy is the cornerstone of user experience.

Copywriter + Content Strategist
Kara@diacedesigns.com