Welcome to our second minisode! This week, our graphic designer, Shelby Clarke, joins me as a co-host in Jessie-Lee's absence. (Long-time listeners will remember her from our episode about brand style guides.)

But this time, our topic wasn't one of our choosing. Instead, it came from one our awesome Creator's Block listeners, Frances (Hi, Frances!), who writes:

"How about a minisode on how to pick stock photography? I listened to the episode about why you prefer not to use stock photos but there are times when there aren't other options. I have one of those projects coming up. We need to 'refresh' the HR section of our website but our employees scatter whenever they see a camera. It's like everyone is in the witness protection program!"

As someone who prefers being behind the camera, I empathize with her employees. But as a content manager and marketer who leverages stock photos every single day, I also understand her challenge. 

So tune in to hear Shelby and I unpack this topic, including our best practices, favorite tools and absolute no-no's, when it comes to stock photography.

And if you have a question you'd like us to tackle on a future episode, let us know in the comments!

SO, WHAT DID WE TALK ABOUT?

 

• Is stock photography really that awful? Or does it have a place?
• How we make our own stock photography choices
• The importance of developing a visual style for your own brand (and documenting it)
• Why you also need to understand what you don't like
• Moving away from literal interpretations of concepts in photography
• Becoming self-aware about your own photography aesthetic
• Our favorite resources and tools
• And much, much more! 

 

RESOURCES WE MENTIONED:

• 123RF
• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• iStockphoto 
• Canva
• Bonus: "This Is Fine" dog
  

OTHER RESOURCES FROM SHELBY:

• Free vs. Paid Stock Photography: Which Is Better for Your Business?
• What Does High-Resolution Mean, and Why Does It Matter?
• Raster vs. Vector: What's the Difference? 
• Avoiding Cheesy Images: Best Stock Photo Websites

 

GET IN TOUCH AND SPREAD THE CREATOR’S BLOCK LOVE

What did you think of this episode? Is there another topic or question you want us to take on? Or do you just want to say hi? Reach out to us on Twitter at @CreatorsBlockHQ or using the hashtag #creatorsblockparty. You can also say hi to me at @naptownpint and Shelby at @shelbstheging. (And if you want to say hi to Jessie-Lee, because you missed her this week, she's at @jhyphenl!) You can also join us in the Creator's Block Podcast group on Facebook, where you can ask questions and get inspired.

And don’t forget - whether you love us or hate us - we would really appreciate you reviewing our podcast on iTunes! 

…until next week!