Whether you’re a business owner or an avid blogger, using stock pictures can be a great way to enhance your online presence. If you don’t have the time, skills or equipment to take high-quality photos, there are plenty of resources out there when it comes to stock photography.
It’s great to use stock pictures, but sometimes, you need something a little more unique.
The good news is, you can style photos to create variety. However, you need to be mindful of licensing restrictions when it comes to altering images or creative work .
Copyright licenses are in place to protect the developer’s creative productions while allowing them to set specific permissions for use.
Note: The terms of use for digital creative works are clearly defined. You are free to build upon this work if the licensing allows such modifications.
With that in mind, here are three ways to add your own touch of flair to stock pictures.
1. Create title graphics for your stock pictures.
Enhancing your stock pictures by adding text in Photoshop or another image editing program can be a great way to create visual appeal for your blog posts. Using this simple method gives your stock pictures a fresh, new look. When paired with your online content, you can create a truly unique and engaging piece.
Pro tip: Adding text to images is also a great way to promote your content on Pinterest.
Descriptors can set your image apart from the rest, and they add a level of uniqueness that moves away from the stock-photo feel. Not to mention that a sharp image with brand-specific text is always great for business. It’s easy to stay top of mind when your company is on display! And with that kind of attention, your readers will be that much more inclined to click-through to your site.
2. Don’t be afraid to crop your images.
Ever thought about cropping your stock pictures? It’s a great way to give images an original feel. For example, rather than putting text on a plain background to create sidebar buttons, banners, and icons, add text to a cropped stock photo for a professional look.
Cropping images means you can repurpose photos for an entirely new look — one that pertains specifically to the layout and style of your site.
For example, don’t be afraid to use different cropped versions of the same stock pictures throughout your site. Using different parts of the same image will create variety while still giving your website a cohesive feel.
3. Add some flair.
Personalizing stock pictures is easier than you think. You can even alter them to promote your social media accounts and website. For example, any picture with a blank screen, such as on a cell phone or laptop, can be edited to display a screenshot of your choosing. Next thing you know, your business’s Facebook page is front and center!
When it comes to styling stock pictures, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t settle for generic photos that don’t speak to your business — channel your creativity so your brand can shine through.
At the end of the day, when it comes to planning your visual content strategy, it’s important to stay true to who you are. By keeping these creative tricks in mind, you can create unique images tailored specifically for your site.
Not sure where to start? There are plenty of sites that offer stock pictures — including the Bloguettes Stock That Rocks collection!
