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where can i get non-corny stock photos

N

nicrose

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 11, 2006
89
0
I need help. Everytime a I build a website, I'm forced to use those awful stock photos found on every stock art site: the shaking hands cut off at the arms (ew), business men in suits, people on the phone with the little head phones. Argh!! I'm so sick of these inappropriate corny-a!! photos.

I'm working on a site for an organization that helps inmates transition their way out of prison and back into society. Some of the programs are like classroom situations, some are support group situations. The photos need to fit this type of website. I need racial diversity, working class people, families, pics of people helping people.

Does anyone know of a site that has better photos. I've tried all the main ones: shutterstock, istockphoto, brightcube. None have what I want.

Or: does anyone know of a creative way to get the most out of these awful photos?

Any help is appreciated.
 
not sure what your definition of "corny" is, but check out:

- veer.com
- gettyimages.com (TIP: at the top, click on "resources" then "catalyst" for better searching via keyword/theme. i've actually tried using this and it works)

hope that helps. good luck and enjoy!
 
nicrose said:
I need help. Everytime a I build a website, I'm forced to use those awful stock photos found on every stock art site: the shaking hands cut off at the arms (ew), business men in suits, people on the phone with the little head phones. Argh!! I'm so sick of these inappropriate corny-a!! photos.
....

Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...

Pay a photographer? Seriously, those stock photos are designed to appeal to as many clients as possible, not to fit a specific need. If you need specific photos then you will need to either find a higher end stock agency - whose income is based on fewer sales per image (www.firstlight.com is another stock agency).

If you have access to the inmates, use them. Its a bit of a project, but there is usually money to be found for projects that put cameras into the hands of people who have a unique story to tell. Get a proper contract set up so that you can use the images, etc etc. Again, for a project that involves inmates photographing, and then having their images used, you will likely find that there are photographers and other specialists who have the time to help out - if you are willing to put in the time to organize it.
 
Sites for stock photos

You want to get yourself over to the micro-stock sites.

While the photos are "made to sell" there are lots of gems in the lists. You just need to spend some time looking

Three that I would recommend are the following

150x39_grey.gif
iStockphoto
ss_logo_r_rev2.png
Shutterstock
logo.gif
Fotolia

Each are different - having different types of images, feels and concepts. They also have different pricing structures.
 
I'd recommend SXC.hu and Fotolia.com - They're both pretty good.

With the amount of either free or cheap stock photography nowadays, there's really no reason to go to Corbis and pay through the nose.

Designer Dale said:
Good stock photography is pricey these days. Take a look at Corbis and Jupitor Images.

For what you are working on, your best source may be your own photos.

http://ztomy.com/?dn=jupitorimages.com&pid=5POG3O3C5
Click to expand...

That's is an ad-based site - I'm not sure whether you didn't google Jupitor correctly or are trying to drive traffic to your own site, but that link isn't kosher.
 
I sympathise with the OP. There are some good images on iStockPhoto (and similar sites) but gawd you do have to shovel through some cr*p to get to them.
Trouble is, some contributors don't know the meaning of the word 'natural'. If the subject isn't:
  • Grinning inanely
  • Shaking their fists in the air in triumph ("I'm a winner! I got the deal! F**k you all!")
  • Multi-ethnic business team joining hands (arrrgh!)
  • Inappropriately handsome/beautiful
it's a miracle.
However, I use iStockPhoto for most of my projects, because it's cheap, and so am I:rolleyes:.
 
covisio said:
I sympathise with the OP. There are some good images on iStockPhoto (and similar sites) but gawd you do have to shovel through some cr*p to get to them.
Trouble is, some contributors don't know the meaning of the word 'natural'. If the subject isn't:
  • Grinning inanely
  • Shaking their fists in the air in triumph ("I'm a winner! I got the deal! F**k you all!")
  • Multi-ethnic business team joining hands (arrrgh!)
  • Inappropriately handsome/beautiful
Click to expand...

Add to the list:

Running with briefcase and mobile phone to the ear.
Multi-ethnic business team gathered around computer monitor.
Anything whatsoever to do with anybody shaking hands.
Shot of printed spreadsheet on table with pen, mobile phone and coffee cup on top of it.

Please. Stop it. Stop it now.
 
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