Diversity and inclusivity should always be at the forefront of your Instagram marketing strategy, but finding diverse stock photography can be a challenge!
Look no further. Here are 3 Black-owned stock photography websites that are changing the stock photography game:
Why Brands Should Use Diverse Stock Photography
Long gone are the days of cheesy, generic stock photos.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of creative stock photographers sharing their work through official stock photography sites.
The problem? So many of these stock photography websites don’t have a large bank of diverse images and photographers to choose from.
In 2021, it’s time to diversify your content and actually represent different communities on your social channels.
3 Stock Websites to Find Diverse Images:
These Black-owned and founded stock photography websites all have one thing in common: they each want to create a space where marketers can find diverse stock photography suitable for their audiences.
These websites are perfect if you want to diversify your social media content. Plus, they’re also a lifesaver when you’ve hit a creative block or don’t have the capacity or time to shoot new content.
#1: Nappy
In 2017, the founders of influencer management agency, SHADE, grew frustrated by the lack of diversity in the stock photography market.
And so, they created Nappy — a site that “provides beautiful, high-res photos of Black and Brown people to startups, brands, agencies, and everyone else.”
From lifestyle to business stock photography, Nappy has a wide range of diverse photos for you to choose from.
You can browse images via collections, featured images, or through their curated categories, including: active, food, people, and so much more.
Not only can you browse through photos, but you can also find BIPOC photographers through their website.
Many of the photos are accompanied by the photographer’s Instagram handle, which is an incredible way to diversify the creators you follow.
All photos on Nappy are licensed under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. This means you can use the photos for whatever you like. You can download, modify, and share — all for free!
In fact, Nappy actually encourages you to use their photos however you’d like. As they outline on their website, “the more you use them, the more we’re helping improve the representation of Black and Brown people in media.”
#2: TONL
Founded by creative entrepreneurs Karen Okonkwo and Joshua Kissi, TONL aims to “transform the idea of stock photography by displaying images of diverse people and their stories around the world.”
In an effort to diminish the stereotypes and prejudice against Black and Brown people, TONL showcases the many ethnic backgrounds of everyday people.
You can explore their diverse range of photos through their creative easy-to-browse sections (with a fun twist):
Taste
Take
Technology
Today
Tone
Tradition
Travel
Trend
Trust
TONL offers a number of affordable monthly subscriptions. And, if you’re not looking for a monthly commitment, you also have the option to purchase photos à la carte.
#3: CreateHER Stock
CreateHER Stock, a “destination for authentic stock images featuring melanated women” was launched in 2015 by Neosha Gardner after her struggle to find resources featuring women who looked like her.
“We are proud to say that we serve individuals of all races and ethnicities who find great use in our content – catering specifically to Black women and most of our everyday lives.”
They refer to themselves as a “digital pantry”, offering stock images that can be used for lifestyle, business, and everyday content creation for bloggers, creatives, and growing influencers.
CreateHERStock has several subscription plans outlined on their website. You can choose from several pricing plans depending on your business model, like influencer, blogger, or brand.
And if you’re not ready to commit to a subscription plan but still want a taste of their work, you can download 185+ images for free.
NOTE: The stock images on CreateHER Stock are for non-commercial use. Meaning, you may not sell or re-distribute these images to third-parties or for profit.
And there you have it — 3 diverse stock photography websites to use when you’re planning your social content.
When you seamlessly integrate diverse stock photos in your social strategy, not only are you being more inclusive but you’re also supporting Black-business owners and BIPOC creators.
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