First, let me just say – if you have a bevy of marvelous photos of your own studio, dancers, classes and productions, as well as photo releases, don’t hesitate to use your own photos on your dance studio’s website and promo materials! You’re sittin’ pretty.
Many dance studios, though, don’t have ample studio-owned photos. This is true for new studios, obviously, but also for those who may not have had the opportunity or foresight to capture high-quality images during classes or events.
In Days of Yore (aka the Early 2000’s)
Way back when I began designing websites for dance studios, studio owners would express embarrassment at needing to use stock photos, but it’s a different time, and views on using stock photos have changed. Also, the stock photos themselves have changed.
Finding stock photos for a dance studio 15 years ago was a much more limited and challenging process compared to today. The options were fewer, and the variety of images was not as broad or specialized as they are now. Licensing fees for stock photos were typically much higher, often making them unaffordable for small businesses like dance studios. Purchasing rights to use the images was often a significant investment.
A New Era For Stock Photos
Happily, today there is an abundance of stock photo options and at an affordable price to boot. Many stock photo platforms offer affordable subscription plans or free high-quality images, making it easier for dance studios to access professional-grade images without breaking the bank.
Platforms like Shutterstock, Unsplash, Pexels, and Canva offer millions of high-quality images instantly accessible online, with a wide range of subjects including specific dance styles and diverse models.
Stock Photos for Dance Studios – Tacky or Terrific?
Chosen wisely, you can find stock photos that:
- effectively capture the spirit and energy of dance,
- showcase various styles and demographics, and
- align with your studio’s brand
Stock photos can help convey your studio’s personality, attract new students, and keep your website looking fresh and engaging. They can pull new prospects into your world through promotional pieces and/or your social accounts.
And all without the need for costly and time-consuming photoshoots!
They often get a bad rap for being overly staged or generic, but when chosen thoughtfully, stock photos can be a valuable tool for dance studios.
Top 10 Benefits of Using Stock Photos for Your Dance Studio
When you pick the right stock photos, they can be a real game-changer. They help you build a visually appealing, professional, and welcoming online presence that really shows off what your dance studio is all about.
Here are some reasons why stock photos might be the perfect addition to your dance studio’s marketing toolkit:
1. Professional Quality:
Not every dance studio has the luxury of hiring a professional photographer or the gear to take high-quality photos. Stock photos are a great way to get high-resolution, polished images that make your website look top-notch.
2. Variety of Content:
Stock photos are perfect for filling in the gaps where your own photos might be lacking. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use a combination of studio photos and stock photos on your website! Maybe you don’t have images for every style of dance you offer, or you need pictures that show diversity or specific situations you don’t capture in everyday classes. Stock photos can easily cover those needs.
3. Time and Cost Efficiency:
Setting up a professional photoshoot can be a big commitment, both in terms of time and money. Stock photos offer a budget-friendly, quick solution. You can get the images you need right away without all the hassle of organizing a photoshoot.
4. New Studio, No Photos:
If your dance studio is just starting out, you might not have photos of actual students yet. Stock photos can be a lifesaver, helping you build a professional-looking website from day one and attract those first students.
5. Consistent Branding:
Over time, you might work with different photographers, leading to a mix of styles in your photos. Stock photos can help you maintain a consistent look and feel across your website. By choosing images that match your brand’s vibe, you keep your visuals aligned with your overall branding.
6. Seasonal or Thematic Content:
Dance studios often run special promotions, themed classes, or events that need specific imagery. Stock photos make it easy to find the right pictures to match these themes, whether it’s for a holiday event or a summer camp, adding that extra touch to your marketing materials.
7. Diversity and Inclusion:
It’s important to show a range of people in your images to highlight inclusivity. Stock photos can help represent different ages, ethnicities, genders, and body types, even if your current student body doesn’t reflect that diversity. (Truth be told, I’ve found there to be a serious lack of diversity in the dance photos found on stock photo sites, particularly when it comes to race, but this is improving rapidly.)
8. Legal and Privacy Concerns:
Using real photos of students can sometimes lead to legal and privacy concerns. You often need permission, especially for children, and some people just aren’t comfortable being online. Stock photos give you a worry-free way to use great images without these issues.
9. Marketing and Advertising:
Whether for online ads, social media, or email marketing, stock images can help you catch people’s attention and convey your message quickly. Having a library of ready-to-use images gives you more flexibility and saves time when creating marketing materials.
10. Consistency Across Platforms:
Using similar images across your website and social media helps create a cohesive brand identity. This consistency makes your studio more recognizable to both current students and new ones.
My Top Recommendations for Finding Stock Photos
My favorite place to find excellent stock photos is Canva. Canva at the Pro level is $15 monthly, or save 33% if you pay annually ($120 yr). With Canva Pro, you get VIP access to a ridiculous number of high-quality stock photography, and their stock video library as well. Use photos from Canva on your studio’s website, but also in your promo pieces and recital programs, you name it!
For free options, Unsplash and Pexels are fantastic—they offer high-quality, royalty-free images that are safe to use. Give them a try!
Stock photos can provide an easy way to create a polished and professional online presence, whether you’re just starting out or don’t have access to a professional photographer.
Using stock photos used to be considered tacky, but these days? Chosen well, they’re a terrific tool for a rising dance studio!
Best wishes to you and your studio,
Stacey