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By definition, stock images are professional photos that are used for commercial purposes, like complementing publications, adverts, etc. But in reality, we know very well that many stock pics out there are just so weird, they've become somewhat of a household name for bizarre, pointless, and lousy photographs that make them particularly laughable.

It's this precise quality of the wacky and wondrous elements of stock photography that makes you instantly realize that what you’re seeing is a stock image and nothing else.

Thanks to this subreddit which has 333k members, we now have the most "seriously?", "are they kiddin’ me?" "do u see what I’m seeing?" compilation that poses way more questions than it answers.

Sit back and enjoy these carefully stacked stock monstrosities and after you’re done, be sure to check out Bored Panda's previous post with even more stock goodness that you won’t be able to unsee. Ever.

#1

This Makes Me Feel Uncomfortable

This Makes Me Feel Uncomfortable

Ehrenpulli Report

#2

Oh Damn You Caught Me Keeping A Bowl Of Crackers In The Fridge

Oh Damn You Caught Me Keeping A Bowl Of Crackers In The Fridge

_fukyachickenstrips_ Report

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Emily Ashyn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm embarrassed at how long it took me to understand what was wrong with this

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#3

Surfing The Web

Surfing The Web

nullr0uter Report

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Tri Wahyu Yulianto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See her face, the face of "why must i received this modelling offer from Shutterstock?"

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While scrolling through this post, you are very likely to start wondering in what kind of context someone would need a stock image of a man with a meatloaf mask blended into his skin, or a shot of a woman pointing a baguette at a chef in what seems to be a carefully staged... bakery robbery.

It all has to do with the demand for very specialized imagery which happens when a subscriber browses through the peculiar stock archive. But the photographers have to already be ahead of the demand and anticipate people’s imagery needs before they start typing in the keywords.

#4

Trying To Tell Your Wife Her Cooking Is Crap

Trying To Tell Your Wife Her Cooking Is Crap

joseag19 Report

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#5

This Stock Photo Illustrates The Dangers Of Shirt Hoarding

This Stock Photo Illustrates The Dangers Of Shirt Hoarding

kittybikes47 Report

#6

An Italian Having A Conversation With A Giant Nacho

An Italian Having A Conversation With A Giant Nacho

WeebLass Report

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me
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks like he's having a stern conversation with him like "I'm nacho friend, dude"

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According to The Atlantic, “Shutterstock's content team will do direct outreach to the site's top videographers, photographers, and illustrators 'to help fill specific content needs.'” However, the contributing photographers are the ones who figure out what the subscribers will be looking for.

These days, stock imagery has become kind of its own aesthetic category that’s posed and weird without any apparent reason. Incredibly, according to Shutterstocker Emily Goodwin, “it's the utilitarian content—the images that capture the banalities and absurdities of everyday life—that prove popular” on the website.

#7

I Think I’ll Go Snow Skiing In A Bikini; Ya Know, Since I’m Pregnant And All

I Think I’ll Go Snow Skiing In A Bikini; Ya Know, Since I’m Pregnant And All

onepersononeidea Report

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RU Sirius
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the girl from the fishing picture above now is looking for that fisherman after months from their encounter

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#8

Kermit Sacrifices A Potato?

Kermit Sacrifices A Potato?

MrBobDobolina Report

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#9

Woman Is Robbing Bakery With A Baguette

Woman Is Robbing Bakery With A Baguette

JCMotors Report

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#10

Alligator Attacking Businesswoman In Office Cubicle

Alligator Attacking Businesswoman In Office Cubicle

JCMotors Report

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Julia Atkinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sign on break room wall: It has been 0 days since the last alligator attack

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#11

Forbidden Affair

Forbidden Affair

deftones_bro Report

#12

Apple

Apple

FORDY141 Report

#13

After Many Weeks Lurking, I Have Finally Found A Wtfstockphoto

After Many Weeks Lurking, I Have Finally Found A Wtfstockphoto

Nubbins02 Report

#16

Dads When Gas Prices Go Up 1 Cent

Dads When Gas Prices Go Up 1 Cent

DarkArcher__ Report

#17

Yes Grandma I Want Some Ice-Cream

Yes Grandma I Want Some Ice-Cream

LittleDuckk_ Report

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#19

It's Like I'm Really There!

It's Like I'm Really There!

invertedpencil Report

#20

Ok, Love You Too

Ok, Love You Too

DistortionPuddle Report

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Ty Stratton-Quirk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know they're supposed to be shorter than the other fingers, but rule of thumb clearly doesn't apply here.

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#21

Bubble Wrap Fun

Bubble Wrap Fun

frumpinator Report

#22

When No One Shows Up To Your Victorian Themed Whoville Party

When No One Shows Up To Your Victorian Themed Whoville Party

H3ro0fTime Report

#24

Man With A Meat Loaf Mask Blended Into His Skin Or Whatever This Is

Man With A Meat Loaf Mask Blended Into His Skin Or Whatever This Is

Chestarpewnewtbattar Report

#25

Burger Baby

Burger Baby

boredbenny Report

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Full Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude you're supposed to chew 25 times per bite. You're going to need some Alka Seltzer. You must've looked like a pelican when swallowing that.

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#26

So... I Came Across This Picture

So... I Came Across This Picture

NotYourBuissnesMate Report

#27

How To Properly Censor A Dingdingdong

How To Properly Censor A Dingdingdong

SolidGoatz Report

#28

Man Poking A Gpu Card With A Soldering Iron

Man Poking A Gpu Card With A Soldering Iron

Petrovjan Report

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HalfShelli
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’ve gotta love the fact that he’s clearly never held – or perhaps even seen – a soldering iron. In his entire life.

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#29

I Don't Even Know What To Say

I Don't Even Know What To Say

reddit.com Report

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#32

My New Favorite Account- Humans Of Stock Photography

My New Favorite Account- Humans Of Stock Photography

BDGIJ1SQV3 Report

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#35

When You Be Robbing Someone's House But The Beat Is Fire

When You Be Robbing Someone's House But The Beat Is Fire

Camewoo Report

#36

What If We Smelled The Same Shoe... Haha, Just Kidding... Unless?

What If We Smelled The Same Shoe... Haha, Just Kidding... Unless?

BillNyeYourMomAGuy Report

#39

What Situation Is This Supposed To Describe?

What Situation Is This Supposed To Describe?

exeref Report

#40

My Absolute Favourite - "Concept Of Abstract Pain And Despair"

My Absolute Favourite - "Concept Of Abstract Pain And Despair"

joankatzekatzs Report

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#44

How People Outside The Us Picture American Children

How People Outside The Us Picture American Children

Stoo_Pedassol Report

#45

Hey Dad, I Found My New Kink!

Hey Dad, I Found My New Kink!

deftones_bro Report

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're going to be waiting a long time for their (singular) steak if the grill has no coals in it...

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#46

Bradley's First Legal Dose Of Cannabis Excited Him More Than It Should've

Bradley's First Legal Dose Of Cannabis Excited Him More Than It Should've

ItsMrFunk Report

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LottieH
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what I am gonna look like when I get my covid vaccine, then I am gonna look round, grab my head and scream 'omg I can feel the chip working it's way to my brain' just to see everyone's faces :-P

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#48

I Guess You Could Say, He's "Hung"

I Guess You Could Say, He's "Hung"

reddit.com Report

#49

Japanese Dragon Nurse Helps Apple With A Wheel Chair

Japanese Dragon Nurse Helps Apple With A Wheel Chair

JustYourNormalWeeb Report

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#51

Trust Nobody... Not Even Yourself

Trust Nobody... Not Even Yourself

Cio332 Report

#52

Just Swimming!

Just Swimming!

LeatherAir Report

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Logic and Reason
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this one. It’s creative, but more importantly, not scarring to look at.

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#55

Burger Nightmare

Burger Nightmare

Zerorysm Report

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Candace Fitzpatrick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a picture of me struggling with the idea of ordering from McDonalds for the second time this week...

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#56

I Have Several Questions

I Have Several Questions

dirgl Report

#57

Monkey On Phone And Woman In Bath

Monkey On Phone And Woman In Bath

hitting_mices Report

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SeidWolf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's right Jim, I'm with your wife... no no, i get it, you're in a meeting.. uh huh, yeah, no she's good actually, take your time.

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#58

I've Always Wanted The Ability To Summon Raptors

I've Always Wanted The Ability To Summon Raptors

deftones_bro Report

#59

The Search Phrase Was “Working Together”

The Search Phrase Was “Working Together”

milomcfuggin Report

#60

Dylan Got So Frustrated Hanging His Clock, He Accidentally Hung Himself

Dylan Got So Frustrated Hanging His Clock, He Accidentally Hung Himself

Maximus125 Report

#61

The Carrot Lady

The Carrot Lady

JCMotors Report

#63

I Have No Title Just Enjoy

I Have No Title Just Enjoy

cozzag13 Report

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Losferatu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When even the inflatable sex doll turns you down, you have problems.

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#65

Skffffff

Skffffff

H3ro0fTime Report

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Ty Stratton-Quirk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's bad enough externally, but can you imagine a cat panicking and tearing up your sinus cavity?

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#66

Teenager Snorting Cocaine, That Has Been Positioned To Spell Out Lenin

Teenager Snorting Cocaine, That Has Been Positioned To Spell Out Lenin

sequence_string Report

#67

Finally, An Accurate Representation Of Fishing

Finally, An Accurate Representation Of Fishing

rehg1ne Report

#68

Woman Wearing Gas Mask Vacuuming Lawn

Woman Wearing Gas Mask Vacuuming Lawn

JCMotors Report

#69

He Will Legit Shoot Off His Fingers At That Angle

He Will Legit Shoot Off His Fingers At That Angle

adistantshipsmoke Report

#70

Yup. This Exists

Yup. This Exists

Waffle_Wizrd Report

#71

Pleeease Can I Keep Him?

Pleeease Can I Keep Him?

deftones_bro Report

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Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually find the lawn and the couple creepier. Has that plastic stepford vibe.

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#72

You're Either The Hunter Or The Hunted

You're Either The Hunter Or The Hunted

hitting_mices Report

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Julia Atkinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Note that the apple is the ringleader. Don't be fooled by all that "an apple a day" propaganda spewed by the Apple Marketing Board.

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#74

Can Someone Explain?

Can Someone Explain?

stithpragya Report

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Julia Atkinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We've already served your food in an antique chamber pot instead of on a plate, surely you didn't expect an actual cup?"

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#75

"Anything Is A Dildo If You're Brave Enough" Or "I Want It To Be Extra Loud"

"Anything Is A Dildo If You're Brave Enough" Or "I Want It To Be Extra Loud"

Kid-on-kazoo Report

#77

Beauty

Beauty

LordOfLiteracy Report

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Antonio Lucio Vivaldi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this one before on another stock photo. I call it "Cat-Serpent Cooks Stew in a Pumpkin."

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#78

A Woman Hugging A Penis Body Pillow While Reading A Book Called "Huge Penis"

A Woman Hugging A Penis Body Pillow While Reading A Book Called "Huge Penis"

mrgefen Report

#79

Ironman

Ironman

hitting_mices Report

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Julia Atkinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that was the last time Paul was allowed to do the ironing unsupervised

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#80

From An Article About Teenagers Becoming Radicalized Online

From An Article About Teenagers Becoming Radicalized Online

Folamh3 Report

#81

Pill That's Actually Hard To Swallow

Pill That's Actually Hard To Swallow

chamlord Report

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#82

Man In Gas Mask Getting Ready To Shave

Man In Gas Mask Getting Ready To Shave

JCMotors Report

#84

I See Your Satan With Chocolates And I Raise You Jesus With A Laptop

I See Your Satan With Chocolates And I Raise You Jesus With A Laptop

ohihatethesepants Report

#85

I Too Found This Image In My Textbook, But A Physical Copy

I Too Found This Image In My Textbook, But A Physical Copy

ekindt47 Report

#86

This Image Costs $499 For A Large Size

This Image Costs $499 For A Large Size

deftones_bro Report

#87

I Hope This Doesn't Happen To My PC

I Hope This Doesn't Happen To My PC

Mcrazil Report

#88

Get Outta My Way!

Get Outta My Way!

TheGreasyDoggo Report

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#89

Let’s Just Take The Moment To Investigate What’s Going On Here

Let’s Just Take The Moment To Investigate What’s Going On Here

the_mighty_duckman Report

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Full Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one actually makes sense as a photo if you understand what a bear means in gay culture.

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#90

A Mug As Long As That Neck

A Mug As Long As That Neck

reddit.com Report

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#92

Was Referred To A Stock Photo Database When I Was Younger, Where I Participated In This Gem

Was Referred To A Stock Photo Database When I Was Younger, Where I Participated In This Gem

prguitarman Report

#93

A Single Copy Of This Was $200

A Single Copy Of This Was $200

peppermintrain Report

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Abraxas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A colleague told me recently - unsolicited, barely know him - that he likes to eat raw onions like an apple. And if this wasn't more than enough, he said he does this every time before he visits his girlfriend because she doesn't like that he smokes. WTFF?! I'm rarely really disgusted or speechless, but here I was.

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