Most of us are not graphic designers. So when it comes to designing web sites and applications, the most sensible choice is to use stock photography as it is cheap and readily available. However, before you design around the pictures you have available, make sure you understand the ‘dangers’ of using stock photography.

A few quotes will give you the gist of the article:

However, now that these elements are more accessibility, we need to realize that the possibility of our close competitors using the exact same visual imagery as ourselves is ever more increasing.

If we happened to be the first to use an amazing graphic, we need to keep an eye out for the day that graphic becomes over-used. And yes, that is the time to replace your once beloved graphic – even if you were first to use.

There is also a great paragraph about the “infamous female wearing a headset” which is quite humorous, but only because it is true.

Again, not all of us are graphic artists or have access to one (without breaking the bank) so you may not have a choice but to use stock images. If you do, however, try to pick images you don’t see everywhere so your site will have a distinctive look… for the time being that is.