Comments on: Stop Using Stock Photography Clichés

By: Neil Trigger

Neil Trigger — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 06:18:00 +0000

I’ve been guilty of some of these clichés in the past, but there are some funny people out there that often give weird feedback. You need to know when to ignore them. Your advice is great, and although some other people will tell you different things, you need to stick to the advice here. As an example, check out http://www.ghostlypublishing.co.uk/ which uses a grim reaper as the logo. It’s amazing how many people say “cool logo”, “interesting art work” and other such things, but we actually have lost twitter followers because of it. We’re okay with that. We want to be a bit edgy, we don’t want everyone. If we did, it’d probably mean making our brand (which I think is quite strong) much more bland.

By: Mr. K

Mr. K — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Paul,
You have written another great article. I really need to start looking over your posts more often, as boagworld.com is probably one of the best sites online for finding a balanced perspective regarding web site design. (ok there is also zeldmen etc.) but I really like the style and humor of your writing. Great work.

By: Mr. K

Mr. K — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 09:34:00 +0000

By: Lydie Baillie

Lydie Baillie — Sun, 20 May 2012 01:39:00 +0000

My client wants to use generic free stock photos on his website. Your thoughts really express well what I would like to convey to him. Better use few images that are original to his organisation and meaningful to the web visitor. Also using free stock pics actually deteriorates the web layout quality…and IMO adversely reflects on me as a web developper.

By: Matthew Hunt

Matthew Hunt — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:54:00 +0000

Yeah stock photography is usually cheese. People expect so much more now. Hell with things like instagram anyone can take a great photo and add to your site.

By: ArenaCreative.com Stock Photos

ArenaCreative.com Stock Photos — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Wow, awesome examples here how to use stock illustration and stock vector art effectively :)

By: Marianne

Marianne — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:58:43 +0000

Much of what has been said is very true! There is good stock out there BUT also a lot of crap. It’s about finding the good content and using it creatively! Feel free to post comments about individual stock agencies on our site – http://www.whichstockagency.com! :-)

By: Alicia St Rose

Alicia St Rose — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:23:27 +0000

This article was just the shot I needed to move forward with a design! Thank you!

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:36:16 +0000

"Also a button in istockphoto called ‘cut out the crap’ would be good and save a lot of time :)"

Or you could try out Photocase.com :)

By: Nick Boyle

Nick Boyle — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:31:29 +0000

I suggest a UN resolution is passed against an agreed list of imagery designated as WOMD (widely overused metaphorical depiction). These could include:

handshakes, PC configurations of people in suits around boardroom tables, jigsaws, cogs, people pointing at computer screens/whiteboards, goldfish, water drops, men jumping in fields….etc

Also a button in istockphoto called 'cut out the crap' would be good and save a lot of time :)