We’ve all seen cringe-worthy stock photography (hopefully on your competitors’ websites and not your own!). But nowadays, there’s high-quality, affordable imagery available for purchase online.

Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks on how to choose low-cost stock photography that will rival any custom photo shoot.

Find “real” models

Using photos that are overly diverse or make it seem like everyone at your company is a runway model will instantly come off as fake and forced…and your potential clients are smart enough to see right through that.

Instead, search for photos that are representative of how your employees and clients really look—a few wrinkles or slightly crooked teeth are OK! This approach will leave you with natural photos that make it seem as though you conducted your own custom shoot.

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Avoid cheesy poses

Stock photography has earned itself a bad reputation for being incredibly cheesy, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

For example, if you are searching for a photo to represent teamwork, PLEASE avoid the cliché group high five. (Does anyone actually do that?) Instead, search for a natural photo of a group working together…much more realistic!

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Showcase your product

It’s not uncommon for tech companies to want to show off their software or products in marketing pieces.

Use this opportunity to search for stock photos of modern computers with large monitors that will allow you to mock up screenshots of your user interface in a “real life” environment. (Bonus points if you use a photo of people interacting with the computer!) This will leave you with high-quality photos that feel personalized to your company and help build your tech brand.

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