Stock Photos: Why Your Site Looks Fake

## The Generic Photo Problem

You've seen these people:
- The super diverse team smiling
- Businessman pointing at chart
- The "professional" handshake
- Call center with headsets

**Everyone has seen them. And no one believes them.**

### Why It Hurts Your Business

1. **Lack of authenticity**: Client feels it's fake
2. **Same photos as competitors**: Zero differentiation
3. **Expectation vs reality**: Disappoints upon meeting
4. **Feeling of small company trying to look big**

### What To Do Instead

### Option 1: Real Photos (Ideal)
- Hire a photographer ($100-300)
- Real team photos
- Real physical space
- Products in use

### Option 2: Cellphone Done Right
Tips for good cellphone photos:
- Natural light
- Clean background
- Eye-level angle
- Light editing (don't overdo)

### Option 3: Curated Stock
If using stock:
- Avoid clichės
- Search smaller banks (Unsplash, Pexels)
- Mix with real photos
- Never use for "team"

### Where Real Photos Are Mandatory

- [ ] About Page (team)
- [ ] HQ / office
- [ ] Own products
- [ ] Success cases
- [ ] Client testimonials

### Investment Pays Off

$200 in a photographer can increase conversion by 20-40%.

**Authenticity is the new luxury.**