What are the eleven worst stock photo cliches?
Stock photographs are convenient to use, but some stock images have been so over-used that they have become cliches. Here are the top ten stock photo cliches.
11. Two hands in a handshake. The connotation is supposed to be one of agreement and co-operation. Frequently one of the hands is female or black, but bonus points if they are both female or both black.
10. The impromptu meeting. The connotation is that the business is successfully generating new ideas. One person is always the center of attention while the others are clustered around (standing awkwardly). Bonus points if the person in the center is gesticulating.
9. Skyscrapers. The connotation is supposed to be of a cutting-edge efficient and successful business. Generally the photo looks upwards to make the skyscrapers converge into a blue sky with a few clouds and some sunbeams. Bonus points if an older stone skyscraper is incorporated into the photo.
8. The upward-pointing graph. The connotation is supposed to be of financial success. Generally there are a few minor ups and downs, but bonus points if there is a major wobble along the way.
7. A globe of the world. The connotation is supposed to be of ubiquitous presence. Bonus points if the globe is transparent and made of glass.
6. The business team. The connotation is supposed to be one of harmonious co-operation. Everyone is wearing suits and standing. The team includes a woman, a hispanic and an African American (but rarely a Native American). It never includes anyone obese, or anyone with crutches or a hearing aid. Bonus points if the team includes someone in a wheelchair.
5. The happy family. The connotation is that you will become as happy as this family if you will use the company’s service. There are always at least three generations shown. Bonus points if any wedding ring is visible.
4. The collection of high-tech “productivity” equipment. There’s inevitably a laptop in there, and quite likely an iPhone too. The connotation is of up-to-the-minute connectivity and efficiency. Bonus points if there’s actually anything displayed on the laptop screen.
3. The nurturing hands cupped around a seedling. The connotation is of something precious being started off on its path to growth. Bonus points if there is real dirt on the model’s hands.
2. Rows of gleaming server racks. The connotation is that the business has a well-equipped and smoothly functioning internet presence. Bonus points for every blue LED that’s glowing. The reality, by the way, is that most server rooms have loads of random equipment including servers that don’t look the same as each other!
1. The call centre girl wearing a headset. This must be the most over-used cliche, and is supposed to make you trust the business. She’s glamorous and smiling, and looks like she probably speaks your language. And she’s the same model who seems to work in the call center of many other businesses too, judging by their ads. She looks nothing at all like the people you see in real call centers. Bonus points if the stock photo uses a guy instead, although we bet he’s grinning suspiciously.
Related questions:
Need research? Quezi's researchers can answer your questions at uclue.com





