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5 Unsplash Photos I’m Tired of Seeing Around Vocal

Because it instantly tells me you're a newbie.

By Kathryn MilewskiPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
21

Vocal creators who have been on this site for about six months or longer probably know the feeling: when you're scrolling through top stories or the submissions to a challenge and every cover photo looks. exactly. the same. Am I dreaming? Did I just see two stories right next to each other with the same lady covered in popcorn?

Yes, I know: Unsplash is a blessing. But it also has its downsides. When it comes to hunting for pictures of a certain thing, there will always be specific aesthetically-pleasing photos that manage to pop up first on the search page. Unfortunately, newbie Vocal creators see these photos and don't realize they've already been used thousands of times by other writers. They go ahead and publish their stories with these generic pictures and us veteran creators roll our eyes, secretly thinking oh god, not another one.

After a while, these photos start to become a turn-off and you refuse to click on any more stories that feature them. All of a sudden, the artistry becomes an eyesore. That's not a beautiful picture of a woman flipping her hair while listening to music. That's TRASH.

I don't want talented Vocal creators to keep recycling trash. There's certain kinds of trash that just can't be recycled - stop throwing grocery bags in the recycling bin, Karen!!! Instead, I'd like to educate both the newbie and veteran Vocal'ers and point out the 5 most commonly-used Unsplash cover photos on this site. That way you can stop using them and go find another interesting copyright-free image on Depositphotos, Wikimedia Commons, or Pixabay instead.

A disclaimer: I'm not saying you're a terrible creator for using these photos. We've all used them at one point or another. I'm just trying to make a point that Unsplash's search feature can do a lot better. I'm also trying to have a laugh because I'm experiencing a bit of Vocal burnout at the moment and need something funny to rant about. HA HA HA. CONTENT.

Here comes the sh*tshow. 5 Unsplash photos we're all tired of seeing, in no particular order...

By RetroSupply on Unsplash

1. The Oddly Organized Desk

I'm writing this article on July 22, 2021 and on the second page of the top stories list, there are literally two top stories near each other with this same image. This is one of those generic photos that's used for a wide variety of topics on Vocal. You may find it on an article about overcoming writer's block or a guide on how to manifest your dreams. It's nonspecific as hell.

My one question about this image is WHO THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO ORGANIZE THEIR DESK LIKE THIS?! Literally everything is off to the side and nothing is in the middle like it's supposed to be. If I want to use that typewriter, I have to reach my arms all the way across the desk and possibly risk knocking over that gorgeous pinecone.

I dunno, I think the circular placement of these items just gives off occult ritual vibes. All you need is a pentagram in the middle and you can summon Satan with these office supplies.

By Mollie Sivaram on Unsplash

2. Netflix and Chill, but Make It Hipster

Why do I love and hate this boujee living room at the same time? It's got everything a rich Brooklyn hipster could want: five plants, an expensive electric guitar, a lamp that kind of looks like a white dog or cat tunnel, and that unsuspecting box of What Do You Meme? that's trying so desperately to hide in the top right corner of the shelf.

You'll typically find this photo slapped onto stories submitted for film or TV-related challenges. Other common Unsplash photos in the same vein include the Super Close-up Hipster Netflix Pic, the Tiny Remote Pic, and that goddamn popcorn lady. Like seriously?! Is she just gonna ignore that mess of popcorn on her chest and not eat it???

By JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

3. The Pencil Eating Lady

She's working under a tight deadline, guys. Just give her some space.

This is always the cover photo of stories related to productivity, school, or writing in some way. I didn't realize until actually looking at this photo her pencil cup contains colored pencils. Is she eating her art supplies? Is she smiling or stressed? What's so important on her computer screen that she looks like she's about to throw up from the anticipation? I'm just confused.

By Jp Valery on Unsplash

4. The Ben Franklin Hand

Wanna learn how to make hundreds of dollars writing on Vocal? Click on this photo of a hand holding up hundred dollar bills like they're Uno cards!

There are so many great money-related photos on Unsplash, but for some reason, this is the one most people go with. I'm not really sure why, since I think the exposure is a little too dark in this stock image. But whatever. Everyone loves a good ol' fan of money, right?

By Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

5. The Boombox Person

Last but certainly not least. This is by far the most overused and annoying photo ever to come out of Unsplash. Every playlist challenge, this image gets used like 20 times. A while back in a Vocal Facebook group, Me, Laquesha Bailey, and other creators were just going off about how goddamn redundant and weird this photo is. It's everywhere!!!

I have questions. First of all, why is this person still listening to a boombox like they're a character in a John Hughes movie? It's 2021. Second of all, why are they listening to this boombox in a white void? This is giving me serious THX 1138 or Squidward all alone vibes.

I'm going to live for the day when this photo gets less popular. It's just...stupid. I can't even think of a funny criticism for it, that's how stupid it is. If you're entering a Vocal challenge related to music, for the love of all things holy, please don't use this photo. You can even use that photo of the lady flipping her hair in front of that yellow background, I don't care...just please don't use this one.

Boombox Person is overrated, not intellectually stimulating, and above all, TRASH. Using this photo says a lot about you as a person, and I just...I won't accept it. I'm not clicking on your story if you use this picture. Period.

___________________________

And that's about it for my list. Any common Unsplash photos around Vocal I missed? DM them to me @katyisaladybug on Insta. And if you agree with me that these photos are T-R-A-S-H, drop a like or a tip. It's greatly appreciated.

Thanks lovely readers. Until next time.

-Katy

satire
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About the Creator

Kathryn Milewski

Insta: @katyisaladybug

Also a blogger at Live365.com

Playlists, memoirs, and other wacky pieces.

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