Photos that cut through the noise

One problem with stock photos is this: using them is like trying to cut through a thick steak with a butter knife.

We live in an over-communicated world. Because we're bombarded from all sides by companies wanting our attention, strong images are more important than ever. We are wired to remember visually. Since, as the saying goes, a picture's worth a thousand words, images have the ability to communicate a great deal of information in an instant. In this environment it's important that every image communicates clearly.

Think about what makes a good stock photo. Many buyers across many industries will find it useful. It can be interpreted in many ways. It has lots of negative space around it so that there is room for type. It lacks specifics. It's generic. Because it can say so many things it says nothing. It looks like a stock photo. It's ambiguous and easy to ignore.