There are several case studies and statistics that support the benefits of using real photographs over stock images:

1. Conversion Rates: A study by Marketing Experiments found that using real photos resulted in a nearly 35% higher conversion rate compared to stock photos on a website. This indicates that authentic images can significantly improve user engagement and conversion.
2. Engagement and Trust: An eye-tracking study showed that real photos of people are seen as more important and trustworthy than stock photos. This study also found that ads with original content had an 11% higher click-through rate compared to those with stock photos. Additionally, 67% of online shoppers rate high-quality images as very important for their purchase decisions.
3. Social Media Engagement: A study analyzing Facebook posts found that natural photos had significantly higher engagement rates than stock images. This suggests that using real photos can enhance social media engagement.
4. Lead Generation: In the automotive industry, listings with actual photos are 30% more likely to generate leads for new cars and 40% more likely for used or certified vehicles. This highlights the impact of real photos on lead generation.
5. Brand Authenticity and Trust: Real photos help build trust and authenticity, as consumers can easily recognize and dismiss stock images. 88% of consumers value authenticity when deciding which brands to support.

These statistics and case studies demonstrate that using real photographs can lead to higher engagement, conversion rates, and trust, ultimately benefiting SEO and business performance.

Some outside sources to read more:

Stock Photos vs. Real Photos: Which Should You Choose?

How Stock Photos Can Impact Your Website’s SEO in Google’s Eyes

Stock Photos vs. Unique Photos for SEO: How Google Ranks Them