For too long, stock photography has been trapped in a world of déjà vu and cliches. The same poses, the same smiles, the same models and the same scenes that have been played out in different variations across countless platforms. It’s as if creativity got stuck in a loop, where originality is hard to come by. And let’s talk about the cost — securing the rights to stock images can be a budget buster that stifles creativity and restricts access to quality visuals.
AI is stepping in to break the cycle, to bring back the excitement and authenticity to visual storytelling. Here’s how Cascaid’s AI is tackling the problems head on, leaving behind the doldrums of the generic, repetitive and pricey world of stock imagery.
Beyond the Generic:
The comfort zone of stock images has become a little too comfortable. The fundamental problem with stock photos has always been their generic nature, designed to fit as many uses as possible while fitting none perfectly. It’s the visual equivalent of a one-size-fits-none garment.
A marketing leader told Cascaid her team discovered an excellent stock image for a campaign. They invested extensive time integrating it into their materials, only for her to later see the same image used in a local Staples.
But with generative AI, we’re witnessing a shift towards imagery that’s custom-crafted to fit the narrative you’re weaving, specific to your project’s mood, style and subject matter.
The Repetition Echo Chamber
It’s not uncommon to stumble upon a stock image and realize, “Hey, isn’t that…?” Indeed, several well-known actors and public figures once graced the generic backdrops of stock photos, adding an intriguing twist to these often-overlooked pictures.
You might be surprised to learn that many familiar faces in these images have stories of their own, some even rising to fame after their stock photo days. Take, for instance, the stock photo of Simu Liu, the star of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi” and Warner Bro’s “Barbie” movie, has become an internet meme.
Repetition is haunting the stock imagery industry. Going back to the one-size-fits-none garment, using stock imagery in your ad campaign can feel like walking into a party and seeing everyone wearing the same outfit. It’s uninspiring, and frankly, a little embarrassing.
Generative AI offers a spectrum of diversity that traditional stock photos could only dream of. With algorithms learning and evolving, AI-generated images promise a future where each visual is unique and fitting for you and you only.
The Price Tag Barrier: Democratizing Creativity
High-quality stock images come with price tags that can make your wallet weep. Particularly for small businesses, creators or non-profits, the leap to top-tier visual content has often been a leap too far.
Enter AI: the great equalizer. Generative AI levels the playing field, giving startups and freelancers the power to create stunning visuals, making cost-effective and high-quality images accessible to all.
A New Narrative in Stock Visuals
Cascaid is not just disrupting, we’re redefining what it means to source visuals. We envision a world where the visualization of ideas is as tangible and accessible as the ideas themselves.
In this new era of stock imagery, Cascaid stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity. The stage is set for a new chapter in digital imagery.
