Stock photography has a bad reputation, and let’s be honest, most of it deserves it. Stiff poses, weird lighting, and that unmistakable “stock photo” vibe that makes everything feel fake. You’ve seen it: the group of too-happy office workers high-fiving in a conference room, the lack of diversity, the woman laughing alone with a salad. It’s painful. But here’s the good news: good stock photography exists. You just need to know where to look and what to look for.
What Makes Stock Photography Good?
1. Realistic Expressions & Poses
Avoid anything that looks forced. If someone’s laughing, does it actually look like they’re laughing at something funny—or just staring into the void? If they’re in a meeting, do they look engaged or like they’re acting in a corporate training video from 2004? Natural, candid moments always win.
2. Good Composition & Lighting
Bad stock photography is often overexposed, oddly cropped, or just too staged. Look for well-lit images with natural shadows and compositions that don’t feel awkward. Bonus points if the photo has negative space—this makes it easier to overlay text or graphics.
3. Avoid Overused Tropes
Skip the generic business handshake, the “diverse team” where everyone looks like they were Photoshopped together, or the perfectly styled workspace that no human actually works in. Instead, look for moments that feel like they could have been captured in a real setting.
4. Authenticity Over Perfection
Slight imperfections make an image feel more real. A little motion blur, slightly off-center framing, or an unpolished background can add authenticity. The world isn’t perfect—your stock photos shouldn’t be either.
5. Representation That Feels Right
Diversity isn’t just about checking a box—it should feel natural and honest. Look for photos that actually reflect the audience you’re speaking to, in ways that don’t feel forced or staged.
The right stock photography can elevate your brand. The wrong ones make it look cheap, generic, or just plain weird. Be picky. Take the extra few minutes to find images that actually tell a story, feel natural, and make people stop scrolling. Your audience will notice the difference. Now go forth and banish bad stock photography from your content forever.
Where to Find Better Stock Photos
Where to Find Better Stock Photos
Now that you know what to look for, here are some go-to places for high-quality, non-cringe stock photography:
Unsplash – Free, artsy, and high quality. Great for lifestyle and creative brands.
Pexels – Another free option with a mix of polished and candid images.
Death to Stock – A subscription-based service with unique, raw imagery.
Stocksy – High-end stock photos with a focus on realness and artistry.
Adobe Stock – Paid, but has a solid collection of authentic-feeling images.
Nappy.co – Excellent free collection featuring Black and Brown creators.
