The Stock Photo Syndrome

BRANDING CRIME #07

“Forget custom visuals, let’s use this random business guy.”

Waiting for some content, the web designer uses some stock photos. You think it’s not so bad after all—who will actually find out?
Then you use it on social media, brochures, decks, and suddenly *Man in Suit, Business Pose #47* is everywhere. Your children start to call him Dad.
Makes your brand look generic and soulless
Replaces authenticity with visuals so staged that even the people in them don’t look convinced. (Look at them. No, really *look* at them.)

Invest in original visuals—stock photos are as perfect as they are forgettable, especially if everyone else is using them too.
If you must use stock images, choose ones that feel natural and align with your brand’s personality.
If your marketing looks like an insurance brochure from 2006, it’s time for an intervention.

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