A typical istock image with an additional layer of cheese

The case against I-stock imagery is growing by the website and we are in now in real danger of producing faceless websites which reek of staleness, mediocrity and laziness.

You now the theme; ethnically diverse suits shaking hands with ridiculous Colgate smiles… (Does this even happen?). I don’t even think the majority of these people look real…they are so polished they almost look fake. Would you do business with a fake? Strong images should evoke emotion and be thought provoking; i-stock images are the polar opposite of this.

Did you know that most of these models actually feature in a whole host of different images? So what you thought to be a unique character for your website is in fact an imposter who also moonlights as a doctor, vet, footballer and scuba diver.

We can however combat this disease by using a variety of remedies…

No Budget is no excuse…
I know the point many clients will make is that they don’t have the budget to invest in professional photography especially for the site but there are still lots of alternatives that won’t make a huge dent in your wallet. Although I would advise spending a little extra on photography or illustration to add that finished polish to your site.

Think about the best solution for your imagery . Too often clients choose to use stock imagery which is no longer the best solution. Because so many sites use stock imagery the market has become saturated with such images, making it highly likely that another similar company will be using the exact same image as yourselves. Your imagery should be personal to your own business and we advise the following alternatives to stock imagery which are listed below:

Bespoke business photos
Using real people from your business in real situations. The personable approach is the way to go in your copy and imagery. Even if the images aren’t of great quality a selection of them could be used in a collage.

Illustrations
Another great solution which will truly add a unique flavour to your site. Why not create a character as the centre piece for your site. A mascot type figure could also be used across your brand…

Information / Data Graphics
A great way to visually represent your message, so much more powerful / relevant than stock imagery. Do you have data which could be used to promote your product? If so we can produce an IDG…this is such a powerful solution, I totally recommend. Read my article on IDG’s to learn more.

Typography
Using words as art. Let our designers turn your words and messages into an art form.

If you will use stock images …
If you insist on using stock images try to use them in a creative way; cut-outs, monotone and a plethora of other graphical effects can bring a seemingly mundane image to life.

I’m not suggesting all stock imagery shouldn’t be used because there are some great stock images out there without doubt. All I’m saying is that try to avoid using a stereotypical i-stock image. So many i-stock pictures carry that artificial scent and feel. Here are a few examples of the sort of image we need to avoid:

The cheesy smiling businessman / woman shaking someone’s hand – enough said!

The metaphorical image – This image may appear unique but in fact it’s just a cliché. Your business grows money…unfortunately a hundred other businesses have taken the same clichéd approach.

Hands typing at a computer screen – faceless, boring and lazy. Don’t be lethargic; even my hamster could could up with a better alternative to this. Remember you don’t have to be literal in your imagery, if your subject matter is bland then make your thinking colourful.

A sexy woman – sex sells but when you’ve seen the same woman on a host of other sites she quickly becomes a turn off.

Kick i-stock into touch
So clients just to warn you that when I work on your new site I will make a case against i-stock images. So when we’re discussing the imagery on your site lets think about using bespoke imagery,  info / data graphics, typography and then stock images!

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