Creating Your Own Stock Library

Something that I've been working on for a really long time is creating my own stock library. And as a blogger, I think it's something that can work incredibly well for your creative process. Unless you can dedicate 100% of your time to your blog. Having images that can be used multiple times and be versatile for posts. Is something that can save so much time in the long run. It can also help you to keep your branding and aesthetic cohesive. Whilst there are stock libraries out there that you can use. Having your own means you can do whatever you want with the images. As those libraries come with restrictions. Here are a few tips to create your own stock library and a few things to think about.

limitations with stock libRaries

When using someone else's images on your website. You need to aware of the regulations that come along with it. A lot of photographers will have waived their copyright, but some won't. There are a couple of sites that allow you to do whatever you want with the images. Like Death To The Stock Photo & Unsplash. These are both subscription services that don't force you to link back to the site and allow you to do what you want with them. However, that isn't the case with all stock libraries. And if you're making money for your blog it's incredibly important not to mess around with this.

BRANDING

If you're wanting to push your blog further. Having consistent branding and a strong aesthetic is something important to bear in mind. It not only makes your site look more professional but it allows your audience to become familiar with your work. Using a number of different photography styles throughout your site. Makes it difficult to create a consistent brand and can look a little messy. Having a certain aesthetic to your blog isn't for everyone. And not something you have to do to make your blog an awesome online space.

STOCK IMAGES THAT WORK WELL

Here are a list of idea's to photograph that make great stock images;

A behind the scenes type image - e.g you sat working at your desk.
Landscapes.
Cityscapes.
Flowers.
Textures from fabrics.
Interior shots.
Your environment and workspace.
Something that relates to your niche & blog.

GET CREATIVE

When you start creating your own stock library this is when you can start to get really creative. Maybe you want the images to be the background for an awesome infographic? Or maybe they don't have to be photographs? They could be graphics that you've created yourself. There is an unlimited amount of things that you can do and absolutely no rules to follow. So it's the perfect chance to get innovative with your images and tailor them to your blog perfectly.

WHY HAVING YOUR OWN STOCK LIBRARY IS AWESOME

Images are what sucks me into a blog or website. They are your hook and selling point. They don't have to be perfect or professional but making your space visual is important. The copy is also important as that's what will keep people coming back for more. But your images are what making your first impression in the online world. Your visuals don't have to be photographs. They could be graphics or illustrations if that is where your strengths lie. Creating your own stock library is something that can work so well. Not only will it save you a ton of time but it gives you the chance to be creative. If you know you don't have the time to photograph fresh images for every post you want to write. Then this is where having your own stock of images to choose from is awesome.

Are you interested in creating your own stock library?

R x

Check out: A Balancing Peach, Sunshine & Glow and Sophie Cliff, you can advertise with me here.