The In’s and Out’s of the Shutterstock Premier Platform

Different businesses have different visual needs. While startups and small businesses are a good match for the standard Shutterstock services, bigger companies with larger creative teams and greater image needs may find it insufficient and not all that helpful for their workflow.

If this is you, you’ll be happy to learn about Shutterstock‘ Premier Platform, where they offer a tailored solution for stock media and visual content creation for enterprises and large companies.

Advanced licensing options, unlimited seat access, personalised collections, improved search and a whole lot more features that simplify the creative process and reduce the cost for images for those with big image needs.

That’s what you find in Shutterstock Premier service, and what we’ll break down for you, next!

What Image Plans Are Available?

The Shutterstock Premier Program is available on both month-to-month and annual subscription plans. The monthly plan gives you the financial flexibility to only pay for the service during the months you actually need it. Simply turn off the auto-renewal option in your account settings, and you’re good to go.

The annual plan, as the name implies, means that you are purchasing a year-long commitment to Shutterstock.com. This means that you are effectively paying for 12 months of the service, so it is perfect for you if you need images regularly. It might seem like a lot of money, but if you heavy requirement for images, then it will be more than worth it.

The annual image plan also offers two payment methods. You can either be billed on a monthly basis or choose to pay the entire amount upfront. The latter comes with a significant discount, however, so it’s worth looking at that option if you can fit it into your budget.

Shutterstock Premier is a tailored solution and as such the final cost per month or per year will depend on your image needs, team size and other particulars of your business. However, being an enterprise-oriented program means that, expectably, its price points are higher than those of the standard Shutterstock image subscriptions and even the regular team subscriptions.

Don’t let this discourage you, though! The price of Shutterstock Premier is certainly way below that of hiring photographers and researchers individually, and overall is a great value service for its cost.

The Shutterstock Premier License

If your business requires a lot more firepower than the basic Shutterstock plan, you would be wise to consider the Shutterstock Premier License. The premier version of the license gives you many benefits that the standard license doesn’t include at all, and others that are only available on the enhanced license for regular customers. The Premier license:

  • Offers unlimited indemnification and unlimited distribution
  • Sensitive use rights
  • The ability to use the content in merchandise and templates
  • The possibility of buying image copyright, which minimizes legal risk and effectively grants you the exclusive use of the image.

Plus, Shutterstock’s Premier License grants you access to premium content that lower-tier licenses do not. You’ll literally have your pick of the best content Shutterstock has to offer.

The Premier Platform Advantage

When you sign up for a Premier License, the Shutterstock Premier Platform, which literally gives you access to millions of the best content the Internet has to offer, comes along with it. And since Shutterstock’s image library grows by about 50,000 high-quality, high-resolution images on a daily basis, you’re guaranteed to help you bring your visions to life.

It’s not uncommon for large enterprise businesses to have multiple departments working with each other. Within the Shutterstock PremierPlatform, you can add an unlimited number of users to accommodate all the people working on a particular project, as well as create subaccounts and manage the permissions for each account individually. This will allow you to control the access of each account, while still being able to share assets across your entire team.

Want to download multiple images? No problem. The Premier Platform allows batch downloading of up to 50 licensed images at a time, so you don’t have to download each piece of content one at a time. And if you feel like adding custom metadata to this content, the premier platform will let you do that, too, all while staying under the legal protection of Shutterstock.

Personalized Service from Shutterstock Experts

Shutterstock’s Premier Platform also has a dedicated research team. These experienced on-hand curators can provide you with the guidance you need when it comes to finding the right Shutterstock images for your specific visions and creative projects. Don’t know exactly what you’re looking for just yet? They can also help inspire you by giving you ideas and options. With the Premier Platform, you’re not only getting access to Shutterstock’s images but also to the personal, dedicated service of its experienced curators.

Shutterstock Premier’s service doesn’t end with its curators, however. When you sign up with the Premier Plan, you also have a personal account manager, who can assist with any questions, problems, and issues you may have with the platform.

And the best part is that these account managers are region and language-specific. We all know the hassles of dealing with centralized customer service. They don’t speak your language and aren’t familiar with your needs. With your over own account manager, you’re guaranteed to have a more seamless – and pleasant – exchange.

Perfect for Large Teams That Require Collaboration on Various Projects

While Shutterstock isn’t the only royalty-free image provider out there, the Premier License and Premier Platform place them a cut above the competition for large teams that need access to creative assets.

In an extremely visual world where images can make or break your marketing, Shutterstock Premier can help your team deliver on the vision you want for your brand and business in a way that no other service can match.

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Is Custom Stock Photography a Must-Have For Your Business?

There are many benefits of custom stock photography, but is it a must-have for your business? And how expensive is it, really? We're breaking down all the most important details of custom stock photography so you can make the smartest choice for your business and marketing budget.

What is custom stock photography?

Custom stock photography may sound like an oxymoron – if it’s custom, then how is it stock? But what it means is this: instead of browsing hundreds of thousands of images on your average stock photo site, custom photography gives you an original library you can use for all of your marketing purposes. Every image is perfectly inline with your mission, aesthetics, and business. A professional photographer comes in and takes images that can be used for a variety of purposes: websites, email campaigns, social media posts, ads, blogs, print materials and so much more. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn whether this is a must-have for your business.

What are the benefits of custom stock photography?

Smiling woman looks frontally into camera during pottery work

Copyright 2Design, all rights reserved.

1. Perfectly on-brand imagery

An investment in custom stock photography is an investment in your brand. You have a say in the styling, the subjects, and you can even be present throughout the shoot. You'll get exactly what you have in mind to use for all your marketing materials. 

2. Hours of time saved 

Having custom stock photos saves you hours of searching through large stock agency libraries for the perfect image that might work for you. Instead, you have a custom arsenal of images that are exactly what you need, no matter what project you're working on. Related: How to waste less time looking for stock photos

3. Unique, original photos

It can be embarrassing – or worse, confusing for customers – if you use the same stock photos as a competitor does in marketing campaigns. Local car dealerships, coffee shops or restaurants can run into this quite easily, especially if you offer the same product as another location nearby. With custom stock photos, you'll never run into a competitor using the same images in their marketing strategy as you are. Everything is for your exclusive use.

4. A personal touch

You can have your own space and employees in your custom stock photos, which adds a personal touch. Localized images, or pictures taken in prominent, local spaces, help you better connect with your target audience. For example, if your business is located in St. Louis, Missouri, images with the Gateway Arch in the backdrop will help local customers connect with your brand better than an image of generic buildings would.

5. Cohesive feel across all marketing platforms

Custom stock photos take all the guesswork out of that cohesive look and feel you want for your website, social media channels, ads, and print materials. The images are naturally cohesive because they were taken for your brand.

Who has a need for custom stock photography?

Custom stock photography is incredibly beneficial, but in different ways, depending on the kind of business you have. Here's a brief breakdown of who has a need for it and why:

Local businesses

Local, small businesses are unique to their communities. They often offer a distinctly high-quality product or service, and because of that, it can be difficult to find generic stock photos that do those justice. Custom stock photos can better tell the story behind your business visually.
Employee in coffee shop gets something out of window

Copyright OscarStock, all rights reserved.

Brands

For brands, aesthetic and consistency are key to success. It can be difficult to curate the perfect image from generic stock photo websites that reflect your brand precisely. Because of that, custom stock photography is a worthwhile – and perhaps necessary – investment. Beautiful images made for your brand identity can help more real people connect with it on social media, while browsing your website, and through other marketing campaigns.

Agencies

Custom stock photography is especially important for agencies that are hoping to connect with new clients. Why? Because custom stock photos can show potential clients who they're working with. Agencies have a reputation for being faceless and distant, so bringing custom stock photos in can help overcome that perception.

Large companies

Large companies can benefit from custom stock photography because they're often notable in the public eye, and it can be embarrassing to wind up using the same generic stock photos as a competitor in marketing materials. Custom stock photography can help large companies create unique assets and protect the brand identity they've worked to build over time.

Who shouldn't invest in custom stock photography?

View of balconies with satellite dishes in prefabricated building

Copyright zettberlin, all rights reserved.

While there are many benefits to custom stock photography, it's not always a wise investment. Here are some reasons not to invest in custom stock photos:

You have a shoestring budget

“Custom” may make it sound like only huge companies like Coca-Cola or Microsoft could afford this kind of stock photography, but that’s simply untrue. There are several sources for custom stock photos that you can reach out to for quotes to find a price point that works for you. However, custom stock photography is more expensive than generic stock, so if you have a shoestring marketing budget, this may not be the best time to invest in custom stock photography. Check out the 20 best stock photo sites to find high quality images that fit your budget's needs – and maybe in a year or two, you can jump on the custom stock photography train, too.

You don't have a style guide

A style guide is a branding resource you shouldn't be without. Its purpose is to ensure every piece of content, whether a blog or social media post, email, or print material is completely polished and on-brand. It references content tone, grammar usage, logo usage, the kind of visuals that should be used, and more. Without a style guide, you could very well invest in a library of custom stock photos that are just trendy without a long shelf-life, or are completely off-brand. A style guide helps you discern what you like personally versus what your target customer or client would resonate with. Bottom line: invest in a style guide before putting money into a library of custom stock images. Related: How to choose the perfect images for marketing and visual content

You aren't sure what you want

If you don't have a vision for a custom stock library, it isn't the right time to invest in one. Without a vision or direction of some kind, you may not be satisfied with the custom stock photos you receive. So, how do you develop a vision for your brand? Browsing existing stock photos and determining what is on-brand, and what is off-brand, can help you determine what you want out of your custom stock photos. Write down some feelings you want your customers to have when they view your custom images. Doing this can help you narrow down your vision and get images that your target audience resonates with.

Where can I get custom stock photos?

Man screams in the megaphone and jumps into the air

Copyright kallejipp, all rights reserved.

If you've decided it's time to invest in custom stock photos, you want to choose a reliable channel to purchase them through. The process can be overwhelming if you don't know where to begin looking for them. Here are several known and trusted resources for custom stock photos to help you take the next best step for your business:

Shutterstock Custom – Custom Images from an Industry Leader

Shutterstocklogo Shutterstock is one of the top names in the stock photography business, and you can partner with their best photographers to get quality, custom stock photos for your exclusive use. Used by big names like L'Oreal, Unilever and McDonald's, Shutterstock Custom is a trusted source for custom images that reflect your brand's aesthetics and mission. Through their easy to use platform, you can plan out content you want to see and get it at a realistic price. Shutterstock Custom's global network of industry-leading creators makes it easy for you to get what you need, wherever you need it from. Request a demo from Shutterstock Custom to learn more about pricing, or read this case study to learn more about how Shutterstock can bring your brand to life. If you're ready to invest,

Snapwire – Personalized Photos from Local Creatives

Logo Agency Snapwire Snapwire hosts a community of over 700,000 creators worldwide. Used by top brands like Google, Hootsuite, and LinkedIn, their mission is to connect high-quality photographers with your business to produce beautiful stock imagery. The process works in three steps: you request images with details of what you want photographed, a creator is assigned to bring your vision to life, and when completed, you can download the images for your exclusive use. Request a demo from Snapwire for pricing information, or check out their collections for examples of previous work.

The Luupe – Customized Images Created by Women for Everyone

The Luupe is a community of female photographers and content creators who develop work for commercial use. Their talent roster includes photographers who have previously worked for big names like Shutterstock, IBM, Starbucks and National Geographic. They specialize in creating affordable, diverse and authentic content to help brands connect with their audiences. Get in touch with them for pricing information or check out the simple process they implement to make it easy for you to get the images you need.

EyeEm – Tailored Images from Global Perspectives

Logo Agency EyeEm EyeEm is an online community of photographers based around the world. Their goal is to create original, on-brand images the resonate with your customers. Trusted by brands like Canon and Converse, the creators at EyeEm deliver something non-traditional, funky and totally unique to their clients at an affordable price. Learn more about personal photo shoots for your brand from EyeEm.

Local Branding Photographers – Skip the Middle Man

More and more photographers are offering brand photography and delivering custom stock photos to their clients. If you want to skip the middle man and head right to the source, try Googling “Branding photographers near me” to check out pricing and talent in your area. This process may be slightly less expensive than going through one of the platforms noted above, but it's important to know that finding a local professional photographer on your own who meets your criteria will take significantly longer this way. Be sure to check out portfolios and communicate with local photographers before hiring one for a photoshoot so you know whether you're a good working fit for each other.

So, is custom stock photography a necessity?

Custom photography not a necessity if your marketing budget is minimal, if you don't have a style guide, or if you don't really have a vision for a custom stock photo library. It is totally okay not to be ready for this investment. Instead, check out these sources for unique stock photos that will better fit your budget for the time being. When your brand or business has grown enough for you to seriously consider custom stock photography, we'll be here with the best recommendations for you! Custom stock photos may be necessary for your business if you have the budget, the vision, and you are ready to take your content to the next level visually. It is for small, mid-sized and large brands or businesses that are ready to differentiate themselves from the competition in a truly unique way. Check out Shutterstock Custom for the truly original stock imagery that will make your brand or business memorable in the eyes of your audience.

-

Is Custom Stock Photography a Must-Have For Your Business?

There are many benefits of custom stock photography, but is it a must-have for your business? And how expensive is it, really? We're breaking down all the most important details of custom stock photography so you can make the smartest choice for your business and marketing budget.

What is custom stock photography?

Custom stock photography may sound like an oxymoron – if it’s custom, then how is it stock? But what it means is this: instead of browsing hundreds of thousands of images on your average stock photo site, custom photography gives you an original library you can use for all of your marketing purposes. Every image is perfectly inline with your mission, aesthetics, and business. A professional photographer comes in and takes images that can be used for a variety of purposes: websites, email campaigns, social media posts, ads, blogs, print materials and so much more. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn whether this is a must-have for your business.

What are the benefits of custom stock photography?

Smiling woman looks frontally into camera during pottery work

Copyright 2Design, all rights reserved.

1. Perfectly on-brand imagery

An investment in custom stock photography is an investment in your brand. You have a say in the styling, the subjects, and you can even be present throughout the shoot. You'll get exactly what you have in mind to use for all your marketing materials. 

2. Hours of time saved 

Having custom stock photos saves you hours of searching through large stock agency libraries for the perfect image that might work for you. Instead, you have a custom arsenal of images that are exactly what you need, no matter what project you're working on. Related: How to waste less time looking for stock photos

3. Unique, original photos

It can be embarrassing – or worse, confusing for customers – if you use the same stock photos as a competitor does in marketing campaigns. Local car dealerships, coffee shops or restaurants can run into this quite easily, especially if you offer the same product as another location nearby. With custom stock photos, you'll never run into a competitor using the same images in their marketing strategy as you are. Everything is for your exclusive use.

4. A personal touch

You can have your own space and employees in your custom stock photos, which adds a personal touch. Localized images, or pictures taken in prominent, local spaces, help you better connect with your target audience. For example, if your business is located in St. Louis, Missouri, images with the Gateway Arch in the backdrop will help local customers connect with your brand better than an image of generic buildings would.

5. Cohesive feel across all marketing platforms

Custom stock photos take all the guesswork out of that cohesive look and feel you want for your website, social media channels, ads, and print materials. The images are naturally cohesive because they were taken for your brand.

Who has a need for custom stock photography?

Custom stock photography is incredibly beneficial, but in different ways, depending on the kind of business you have. Here's a brief breakdown of who has a need for it and why:

Local businesses

Local, small businesses are unique to their communities. They often offer a distinctly high-quality product or service, and because of that, it can be difficult to find generic stock photos that do those justice. Custom stock photos can better tell the story behind your business visually.
Employee in coffee shop gets something out of window

Copyright OscarStock, all rights reserved.

Brands

For brands, aesthetic and consistency are key to success. It can be difficult to curate the perfect image from generic stock photo websites that reflect your brand precisely. Because of that, custom stock photography is a worthwhile – and perhaps necessary – investment. Beautiful images made for your brand identity can help more real people connect with it on social media, while browsing your website, and through other marketing campaigns.

Agencies

Custom stock photography is especially important for agencies that are hoping to connect with new clients. Why? Because custom stock photos can show potential clients who they're working with. Agencies have a reputation for being faceless and distant, so bringing custom stock photos in can help overcome that perception.

Large companies

Large companies can benefit from custom stock photography because they're often notable in the public eye, and it can be embarrassing to wind up using the same generic stock photos as a competitor in marketing materials. Custom stock photography can help large companies create unique assets and protect the brand identity they've worked to build over time.

Who shouldn't invest in custom stock photography?

View of balconies with satellite dishes in prefabricated building

Copyright zettberlin, all rights reserved.

While there are many benefits to custom stock photography, it's not always a wise investment. Here are some reasons not to invest in custom stock photos:

You have a shoestring budget

“Custom” may make it sound like only huge companies like Coca-Cola or Microsoft could afford this kind of stock photography, but that’s simply untrue. There are several sources for custom stock photos that you can reach out to for quotes to find a price point that works for you. However, custom stock photography is more expensive than generic stock, so if you have a shoestring marketing budget, this may not be the best time to invest in custom stock photography. Check out the 20 best stock photo sites to find high quality images that fit your budget's needs – and maybe in a year or two, you can jump on the custom stock photography train, too.

You don't have a style guide

A style guide is a branding resource you shouldn't be without. Its purpose is to ensure every piece of content, whether a blog or social media post, email, or print material is completely polished and on-brand. It references content tone, grammar usage, logo usage, the kind of visuals that should be used, and more. Without a style guide, you could very well invest in a library of custom stock photos that are just trendy without a long shelf-life, or are completely off-brand. A style guide helps you discern what you like personally versus what your target customer or client would resonate with. Bottom line: invest in a style guide before putting money into a library of custom stock images. Related: How to choose the perfect images for marketing and visual content

You aren't sure what you want

If you don't have a vision for a custom stock library, it isn't the right time to invest in one. Without a vision or direction of some kind, you may not be satisfied with the custom stock photos you receive. So, how do you develop a vision for your brand? Browsing existing stock photos and determining what is on-brand, and what is off-brand, can help you determine what you want out of your custom stock photos. Write down some feelings you want your customers to have when they view your custom images. Doing this can help you narrow down your vision and get images that your target audience resonates with.

Where can I get custom stock photos?

Man screams in the megaphone and jumps into the air

Copyright kallejipp, all rights reserved.

If you've decided it's time to invest in custom stock photos, you want to choose a reliable channel to purchase them through. The process can be overwhelming if you don't know where to begin looking for them. Here are several known and trusted resources for custom stock photos to help you take the next best step for your business:

Shutterstock Custom – Custom Images from an Industry Leader

Shutterstocklogo Shutterstock is one of the top names in the stock photography business, and you can partner with their best photographers to get quality, custom stock photos for your exclusive use. Used by big names like L'Oreal, Unilever and McDonald's, Shutterstock Custom is a trusted source for custom images that reflect your brand's aesthetics and mission. Through their easy to use platform, you can plan out content you want to see and get it at a realistic price. Shutterstock Custom's global network of industry-leading creators makes it easy for you to get what you need, wherever you need it from. Request a demo from Shutterstock Custom to learn more about pricing, or read this case study to learn more about how Shutterstock can bring your brand to life. If you're ready to invest,

Snapwire – Personalized Photos from Local Creatives

Logo Agency Snapwire Snapwire hosts a community of over 700,000 creators worldwide. Used by top brands like Google, Hootsuite, and LinkedIn, their mission is to connect high-quality photographers with your business to produce beautiful stock imagery. The process works in three steps: you request images with details of what you want photographed, a creator is assigned to bring your vision to life, and when completed, you can download the images for your exclusive use. Request a demo from Snapwire for pricing information, or check out their collections for examples of previous work.

The Luupe – Customized Images Created by Women for Everyone

The Luupe is a community of female photographers and content creators who develop work for commercial use. Their talent roster includes photographers who have previously worked for big names like Shutterstock, IBM, Starbucks and National Geographic. They specialize in creating affordable, diverse and authentic content to help brands connect with their audiences. Get in touch with them for pricing information or check out the simple process they implement to make it easy for you to get the images you need.

EyeEm – Tailored Images from Global Perspectives

Logo Agency EyeEm EyeEm is an online community of photographers based around the world. Their goal is to create original, on-brand images the resonate with your customers. Trusted by brands like Canon and Converse, the creators at EyeEm deliver something non-traditional, funky and totally unique to their clients at an affordable price. Learn more about personal photo shoots for your brand from EyeEm.

Local Branding Photographers – Skip the Middle Man

More and more photographers are offering brand photography and delivering custom stock photos to their clients. If you want to skip the middle man and head right to the source, try Googling “Branding photographers near me” to check out pricing and talent in your area. This process may be slightly less expensive than going through one of the platforms noted above, but it's important to know that finding a local professional photographer on your own who meets your criteria will take significantly longer this way. Be sure to check out portfolios and communicate with local photographers before hiring one for a photoshoot so you know whether you're a good working fit for each other.

So, is custom stock photography a necessity?

Custom photography not a necessity if your marketing budget is minimal, if you don't have a style guide, or if you don't really have a vision for a custom stock photo library. It is totally okay not to be ready for this investment. Instead, check out these sources for unique stock photos that will better fit your budget for the time being. When your brand or business has grown enough for you to seriously consider custom stock photography, we'll be here with the best recommendations for you! Custom stock photos may be necessary for your business if you have the budget, the vision, and you are ready to take your content to the next level visually. It is for small, mid-sized and large brands or businesses that are ready to differentiate themselves from the competition in a truly unique way. Check out Shutterstock Custom for the truly original stock imagery that will make your brand or business memorable in the eyes of your audience.

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The Complete List of Stock Photo Free Trials (2019)

In today’s increasingly busy and distracting world, even the most comprehensive content gets scanned for the ‘good bits’. We’re so used to consuming huge amounts of data on a regular basis that finding the time to truly engage is often a luxury, especially when searching for stock photo free trials. That’s where the power of images comes in. A striking stock image can force you to pause and emotionally engage in a way that words can’t. Images have the ability to capture your imagination without having to use a single word. In fact, good imagery is deemed essential to getting your message across. A problem that many businesses face is not having enough high-quality stock photos to use across their various marketing channels. Especially when you consider how expensive it can be to purchase a large number of stock images which affects most small business, graphic designers, website builders, and entrepreneurs. Being able to take advantage of stock photo free trials before committing your budget is a win-win. Take Adobe's 30 days free trial for example, due to its popularity and extensive collection this is one of the top choices for businesses.
Get 10 Adobe Stock standard assets with your free trial. Cancel risk-free within the first month.

High-quality images that don’t break the bank

Whether you want beautiful images for your blog or need stunning photos and videos for you social media campaigns, finding the right picture is a task in itself. The good news is that high-quality stock images don’t have to break the bank thanks to an abundance of online stock photo agencies. The downside is that you often have to waste a lot of time trying to find that perfect shot. Many graphic designers and business owners know that frustration only too well. While searching for images, the last thing you want to worry about is image copyrights or other restrictions. Avoid getting yourself in hot water by using trusted stock agencies who take care of all the hard work for you. Our goal is to help make your job easier, so we've compiled a list of the top stock photo agencies that offer free trials and are 100% royalty-free, so you don’t have to worry about a lawsuit!

Stock Photo Sites – Free Trials

Check out some of our favourite stock photo free trial sites:

Adobe Stock – The Free Trial Version for anyone

Adobe Stock offers a 30-day free trial, offering 10 free photos throughout the free trial. After the trial, Adobe Stock monthly subscription is set at an affordable price of $29.99 per month, with a standard license that allows unlimited online usage with some restrictions. For an added cost of $80 per image, all restrictions will be lifted allowing you to use the images however you wish. Adobe Stock offers credit packs at the price of one credit for $10, with HD images requiring anywhere between 5 to 50 credits. Adobe Stock is ideal for graphic designers that use Adobe Cloud, but can also be used independently for those who don’t Adobe Cloud. Perfectly integrated with Adobe Photoshop makes it a must for designers. This easy-to-use integration provides designers with access to millions of images without ever having to leave Adobe Photoshop. You can preview watermarked photos and optimise your design before making a final decision on which image works best. Don’t miss out on Adobe Stock’s free trial by using StockPhotoSecrets’ discount code. Find out more about our analyses of Adobe Stock.
Get 10 Adobe Stock standard assets with your free trial. Cancel risk-free within the first month.

Photocase – Free Trial includes 5 Free Credits

Enjoy 5 FREE credits when you register for Photocase’s free trial using the Stock Photo Secrets voucher code. Every single high-resolution image published on their platform is handpicked by experienced photo editors. Their credit packages which start from 25 Credits up to 4 photos in standard size are very affordable in comparison to other stock photo agencies meaning you won’t have to splash the cash. With an easy-to-use search engine system, you can organize your photos by project names, theme and effortlessly search for your favourite images. Photocase is known for its modern, aesthetically pleasing images which are sure to catch the attention of your readers. Click here to take advantage of Photocase’s 5 free credits and 10% of your first purchase. Read the full report of Photocase review.
Get 5 FREE Credits and 10% OFF on your first purchase with Photocase.

Dreamstime – Explore the 1-Week Free Trial

Using Dreamstime is literally a dream for millions of small businesses, graphic studios, publication houses, and freelancers, offering over 107 million stock photos. You’ll have access to a large collection of professional standard photos with millions of hand-drawn and computerised illustrations. Dreamstime has a one-week free trial plan for new customers and you can enjoy the first 5 high-quality images for FREE with no strings attached.

Stock Photo Sites – Best On A Budget  (not free but cheap)

99Club by Stock Photo Secrets – Easy Access for a Small Fee

Considered one of the most budget-friendly stock photo agencies, StockPhotoSecrets is the perfect solution for small and medium-sized businesses. With more than 4 million royalty-free images (and counting!) and plans to suit every budget, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice across the globe. Technically there is no free trial, but thanks to the super affordable pricing plans it usually works out significantly cheaper than most of the other options. We help you save money without having to compromise on quality. Download 200 XXL high-quality photos for just $99 from 99 Club, and if you need more than 200 images, vectors or illustrations, you only have to pay $0.99 per XXL download. Sign up to 99 Club and register to download images, vectors, and illustrations today. Click here for reviews on the 99Club.

Bigstock – Each day 5 royalty-free images / 7 days

With Bigstock, you can download up to 5 royalty-free images or vectors of any size each day for 7 days. Registering for a Bigstock free trial provides access to more than 80 million high-resolution standard license stock images. It’s important to note that you need to enter a valid payment method before you can activate the 7-day trial period. After the 7-day free trial is over, you will only be charged if you wish to continue using their services. This will come at a cost of $79 per month for 5 images per day on a subscription basis. Additional images can be purchased using credit packs from $12, which expire after one full year. Extended licenses for images can be bought for around $50 per image, permitting unlimited commercial use. Try out Bigstock’s free trial and take advantage of their special discount through StockPhotoSecrets where you get an additional 6 credits completely free when you buy any credit package. Read more about this stock photography resource in our BigStock review.

Stock Photo Sites – Free Images

Shutterstock – Free Images for Creative Users

Shutterstock is a treasure trove of high-resolution stock photos and vector files. One of the leading stock photography sites in the world, Shutterstock has been an innovator when it comes to stock photography pricing. Introducing subscription for royalty-free stock photos was a game-changer and has since been adopted by many other stock agencies. Boasting more than 280 million royalty-free images, it’s safe to say that they have something for everyone. Prepaid packs range from $49 for any 5 images to $229 for 25 images issued with a standard licence which gives you the right to make up to 500,000 copies of any images. While they don’t offer a free trial, you can still take advantage of free stock photos. Another advantage of using Shutterstock is the editorial version you can download to test out how the image will fit in with your design works. Perfect for graphic designers who can try before they buy. Save up to 15% off your Shutterstock subscription deals using StockPhotoSecrets’ coupon code. Find out the full report on Shutterstock.
This exclusive coupon will save you 15% on any image subscription and image pack!

iStock – Flexible Plans to Suit Every Budget

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Representing the Hispanic Community Authentically Through Stock Imagery

For too long, finding genuine stock photos that accurately depict the diverse Hispanic community has been a challenge. Stereotypical and inauthentic portrayals have been prevalent, failing to capture the true essence of this vibrant group. However, as businesses recognize the importance of authentic representation, a growing number of stock image providers are offering more realistic and culturally sensitive options.

This guide explores the significance of using authentic Hispanic stock imagery, how to identify it, and where to source it effectively. Don't miss out on the top 10 agencies that offer diverse stock photos as well.

The Value of Authentic Representation

Authentic representation matters, especially for the substantial Hispanic market in the United States. By utilizing stock photos that resonate with this community, businesses can forge stronger connections, build trust, and effectively communicate their brand's values. Authentic imagery not only avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes but also celebrates the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture and ethnic diversity.

Identifying Authentic Hispanic Stock Images

Distinguishing authentic Hispanic stock images with hispanic heritage from inauthentic ones requires a discerning eye. Here are some key factors to consider for the correct cultural representation:

  1. Avoid Stereotypes: Steer clear of images that perpetuate degrading stereotypes, such as hypersexualized women or overly masculine men. Instead, seek out representations of real, hardworking individuals in diverse roles and settings.
  2. Use Specific Search Terms: Utilize precise search terms like “Hispanic businesswoman” or “tacos al pastor” to narrow down results and increase the likelihood of finding authentic images.
  3. Look for Natural Poses: Overly posed, inauthentic smiles and stances can feel contrived. Opt for images that capture movement, interaction, and relaxed body language for a more natural and relatable feel.
  4. Consider Brand Alignment: Select images that resonate with your brand's target audience, reflecting their age, gender, occupation, and interests. High-quality, well-lit photos that your audience can relate to are essential.

Where to Find Authentic Hispanic Stock Images

Several stock photo sources now offer diverse and authentic Hispanic imagery with commercial licenses. Here are some notable options:

  • Getty Images Nosotros Collection: Developed specifically for the Hispanic community, featuring a wide range of occupations and interests.
  • Stockphotos.com Club Easy: Affordable access to millions of royalty-free Hispanic stock photos, with new additions every month.
  • Photocase: Artistic and authentic photos, avoiding clichés and stereotypes.
  • Shutterstock: A vast collection of over 475 million images, including a wide range of Hispanic representation.
  • iStock: Exclusive Hispanic photos and vectors, particularly strong in traditional food imagery.
  • Adobe Stock: Beautiful Hispanic family imagery, seamlessly integrated with Adobe's Creative Cloud.

By embracing authentic representation and sourcing stock images that accurately reflect the Hispanic community, businesses can foster meaningful connections and demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The post Representing the Hispanic Community Authentically Through Stock Imagery appeared first on Stock Photo Secrets.

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