- May 27, 2022
Where are stock photos mostly used?
High demand for stock photographies and illustrations
Since its start in late 1830 in France, photography has been an industry that evolves rapidly and has a high demand. Nowadays, technology allows capturing a perfect picture much easier when the camera is in the right hands. Apart from turning the skill into a hobby, people can actually make money on photos.
“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson
There is a high demand for peculiar photos by individuals as well as by companies. Today, businesses can’t do without quality images to establish their brand identities.
Current trends in the stock photo market
According to 2021 research, the global market size of photographic services is expected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 5% and reach $44.07 bln by 2025. As of 2020, the indicator stood at $32.92 billion. The amount would be higher, weren’t there the pandemic and lockdown. However, it’s worth mentioning that photography as usual has mirrored life, and showed how the world is facing the situation during the pandemic. More people started to take at-home pictures and share them on stocks, which resulted in the growth of stock photography.
The industry of stock photography began to surge in the 1980s when agencies started to offer clients pre-captured, ready-to-use professional images.
But, the sector saw its massive growth with the internet becoming more accessible in the 2000s.
Here are some segments that commonly use stock images
- Branding and design
Many projects use stock images for branding as they save time and money. These photos usually accommodate marketing messages and are a part of brand identity.
Stock images are a great help for designers. By modifying them in different ways, designers can get what they want.
- News websites and blogs
While covering news, website managers often use situational images, associated with the story. Visualization provides a better understanding of the information.
- E-commerce and shopping
Using stock images to present actual products can be a great solution for e-commerce entrepreneurs. It’s required to note that the image is for reference.
Pictures can be in the e-commerce content to provide insights about the services, products, etc.
- Social media
Stock photos make social media pages more interesting.
These are just a few areas that use stock photos. The list can go on and on.
- Mobile applications
Various mobile applications, including fitness, music, food, travel, health apps, and others use stock images to make their interface eye-pleasing.
- Education
Academic works, presentations, and blogs often include generic photos. Teachers also use stock photos to make the material more engaging and easy to perceive.
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This article is originally published in Photo Weekly Magazine