In a previous post we detailed a few of the ways in which using a stock photo resource to handle your graphic design image needs during a project can be simply one of the best decisions you make. However, we’d be lying if we just left things there: You see, stock photos can be a rather terrible idea, but it’s important to understand the circumstantial distinctions between the two results. When is a stock photo a good idea? When is it a bad idea? What in fact are the cons of using a stock photo, rather than outsourcing the work or dealing with it yourself? To answer the latter, you’ll have to head on down below the break to see our full write-up!

  1. They’re Tacky: Let’s be honest here guys. A stock photo isn’t quite on the same level as jeans and an Hawaiian t-shirt on Friday, but they’re certainly not as classy as we sometimes hope. That being said, you can use a stock photo in a tasteful manner. Depending on the photo, though, this may be next to impossible. When searching for a quality resource to use, just remember that you’ll be displaying this on your website or within your project: And no matter how good you think the image looks in the display, try to see it from the critical first-time viewers eye. Will they be screaming “Cheese!” or will they not notice the image much at all?
  2. Copyright Laws: Sadly, the Internet is not quite the golden boy we’d like to believe it is. You see, more often than not in our digital world people will outright steal materials produced by other individuals. Why? Because they can! We don’t know how many times we’ve seen some of our videos or print productions stolen and reproduced elsewhere on another site completely without our permission. It’s a sad state of affairs, but it’s how the world works. As such, be extremely sure the site you’re buying the image form has the primary rights to the photos you’re buying. If you don’t, the site that your vendor stole the images from has every right to go after your supplier and you. Trust us, you really don’t want legal troubles on your tail, especially copyright concerns. Play it safe, and always double check for verification.