Stock photography choices that still feel credible
Short answer: Credible stock looks like your region and trade—avoid perfect-teeth boardrooms for a Christchurch roofing crew.
Customers forgive stock when it matches reality and supports the story. They do not forgive obvious fakes paired with “family-owned since 1987” clichés everywhere.
Selection checklist
- Lighting and season that could plausibly be NZ.
- Diversity that reflects your actual team or customer base—do not misrepresent.
- Props that match tools, vehicles, and safety gear for your sector.
Blend with originals
One afternoon of real site photos outperforms twenty generic images—mix hero authenticity with stock for secondary pages.
Licensing basics
Keep purchase receipts and respect model releases for sensitive industries.
Frequently asked questions
Is AI-generated imagery okay?
Disclose if material; watch for odd hands and misleading depictions of your work.
Should every service page have unique photos?
Ideal where budget allows—otherwise vary crops and pair stock with real project galleries.