To get straight to the awesomely awkward stock photos, just scroll down.
One of my favorite things to do on the internet is to find and collect the creepiest and most nonsensical stock photos. It’s a weird pastime, I realize this.
Stock photos are almost inherently awkward. They’re posed, staged, and usually don’t quite capture an essence of reality.
This blogger may have said it best:
When users see and recognize general stock photos they tend to feel like the site is fake or cheesy. Relevant photographs let the user know that you care about the experience and that you want to show them what is important to you. Also, bad photos — even relevant ones — can drive the user away for the same reason. Great photography is always a wise investment. Hire good photographers to take product, location and staff images.
While I agree wholeheartedly, sometimes we can’t afford a good photographer, or sometimes we’re in a situation where we need an interesting image, and fast. I would say avoid stock photos if you can, but if you can’t, then definitely avoid awkward stock photos like the ones below, unless your post, page, or content is equally as awkward.
If you follow us on Facebook, you’ve seen my obsession with awkward stock photos. So here is a gallery, which includes some of our favorite awkward stock photos along with our Facebook fans’ captions, where they exist.
Awkward Stock Photos
A Gallery of Awesomeness and Hilarity
All Images Courtesy of Shutterstock
I could go on forever, but I’ll stop at 20. At least for today.