How to Authentically Use Styled Stock Images | Business

How to Authentically Use Styled Stock Images | Business

Today on the blog I'm excited to share a post from my friend Caitlin, who recently launched a new shop with beautifully styled images for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her collections provide content for blogs, social media posts, and more. I asked her to write about how even photographers can authentically incorporate stock images into their feed - even if they didn't take the image themselves! She not only answered the question but provided great marketing tips as well - keep reading to hear more!

Sometimes stock images get a bad rap. And stock images from 15 years ago probably deserved it. They were generic and cheesy. But today, there are so many options for artistic, beautifully styled stock images. And those can be used so seamlessly in your social media that the last word on anyone’s mind would be cheesy. Here are 4 ways to use styled stock images authentically.

1. Give your audience a look behind the scenes...

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

As much as I love to see so many weddings over the past few years featured in online blogs, there was something about me that wanted to see just one in print. I know how difficult it is to get any wedding featured (the day itself has to be beautiful, match the style of the blog, not be too similar to other published weddings, and come during the right season) so I was sure that having a print feature was several years down the road. Content with this idea, I have been working harder and harder each wedding to be better for my couples and for myself, with lofty future goals in mind.

After Michael and Jessica's wedding at The Manor House at Kings Charter in Richmond last May, I was able to develop a relationship with the wonderful coordinator there. When I sent over images she told me what I had only hoped to believe: she thought this was a wedding that had the potential for a print feature. I didn't let myself get too excited, but I finished the submission process as quickly as possible, sent off an email, and held my breath...

Nathan's New Business! Introducing No-Nonsense Computer Solutions

Nathan's New Business! Introducing No-Nonsense Computer Solutions

Well...the secret is out! I guess entrepreneurial spirit runs in our new family, because Nathan has officially launched his new business, No-Nonsense Computer Solutions. Over the past year or so, as he has really dug into the IT world, Nathan has been able to help a wide variety of people with their computer issues. He also works part-time at Calvary Classical School as their IT specialist, setting up computers and fixing network problems where needed.

Each time Nathan has recovered data, troubleshot problems, or done something else for someone else, they have casually mentioned that he should start his own business helping non-profits, small businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and home users with their technology needs. He has the skills and the desire to help...so why not? One Saturday, just a few weeks ago, Nathan and I sat down with Sarah Bradshaw's 31 Questions to Ask Yourself and talked through our lives over the next year. Somewhere in that conversation we decided it was time to launch his business...