Let’s get the record straight — using stock images is not cheating.
They are one of the most valuable and versatile elements that can help you level-up your branding. They can help you to take ownership of a visual style or colour palette, broaden your ideas for content creation, and tell a little more of your brand story.
Used well, your audience won’t even realise that they aren’t part of a beautifully planned, custom branded photoshoot. That’s resourceful not cheating. And as a small business, you are undoubtedly more resourceful than you thought you needed to be — yes I’m talking to you owner-founder-maker-marketer-project-manager-cheerleader.
There are lots of places to find stock imagery and with the increase of subscription sites, this means we time-poor indies are spoilt for choice. But I found a big problem in my search…a lot of popular stock subscriptions or shared examples are beige. Don’t get me wrong, there are some dreamy styled shoots with fluffy pampas grass in neutral ceramic vases and wicker baskets piled high with cosy cream blankets…but that just doesn’t do it for me and my brand. And if you’re here, then I’m guessing it’s not doing it for you either.
So where are the sweets on bright backgrounds? The colour-pop interiors with cool geometric cushions? The funky shoes and pom pom jumpers? Keep reading to discover where you can find some colourful stock photos to fit perfectly with your creative indie business.
1. Unsplash
Unless you’ve been living under a stock rock, you’ll have heard everyone talking about this bad boy. Unsplash is arguably THE go-to free stock photo provider. I remember first using them in uni and they have seriously blown up over the years. The search function isn’t 100% spot on (hinthint top tips on how I tackle this further down) and you can lose HOURS searching aimlessly, but the quality and variety of imagery available is top notch.
Try searching: “colourful”
2. Shamblen Studios
If you don’t know the colour bomb queen that is Amy Shamblen then I’m happy to introduce you to her beautifully quirky world of creative photography. I’ve been following her photography for the longest time — after discovering some brilliant still life photos on Unsplash — and she has recently started her own subscription site of multi-coloured fun-fuelled stock. Dream come true? I think so.
Check out this collection: “Dessert Collection”
3. Pexels
A sort-of new kid on the block, but a personal favourite. Not many people search Pexels first which means you are more likely to find an image that isn’t instantly recognisable as a stock image. You can grab an account for free (you don’t have to for downloads btw) which allows you to save collections and follow photographers — a great feature that gives you the heads-up when some more ‘on-brand’ stock is in, uh, stock.
Try this collection: “Standout Color”
4. Ivory Mix
This is a really versatile subscription that I’ve just discovered that includes imagery, caption ideas, workshops, and templates. The images are categorised by colour or style so you can grab a set of cohesive shots to match your branding and there are colourful options in workspaces, objects, stationery, fashion and some device mockups all in one place!
Try searching: “creative”
5. Canva
Arguably the greatest creative web-app of 2020 and not just for laying out your instagram posts, workbooks and Pinterest templates. The Canva image bank pulls in royalty-free stock imagery from a variety of sites for you to use, including some from this list. There are plenty of colourful options on both the free and the paid tiers of Canva making it easy as pie to quickly switch out an image on your branded templates.
Try searching: “color”
Bonus tips for finding better stock photos
The free stock photo websites aren’t amazing with their search terms and it isn’t that accurate. Not helpful for us who already struggle with finding the fun photos we need, but I’ve some quick tips below to help:
- Check American spellings!
Search for colour/colourful and color/colorful for more results. - Choose single words not phrases.
This isn’t Google or Pinterest. Forget “lemon pattern on pink background“ and go for “lemon“. It might make your search longer, but you’re more likely to find a gem. - Think of alternative or broader key words.
Don’t be discouraged – not every photo of an object will appear when you search for it, so try a few before you stop looking…“coffee”, “tea”, “mug”, “cafe”, “drinks” might all have something for you. - Create your own collections.
I have accounts for both Unsplash and Pexels where I have saved themed collections for future use. Add photos as you search and you’ll never lose a great pic again. Useful themes for your collections could be “holidays”, “on brand”, or “backgrounds”. - Sign-up to mailing lists for freebies!
Most subscription sites will have some freebies for you to try before you buy. If you want to buy. No judgement here.
So while it may seem as if there is nothing but a sea of beige, tan and sand in the world of lovely stock, that simply is not true! Colour-lovers, you do not have to pay through the nose for a custom branded photo shoot nor do you have to change your style from the bold, fun-loving indies that you are. There’s plenty of colourful stock out there…you just have to know where to look.
Do you want to add some fun to your images too? Save this post so you’ve always got these resources to hand and let me know your favs over on the Yoco Studio Instagram!
