Last Updated on 05/05/2017 by Chris Gampat
All images used with permission from DepositPhotos
We all know what they’re like: stock photos are pretty basic because most people and advertisers are pretty basic. They lack creativity; but the folks over at DepositPhotos decided to collaborate with five photographers with different backgrounds to deliver their own totally unique take on the stereotypical stock photo. You know: the woman with a salad, shopping, family, parties, etc.
The results: They’re pretty fricken’ cool.
Typical Stock Photos
Roman Pashkovskiy: Portrait and Landscape Photographer
I imagined this project as a sort of a fight against cliches. Stock photography is, after all, mostly cliches; a collection of stereotypical images which are dictated by the market. There are definite rules to the game, algorithms and particular types of execution. The opportunity to rethink this aspect turned out to be really useful. For me personally, it has given me a chance to look at the construction and execution of my work in a new light. In a very short period of time, I was able to achieve something which also opened up my horizons in a different way.
Polina Karpova: Art Photographer
When I found out that the project was going to be shot in a big studio, I immediately imagined that I would find myself in an analog of Hollywood pavilions where characters would run around with their makeup to and fro. My expectations actually came true.
In 4 out of the 5 photo shoots, I was taking pictures of my favorite model and my friend Yaroslava, the heroine seen throughout most of my portfolio. In general, I just added someone I knew well as a character, used my tactics for composition. In general, this project has given me the feeling of a child who was taken to the toy store where any toy can be yours. I completely submersed myself in the role of a stock photographer.
Max Finogeev: Fashion Photographer
There were 5 different stories, 5 photo shoots and one day to shoot (around 10 hours). I set up 5 different experiments and felt a bit like an idea generating machine. During this stream of ideas, I realized that I physically won’t manage to work out each idea and execute it so I would be happy with it. That’s why when I look at the results of the photoshoot, I perceive it not as something done and finished but rather an example for future developments and concepts.
My main approach was my wish to step away from the literal decisions which are kind of provoked by the main theme. For me, it was important to find a fitting metaphor that would accurately reflect one (not always positive) side of the phenomenon.
Ivan Chernichkin: Photojournalist
I’m a documentary photographer. The opportunity to take on a completely different role is really important to me. During the realization of this idea, just as my work with personal projects, I mostly watched the models and directed them.
The photographs that I have taken for this project are to some extent a test for the audience. In every one of the shots I have taken, there is a reference to famous works of art or the works of famous photographers.
Maia Iva: Nude Photographer
Previously, I’ve never had the opportunity to work with stock photography so this project was my first experience. Initially I was a little scared that I may be misinterpreting the genre and will create something very far off from the desired outcome. In the end, I tried to make my lack of experience into an advantage and during the creation of my shots I moved around instinctively. It is very interesting to see the photo shoot interpretations of other photographers – there were so many unusual artists here.
In the process of creating the piece according to my interpretation, I worked more with close associations and direct interpretations. I think this was because my initial theme, which included a naked body, wasn’t possible, and I had to dig a little deeper.
