As a founder, I believe in creating spaces where creatives can have a positive feedback loop

Stop Using Free Photo Websites: Here’s Why It’s Hurting Creatives (And You!)

As a founder, I’ve come to believe that creativity isn’t about making something look perfect—it’s about making it meaningful. It’s about connection. ???

Over the years, I’ve watched the photo-sharing industry explode especially now with the explosion of gen-ai, but here’s what’s been keeping me up at night: The most powerful, authentic images—the ones that truly reflect the diversity, emotion, documentation and beauty of our world—are often buried or not even given a chance. Why? Because the platforms we all rely on recycle the same stock photos over and over again.

Free photo sites are the worst of this.

Do you wonder why free photo sites never change? Because there is no reward system in place. And what’s worse? The creators behind these moments are stuck in a cycle where their work can't develop cuz there is no feedback loop that would fuel this "crowd" way to connect, that could be SO powerful. You as a user is the one who is losing out.

It’s frustrating, right? We’re surrounded by millions of images on Instagram, but the ones that matter—the ones that tell the real stories—are no way to be used.

Let that sink in. We have an endless stream of content, we have on average 15k on our phones individually, yet the most authentic, meaningful visuals are being stifled by a system that favors the easy and the safe and the well, i'll say it "plastic."

That’s exactly why I started Scopio. I wanted to create a space where real people, with real stories, could share their raw, unfiltered perspectives. A space where the internet could finally catch up to the real world. ????A place where they could learn and grow. For example, stock sites only will let you in if you are already a professional. We know at the pace in which people are learning their skills will improve.

At Scopio, we don’t believe in just pretty pictures. We believe in the images that matter. And people who have a voice, that are developing those skills. These are the photos that capture the world as it is, not as it’s curated to look. The images that tell stories and spark connections. The photos that make us pause, reflect, and realize how incredible our world really is.

The internet should be a reflection of that richness—the diversity, the realness, and the imperfection of life. So why are we still relying on the same old, recycled stock photos from years ago? Why do we keep using the same tired images instead of celebrating the new perspectives, the fresh voices, and the people who are actually living the stories we’re so eager to share?

It’s time to stop settling.

We need to break free from this stale system and give creatives the space to share their work, to be heard, and to earn from their contributions. When we do that, we’re not just improving the visual landscape—we’re creating a thriving ecosystem of stories that the world truly needs to see. ?? If you are a business leader look at using a free photo as eating a bag of potato chips. Know that that person wants to give you sooo much more. How do I know? I talk more than 30,000 of these people in 190 countries all the time who use Scopio - who have so many unfulfilled goals but the market crushes them.

Because the world is incredible, and the stories that come from it deserve to be shared, celebrated, and appreciated.

The question is: Are we ready to move beyond the same old free photos and start investing in the voices that are shaping our visual future?

I believe we are.

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