Representation in Stock Imagery
Representation matters. It matters because the world we live in is truly diverse and we each individually bring our own unique perspectives and experiences to the table. These can be informed by a variety of things including sexual identity, ability, race, gender, and religious beliefs.
And while representation has certainly been a buzzword these recent years, it has always been important (just historically ignored and abused). One reason is natural human behavior. Humans respond more positively when they see someone they identify with and thus feel safe in that space. For example, when brands rely on predominately white, able-bodied, cisgender, and heterosexual imagery in their visual content they are essentially saying to those who do not identify as such, "you're not welcome here and this space was not designed with you in mind." Effectively leaving these individuals entirely out of their community or making them feel unsafe in it.
I'm not an expert in this area and am continually working on doing better myself, but I wanted to share some resources for authentic representational stock photos. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but the reason why these collections are important is that they go beyond the stereotypes or clichés. The models are depicted as being, well, people. People with jobs, friends, relationships, and home lives. Imagery has the power to shape perceptions, sometimes perceptions of entire communities. That's where authentic and accurate representation has the capability to chip away at harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
Before diving in, I'd recommend looking within your team, your partnerships, and your existing community... is there diverse representation? Is there inclusion? Is there safety? Or, as The Unmistakables points out in this post about brands and representation, "to avoid being tokenistic, brands must unthink their biases about each respective demographic internally before putting out ‘diverse’ external communications." This can't be stressed enough. Naaya Wellness, a well-being community centering BIPOC voices, shared an Instagram reel on why tokenized representation is harmful. I would also recommend reading Vice's Usage Guidelines as they share some guidance on how to mindfully, and safely, use their photos.
Here are only a few resources that I recommend tapping into when you’re in the need of utilizing stock imagery.
TONL Cultural and Diverse Photos
Vice's The Gender Spectrum Collection: Stock Photos Beyond the Binary
The Unmistakables Despora Photo Collection
