Just say no to the "handshake photo"

Stock photography has been around for years, but recently, $1-a-photo pricing has caused consumers to stampede stock-photo bargain basement bins.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a deal as much as the next guy, but am I really serving my clients interest if their budgets dictate that I use that “handshake photo” one more time? You know the one I’m talking about, that ubiquitous image of the businessmen’s hands clasped in triumphant financial victory, or how about the frustrated executive?

The ubiquitous "handshake photo" may scare away clients

Recently, I’ve been able to persuade clients to look at alternatives to stock. They may have to adjust their budgets upward a bit, but the return on that investment can be huge. If it’s obvious you’ve used stock, it places you in a category as a company that can’t afford the “real stuff.” Conversely, presenting a design with custom imagery that’s tailored to your message goes a long way in establishing credibility for your company.

So how can you do this without breaking the bank? There are a few tricks and tips we’ve used with great success at afstudio, and would like to share.

Alternatives to stock: tricks and tips

Trick 1: Get organized

Plan your photography needs around one background and have all of your models and objects ready for a half-day shoot. Photographers can negotiate pricing if they don’t have to spend the whole day on your job, or getting the content for your shoot in piecemeal delivery.

Trick 2: Use several crops of one photo

If you are illustrating a story about antique timepieces, put several pieces in one shot with a colorful background and use 3 or 4 different crops to get your illustrations.

Multiple crops of one larger photo can save you time and money

Trick 3: Get your friends to model

Ask your friends or your client's friends to model for a photo shoot. This saves money (you can still pay them something) and it often gives a more “real-world” look.

Trick 4: Recycle custom photography

If there’s a local photographer whose work you really like, search their online portfolio for a piece that will work for your needs. Ask if they will take a “re-use fee” for that image. Many times you can get an excellent custom look from the pros that you know. This is especially useful if you are looking for images of local places or events.