Are you a green business owner considering using stock photos? Better not, because you’re undermining your brand story and trustworthiness. So what can you do? Find a sustainable photographer in your area and invest in your own unique image bank.
Why don’t stock photos fit climate-conscious entrepreneurs?
As a web designer and photographer, I often see them passing by: environmentally conscious businesses using stock photos. A shame, if you ask me. Because of these five reasons, I highly recommend against it:
1. Stock photos lack authenticity
A stock photo is often a polished and universal image. It is created for a very wide audience and for frequent use. Therefore, such a photo probably says little to nothing about your business. In many cases, this adds no value to your online branding.
2. Image bank photos show clichés instead of true sustainability
How often do you come across that one stock photo of that green globe in someone’s hands? A nice image, but it says nothing about you. It’s a cliché image of someone caring for the earth. Nice that you care about the planet, but your website visitor doesn’t see concretely how you do that. And what does the impatient visitor who doesn’t like clichés do? That one is gone and goes to your competitor.
3. Generic photos are massively reused, you don’t stand out
Chances are very good that you have already seen the same stock photos on different websites. Are you going to use generic photos? Then chances are that the average website visitor is not going to remember your business.
4. Catalog photos do not support local or fair economy
Sensitive point: stock photos can be a form of cutting out photographers in your area. Catalog photos may be significantly cheaper than a one-off photo shoot, but you’re giving a local photographer fewer opportunities as a result. In addition, many image banks are not located in Benelux, so you are not supporting the local economy.
5. Standard images undermine your brand story and trustworthiness
As an environmentally conscious business, it is especially important to be authentic, to rise above the crowd. Stock photos won’t help you at all. On the contrary, by using standard images, you weaken your own brand. You are taken less seriously, you come across as less trustworthy. Ask yourself: would you buy products or services from a sustainable company that uses stock photos?
Not only do businesses sometimes use stock photos, in schools it is oddly common as well. Find out what photos you do put on a school website.
Why does choosing sustainable photography work?
Instead of opting for stock photography, it is better to invest in a series of sustainable photos. I can give you five reasons for that:
1. Live your own values and choose environmentally friendly photography
Corporate social responsibility means caring for people and the planet. By collaborating on a series of your own unique images, you don’t have to rely on the huge data centers behind stock platforms.
Eco-friendly photography, what exactly is that? Read all about sustainable photography here.
2. Build your own credible style
People buy from people and nothing works better than working with your own photos. Show off your business and yourself and you will come across as much more trustworthy. People are more likely to believe in your business and contact you. Especially if you integrate those photos into your own unique branding. Think about your website, social media, business card and your business, if you have a physical business.
3. Support a local photographer and honest collaboration
Those who hire a photographer from their own region also support the local economy. And by choosing an image maker over an image bank, you’re also making a real difference as a sustainable business owner. Do what you stand for!
4. Make your sustainable impact visually concrete
Green businesses prioritize the planet. Photos that show how you do that have a huge visual impact. Prospective clients take a look at your office, studio or business, your way of working and who is behind it. This means a lot: it’s not just words, but you see the actions reflected in the images!
Being a sustainable web designer and photographer, I often travel by bicycle. Look here for an example of a sustainable entrepreneur on a bicycle.
5. Create long-term value with your own image archive
By doing a one-time photo shoot for a few hours, you’ll soon have dozens of images you can use for various aspects of your branding. You can use your custom images not only for your site, but also for your social media, email marketing, brochure, flyer and more. If you work with a professional photographer, they will provide images in a consistent style. By using these images every time, you are consistent and people build a connection with your business. The power of repetition works.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable photography for business owners
How do I find a sustainable photographer?
Find a photographer in your area who is experienced in corporate social responsibility and who works ecologically consciously. Ask for examples and methods.
Looking for a sustainable photographer? Discover my approach here.
What does sustainable photography cost?
Prices vary, but consider it an investment in your business and impact. A local photographer often works more transparently and personally than large image banks.
Why is it so important to be authentic?
Authenticity creates trust, sets you apart from competitors and strengthens your relationship with customers.
Conclusion
Are you considering stock photos as an ecological entrepreneur? Please, don’t even start with it. Rather, invest in your own unique photo series by hiring a local photographer. You not only support the local economy, but also avoid the energy-consuming infrastructure behind stock platforms. In addition, your own unique images strengthen your own business. Stock photos can break your brand; your own photos build it.