She Strengthens

The Unseen Faces of Stock Photography

When browsing through online articles, have you ever stopped to think about the people featured in the accompanying stock photos? Chances are, they’re predominantly white, with a few tokenistic inclusions of people of color. This lack of diversity is a problem that permeates the internet, and it’s time we address it.

A Personal Connection

As someone with a mixed background – my dad is Caucasian, and my mom was born in Kashmir – I’ve often felt like I don’t fit into the traditional molds of racial identity. But when I see stock photos, I’m reminded that my experiences, and those of people like me, are rarely represented. The default image of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed individual doesn’t resonate with me, and it’s not just about physical appearance. It’s about the cultural context and nuances that come with being part of a diverse community.

The Editor’s Dilemma

As an editor, I’ve contributed to this problem by opting for readily available Caucasian stock photos instead of searching for more diverse options. It’s a convenience-driven decision, but one that perpetuates the lack of representation. I’ve also noticed that when I do try to find diverse photos, they often feel inorganic and clichéd. It’s a challenge to find images that genuinely reflect the experiences of people of color.

A Call to Action

It’s not enough to simply acknowledge this issue; we need to take action. We need to start diversifying stock photos across the board, rather than only using them for articles written by people of color. As Eva Recinos, a Guatemalan contributor, puts it, “I would love to see more stock photos that include people of color, so I don’t feel so out of the equation.” It’s time to break free from the defeatist attitude and strive for change.

A Designer’s Perspective

Lauren, our designer, shares her frustrations with the lack of diversity in commercial-use stock photography websites. She’s conscious of the issue and is making a concerted effort to change it. In an ideal world, she’d be out shooting images of real women, capturing their complexity and individuality. But for now, she’s limited to the available options.

Beyond Race

This issue isn’t limited to people of color; stock photos rarely represent different body types, members of the LGBTQ community, or people with disabilities. It’s time to challenge the status quo and demand more inclusive representation.

Taking the First Step

We’ve found a few websites that offer more diverse stock photos, such as Create Her Stock, Blend Images, LeanIn Collection on Getty Images, Black Stock Images, and Get Color Stock Image via Unsplash. It’s a start, but we need to keep pushing for change. As consumers, editors, and designers, we have the power to create a more inclusive online landscape. Let’s take the first step towards a more representative future.