The question; do a professional photoshoot or sign up and download stock images? Below are the pros and cons of both, as it is up to the reader to conclude which one is effective

Stock image pros

A wide range of pictures to choose from

Very affordable in comparison to photoshoots

Stock image cons

Marketers mostly prefer this avenue hence same images may be used.

Sometimes the target market may be of a particular demographic (eg rural/urban/age/race/ethnicity) which stock images may not provide.

There may be a limit on what the stock image may be used for; extra fees may be charged for Billboard sized images.

Photoshoot pros

Models chosen for the respective ad image, portray the target market

The respective marketer owns the photo shoot images, which will not be seen or used elsewhere

Images may be used for billboards and fliers, at the same photoshoot cost.

Originality and genuineness guaranteed

Photoshoot cons

Models are costly, so may be their costumes, cameraman and other equipment

Frequency of photo shoots per ad may not be practical, affordable or timely.