"The Difference Between Stock Photos and Custom Commercial Photography"

In today’s digital world, images are a vital part of your brand’s identity. From your website and social media to marketing campaigns and presentations, visuals shape how people perceive your business. But not all images are created equal. When it comes to building a strong, authentic brand, there’s a big difference between stock photos and custom commercial photography and choosing the right approach can make a huge impact.

What Are Stock Photos?

Stock photos are pre-made images available online for businesses to purchase and use. They’re convenient, often inexpensive, and easy to find for almost any concept you can imagine. You might see a stock image of a smiling business team, a generic office space, or someone working on a laptop.

Pros:

• Quick and easy to source

• Affordable compared to custom photography

• Wide variety of subjects and styles

Cons:

• Generic and overused- your competitors may be using the same images

• Lacks authenticity and personal connection

• Limited flexibility for your brand’s specific messaging and style

Why Custom Commercial Photography Works Better

Custom commercial photography is tailored specifically for your brand. A professional photographer works with you to capture images that reflect your business values, style, and personality. This could include:

• Staff headshots and team photos

• Lifestyle images of your products in use

• Environmental portraits showing your workspace or studio

• Behind-the-scenes moments that highlight your processes

Benefits:

• Authenticity: Your images are unique to your business, helping you stand out.

• Consistency: Custom photography allows a cohesive visual style across all platforms.

• Storytelling: Each photo is created with your brand’s story in mind.

• Long-Term Value: These images can be reused across campaigns, social media, and marketing materials.

When to Use Each

While custom photography is ideal for brand-building and storytelling, stock photos can still have a place for temporary or generic content, such as quick blog visuals or filler images. However, if you want to truly connect with your audience, convey professionalism, and stand out from competitors, investing in custom commercial photography is the smarter choice.

Your business deserves images that tell your unique story. Stock photos might be convenient, but custom commercial photography gives your brand authenticity, cohesion, and lasting impact. By investing in professional imagery, you create a visual identity that resonates with clients, strengthens trust, and sets your business apart.

Get in touch to find out more about our bespoke business branding photo sessions: laura@laurawoodrow.co.uk