Skip to main content

Stock Photography Caters to Stereotypes

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Consider microstock giant iStockphoto's perception of scientists:

What is singularly disturbing about this result is that iStockphoto's top search results aren't determined by the company. Like any good search engine, iStockphoto's ranking algorithm is a dynamic, organic process driven by statistics drawn from past interest in the content. The Scientist-as-Mad-Scientist, and the lab-coat-and-blue-liquid cliché, are driven by image buyers.

Thus, these are images that conform to preconceptions of how society wants scientists to look. Stock agencies are selling society back its own stereotype, and the merry-go-round spins ever onward.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Now go do yourself a favor and have a look at real scientists.

Alex Wild is Curator of Entomology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studies the evolutionary history of ants. In 2003 he founded a photography business as an aesthetic complement to his scientific work, and his natural history photographs appear in numerous museums, books and media outlets.

More by Alex Wild