Stock photos are something most of us cannot imagine our office or academic routine without anymore. They come in handy when there’s a need to illustrate your written content or to properly describe a point during a high-school, University or a job presentation. Needless to say, most of us take them for granted ever since they first acquired their mainstream popularity. However, there are some cases when a specific Stock Photo will break the smooth flow of your scrolling, cases when a stock photo will make you come up with existentialist questions about reality, ethics, and the purpose of life. The following are some of the most random, confusing and abysmal stock photos to ever grace your desktop (and handheld) device.

One might even try to guess the narrative of this one (cheating? harassment in the office?). However, there is absolutely no emotional correspondence between the two. Basically, it’s simply an intense naked guy in the background and a woman who sort of managed to create an expression that gravitates between curiosity and indifference at the same time.

At some point in your life, you might find it an absolute necessity to look for a semi-naked academic with boxing gloves. Nonetheless, we do envy those who’ll miss this point. This is probably a Harry Potter fan fiction straight from the Forbidden Forest.

Actually, even more off-putting than the obviously pointless narrative (besides the potential “How did they grow this in 2017”, asks a scientist in 2020” storyline) is the general wannabe futurism this picture represents.

How can one look like a regular dictator while boasting a title like that? History, however, suggests that these guys can be really eccentric. The message is clear – don’t mess with the princess. She’ll zap you.

In my country, it’s a normal custom to shake the trout after a successful deal. No, but really, what could this even stand for? A “fishy” business partnership?

Brotherhood is a strong unity molded in experience and united by a solid white sweater. The Nordic charms and laundry softener are all over this!

Okay, there simply has to be an intentional competition going on. The goal – create something as borderline idiotic and “out-there”’ as possible, as if, in a sense, taking a piss at all the stock photo industry in general.

Those who are obliged to rummage stock photo websites on a regular basis definitely have noticed the significant influx of virtual reality-themed images. It’s not that they’re useless or something, but one has to note the amazingly repetitive nature of them. It’s always either the “Wow, the future is so beautiful” thing or the already tired “futuristic, albeit rather meaningless, interface floating in the air” trope.

Images of corporate joy and team building can already be considered a substantial stock photo subgenre in and of itself. Rarely is the enthusiasm depicted shared in equal measure, thus leading to some really awkward posing. In this case, the lady on the lower right is a prime example.

And now, to break the stereotype, we’ll bring in some groove. The 1970’s, as it turns out, were quite prolific in terms of stock photo production. This example is a lesson in justifying every stereotype out there. And proudly so!

Some Additional Madness:

#1 – The skiing thing

#2 A Gorgeous Waterhorse

#3 A Tiny Dog Flying Past the Moon

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#4 And this Fauvist Version of Lana del Ray

And of course – the whole section under the “bizarre” tag on gettyimages.com. Those, however, are almost more on the artsy side of the things.

Der Beitrag Bizarre Stock Photos that Will Make You Question Existence erschien zuerst auf My-Picture.co.uk blog.