Nothing screams “we don’t care about you!” like a bland stock image of a person who looks like they might have just stepped out of a 2007 corporate brochure.
Stock Photos: A One-Way Ticket to “Uninspired-ville”
We’ve all seen them: the blank-faced people, posing in perfect lighting, holding laptops like they’re about to change the world, all while looking like they’ve never been in an office before. And let’s not forget the overly generic “business meetings,” which seem to happen in glass-walled offices that probably don’t exist.
Sure, stock photos are quick and easy. But they scream “fake.” Your audience knows they’re not looking at real people doing real things. They’re looking at something staged and generic, something that doesn’t speak to them on a personal level. Consumers have become immune to stock photos and personally I find myself questioning the authenticity of the website if that’s all I can see.
Enter Emilia Clarke
a.k.a. the Mother of Dragons and, more recently, the creator of stock photos (yes, you read that correctly).
In a brilliant and funny Vanity Fair video, Emilia takes us through the process of creating “perfect” stock photos. It’s as delightful as it sounds. Picture her trying to hold a fake phone with a forced smile, clutching a cup of coffee like it’s an Oscar, and striking ridiculous poses that only someone trying to sell something would ever do.
In case you missed it, here’s a quick breakdown of her masterpieces:
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The “Business Meeting”: Emilia sits at a conference table, looking way too serious to be in a real meeting. Her expression says, “I’m a CEO, and I’ve just closed a multi-billion-dollar deal… or maybe I’m just waiting for the coffee to kick in.”
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The “Working on My Laptop” Shot: She’s hunched over a laptop, but not really doing anything productive. You can almost hear her thinking, “Does anyone buy this? Is this working?”
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The “I’m So Relatable” Pose: There’s that stock image of someone looking contemplative, staring off into the distance like they’ve got it all figured out. Emilia’s version? She’s clearly thinking, “Why am I doing this again?”
It’s absolutely hilarious, but also a very sharp commentary on how overdone, staged, and obviously fake stock photos can be. Emilia’s parody is funny, but it also makes you think: Is my brand looking like a joke with the images I’m using
Why Personalised Content is the Key to Winning Hearts (and Sales)
Emilia’s video doesn’t just show us how ridiculous stock photos can be; it highlights why personalised images and videos are so much more powerful when promoting your business.
Here’s why:
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It’s Real. It’s You.
When you use personalised images and videos, your audience gets a glimpse of the real you — not some generic, overly rehearsed persona. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage of your team at work, customer testimonials, or a personalised video message, people love to see what’s actually happening in your business. Authenticity builds trust, and trust drives sales. -
It’s Relatable.
People want to connect with people, not stock-photo robots. Personalised videos allow you to showcase the personality behind your brand. Whether you’re showing off a new product, giving a tour of your office, or introducing your team, a personalised video creates a sense of community and relatability that stock photos just can’t match. Remember: if your video can make someone laugh or smile (like Emilia did with her “stock photo” antics), you’re halfway there. -
It’s Memorable.
No one remembers the stock image of the “diverse group of professionals in a boardroom.” But a personalised, funny, or heartfelt video? Now, that sticks. Personalised content gives your audience something to remember. Think of it as a way to say, “Hey, we’re real people, just like you.” And that makes a lasting impression. -
It Tells Your Brand Story.
Your business is more than just products and services; it’s a story. Personalised images and videos are perfect tools for sharing that story. Whether it’s your founder talking about the company’s mission or a customer sharing their success, these visuals help paint a picture of who you are and what you stand for.
So, What About Your Brand?
Take a look at your website and socials and ask yourself. Do these images reflect my brand? Do they give your audience a great impression of who you are or do they just give them the ick?
If Emilia Clarke can make us laugh by parodying stock photos, imagine how much fun you could have creating content that feels authentic and real for your business. Your customers will appreciate it — and you might even get a laugh or two in the process.
So, ditch the stock photos, embrace personalised videos and images, and start showing the world the real you — no forced smiles required.
Discover more about how Fearless Video can help you create personalised video here or discover more about the author of this article there.