It’s not you, stock photography, it’s us.  We design custom web experiences and know firsthand that custom photography outperforms stock every time. 

Website images are a choice to make in the design process, and we encourage clients to choose custom whenever possible.  Upfront, stock may seem like an easier direction, but consider the long run.  Stock hinders your brand’s image while custom elevates it.

An Open Letter to Stock Photography

Dear Mr. Stock,

We send this letter asking for your resignation. Yes, you have graciously served your time on holiday email headers, “about the company” pages, large insurance billboards, and even in some of our favorite Ted Talk power points.  But, Custom Photography is the way of the future.  In the past you may have saved us some dollars and cents, but nothing compares to Custom and how he wins the hearts of audiences and builds affinity for our clients.

You may ask, “what does Custom have that I don’t have?”.  With all the times you’ve been used in the past, we believe you’re owed an explanation, so here it goes. 

  • Custom is authentic and original (it’s embarrassing when we see that you’re also on competitor’s pages).
  • He keeps our client’s brands consistent (we can’t keep up with your unpredictable light sources and disloyal angles).
  • He properly reflects our client’s ethos and culture (we know you try, but the personality we’re looking for just isn’t there).
  • He is versatile and adaptable to every platform we need him for (your inflexible nature makes our client’s brands seem stale and rigid).
  • He makes a lasting impression (audiences don’t even notice you…sorry).
  • He provides transparency (how can we preach transparency when you misrepresent the true image of our clients?).

This may come as a surprise, but the days of you, Mr. Stock are coming to an end.  Your generic ways are no longer needed in our lives and Custom will replace you immediately following your conceding of this position. We want to thank you for being there when we needed you and hope you take this time to retire permanently.

Best Wishes,

Durkan Group

Website Custom Photography at Its Finest

Dominic Episcopo is a Philadelphia-based photographer that we love working with.  He shot the photos for Raab Collection’s 30th Anniversary Campaign landing page.  The photos are not only beautiful to look at, but showcasing actual items from the collection invokes Raab’s authenticity.

 

For our client The Exit Group we had the honor to work with Jesse Dittmar on team head shots and candid office scenery.  Visitors to the site get to see the real faces and space of a firm they may work with and they’re making a standout first impression with these shots.

Now Go Explore the Possibilities

We hope that you now feel confident choosing or at least considering custom photography for your website.  And if your brand takes this direction, embrace the opportunity to have some awesome photos of you and your team!