Stock photos reveal power structures

What is it about?

Concepts are often illustrated by stock photo, both in journalism and public communication. One example is how a pair of hands holding a seedling is meant to express "sustainability". A closer look at such visual cliches reveal tacit understandings that reflect dominant power structures.

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Why is it important?

Stock photo are easily accessible, but should be handled with care. As commercial ready-mades, they might communicate differently than the users think, and audiences usually have little confidence in them.