Stock Images are convenient marketing material, but are limiting:
1) While there are ample free stock websites, there isn’t a picture for every specific thing you need or have envisioned.
2) Free stock images are accessible to everyone, which means odds are the image you intend to use is already all over the internet being recycled by hundreds of other brands/businesses.
When I’m busy as a bee I’ll resort to stock sites, but I usually opt for shooting my own stock photos. You do NOT have to be a professional photographer to shoot amazing stock photos. Taking a little extra time to create your own content not only levels up your online presence but also creates a unique element to your personal brand.
Here are some quick SOCIALLY KAILEE tips for SHOOTING YOUR OWN STOCK
Shooting
1) Composition
a)Rule of Thirds
In photography/videography the rule of thirds indicates that you should imagine your canvas in a 3×3 grid and align your subject with these imaginary guide lines or intersections. Aligning your subjects using the rule of thirds is said to create more tension and draw focus to these key points of interest rather than centering a subject. Here is an example:
b) Negative space or White Space
Open or empty space surrounding the subject. Much like the rule of thirds, negative space helps to draw our eyes/attention to the subject of the composition. Negative space is also beneficial for marketing content because it offers the opportunity for added typography like so:
2) Set Up Like a Pro
Gear
You don’t need to splurge on gear to get amazing shots, but there are a few tools that will come in handy:
-Tripods or sticks to get steadier shots, unique angles, and timer-set shots
-Lighting is a crucial component of photography so either try to shoot with natural light when possible or invest in budget friendly external light options like a ring light
Sheets
Another inexpensive versatile photography hack that everyone can use to their advantage – Sheets serve as great backdrops not only for portraits, but also for product shots and even makeshift green screens if you know your way around photoshop.
This particular shot was created using a green sheet as green screen
Creating Negative Space
You can use blank walls or even floors as negative space in your shots. Windows and doors also work well
Mirrors
Mirrors can also create negative space, but if you use a little imagination there are endless possibilities to incorporate mirrors into stock images (especially in product photography)
Flat Lays and Props
Using the rule of thirds and a variety of props you can create your own custom flat lays. Flat lays are birds-eye view shots and are extremely common in stock photography. You can decorate your floor or a sheet with props to create stunning images. I like to use books, blankets, trays, and small details like little leaves/flowers, beads, stationary etc.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have certain props available you can substitute items with PNGs during the editing phase. I’m no Barista so I always use cappuccino top PNGs to make my coffee look aesthetically pleasing!
DIY Mockups
You can use any flat surfaced object to create your own makeshift mockups. Computer screens, phones, tablets, picture frames, store signs etc. Take stock photos of these objects and use editing apps like photoshop, canva etc. to bring your own images on top!
Editing
Tools and Software
a)Photoshop:I have personally always used Photoshop. It’s my favourite app to create and store presets, play around with masks (hello mockups), and make touch ups
b)Lightroom: lightroom is industry standard for photography and also has the amazing benefit of creating presets so all your imagery and branding stays consistent. **Lightroom is available for free on Mobile for quick touch ups/presets on the go
c)Picsart: Picsart is my mobile photo editor of choice, it has tons of pre-made filters and there’s so many great creative elements available like stickers, masks, fx brushes etc.
d)Canva: Great for small photo edits, resizing, using templates and of course adding Typography
Typography
With stock photography sometimes less is more. Utilize negative space by adding texts, playing with font pairings and getting creative with placement. Canva is my go to tool for adding text to stock photos
Overlays and Gradients
When you want text to be the main focus of your image, use overlays or gradients on your image to make the text pop. PRO TIP: A really quick way to do this is to add a solid colour photo or element on top of your picture and just play with the opacity like this:
PRESETS, FILTERS, BRANDED ITEMS
To keep the aesthetic of your images consistent I always recommend either
a)creating your own presets via lightroom or photoshop or
b) choosing one filter to use across the board.
If you have a brand logo icon or name, find ways to incorporate them into your stock shots!
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This is SUCH a comprehensive guide to creating your own stock images – who’d have thought this was something we ourselves, could create! No more trailing free stock sites. Thanks to you I now have all the skills I need! Thank you beautiful Kailee for sharing your expertise with us! 😍 I am so excited to get started! 😍 Love, Sophie xoxo
I am so happy to hear that! You are such a talented gal, I’m sure you could create some stunning images! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thank you for your kind words always, You are the BEST:) xx Socially Kailee