5 Ways You To Use Stock Photos for your Blog or Business

Last updated on 26 November 2024

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Until a few years ago I don’t think I really knew what stock photos were.

Or how they could work for my website and social media.

To be completely fair (and maybe you’re the same!) I thought they were those cringe-worthy images of men in crisp white shirts, wearing smiles that don’t reach their eyes, holding a coffee mug next to the office cooler. You know the ones I mean.

And technically, they are.

But they’re so much more than that!

Stock photos these days can be anything from those cringe-worthy images to stunning nature photography. The point is, stock photos are images that are often licensed for a specific purpose, or have a blanket licence that means you can do whatever you’d like with them.

Who uses them?

Heaps of people! Professional website developers, bloggers, shop owners, creatives, and people who have social media accounts.

Literally anyone can use stock images.

I know what you’re thinking …

“But Anjali, if anyone can use stock photos, then won’t I just be using the same images as everyone else!?”

Sometimes, yeah for sure, especially if you’re using free ones. This image I used on How to Create a Portrait Pin from a Landscape Image I’ve seen a bunch of times around the internet since. And that’s on me.

But if you purchase stock photo packs then fewer people are going to have those images, which will mean your content is unique and stands out online, whether than be on your blog, website, or social media accounts.

5 ways YOU can use stock photos

Today I’m going to share with you some ideas as to what you can you use them for.

1. Layer text on top: Many of the images for headers on This Splendid Shambles are stock photos! I simply add text over the top of the image to convert what the post is about. You can use the same fonts as on your blog or website, or if you’re creating flyers or printable designs, try using a range of fonts and see which ones go well together. Tip: Combine swirly fonts with strong no faff fonts for a cool look!
2. Crop them for Instagram: If you find a style of stock photo that suits what your theme or vibe is on Instagram, then crop it up and post it! If the creator has an Instagram account, be sure to tag them as a courtesy (not often required, just a nice thing to do!).
3. Rotate them: Just because a photo is one way, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Rotate the image any way you want to so you can mix it up a little. If you need a certain element in a certain place, rotate until it’s where you want it. Note that it will cause the image to zoom in as you move it if you’re keeping it a certain ratio or size.
4. Place an overlay on them: Place a box of black, white, or a brand colour over the top of the image and lower the opacity. This gives the entire image a completely new look. You can then add text to the top of that and you’ve got a funky header image for your blog or website, or print media.
5. Add extra elements: Full or part opacity boxes, shapes, arrows, dots … anything you like! You can even add another stock image of the top, and change the opacity to have one showing through the other, or pop the top image in a box on the bottom image. There are so many options!

I hope these ideas have been helpful, nay, inspiring!

Where do I get Stock Photos from?

If you’re keen to score yourself some pretty stock photos to start populating your blog? I got you covered!

Head to >> This Splendid Shambles << on Etsy to get yourself some high-quality stock images!