3/4ths of stock photo buyers surveyed by Photoshelter (399 out of 536 people, mostly art directors and creative directors) feel like they’ve seen everything stock photo companies have to offer. They also rated availability, quality and diversity of photos “poor to average.”
In general, people seek images that are natural-looking, believable or candid. Sore spots include the “ethnic people (general lifestyle),” “seniors being active,” and “current technology” categories.
Given the constraints (how do you make the contrived look real?), I admire the wherewithal of companies like Corbis or Getty. They sure do try to think of everything. That photo at left? It’s called — wait for it! — “Bride Talking on Her Cell Phone.”
Here’s an idea, ad-heads: take your own damn pictures! Or get to know compfight. Intimately.
