Creating Stock Photos That Appeal to Generation Z

Ask any stock photographer, and they’ll tell you the same thing - you need to diversify models in your images. Now, you can diversify them in terms of their looks, ethnicity, gender, etc. But with generations shifting, you must also know how to diversify your photos to appeal to people of different ages.

Brands, your potential buyers, are looking for the ways to get to the Generation Z through the content and through the social channels they’re using. Which means they’re looking for stock photos to follow that content, and that content should be eye-catching to the Gen Z audiences. 

Who is Generation Z?

Generation Z are people born between mid-late ‘90s and early 2010s. They’re the most tech savvy generation, and are usually described as “kids who were born with a cellphone in their hands.”

However, this savviness isn’t the only thing that describes them. They are breaking the norms all over, and brands are trying to figure out what’s the best way to approach them. Gen Z is taking the social media (mainly Instagram and TikTok) to voice their opinions on important topics such as gender and climate change. They are the present and the future buyers, who don’t care about labels. They’re taking more challenges and risks - especially in terms of their appearances.

They are the most racially diverse age group, with very progressive views on sexuality, gender, equality, and they consider this diversity a good thing. 

So, the question is: how can you design your photoshoots to appeal to this group of people? We’ll cover that in this article through trends and issues these teens and young adults care about.

Gen Z Trends

Being a generation that cares about the matters related to climate change and global warming, Gen Z has turned its back on fast fashion. More people from this generation are turning to second hands, giving the clothes they purchase a new life, while also shopping less in fast fashion stores which contribute a lot to Earth’s waste problem. They’re also turning to smaller, local brands, willing to pay more money in order to support local people who make pieces in smaller quantities.

People who belong in Gen Z see sexuality and gender as a spectrum, and they’re more accepting of same-sex relationships. The acceptance of other persons on that spectrum, or who are involved in such relationships is normal to them, as they’re surrounded by these people on an everyday basis.

Being no strangers to activism, Gen Zers are leading a change both in the streets and online. They are spreading awareness on numerous issues which are important to them, and they’re trying to influence their peers to take action as well.

How to Represent Generation Z in Stock Photos

Racial diversity, technology, same-sex partnerships, geneder noncomformity, sustainable fashion, are just some of the traits representing the Generation Z. As such, these should be reflected in your stock photos.

The relationships they have are nontraditional, and in order to represent them in your photos, you should turn to same-sex couples, polyamorous relationships, or those in which one of the partners is transgender. Since gender fluid persons don’t really have one certain look, a way to represent them is to have models who identify as transgender, nonbinary, or who are gender-nonconforming. You can also take editorial images at local rallys, and shoot the signage which represents them.

Since this generation is racially diverse, you should think about hiring models which come from different backgrounds and countries.

Individuality and boldness of the Gen Z can be also showcased through their sense of fashion. Streetwear combined with vintage pieces, bold colors (including hair and makeup), are definitely the trends your stylists and makeup artists should be focusing on.

Images of Gen Zers using technology - from mobile apps, phones, VR and AR equipment, etc. are definitely among the most popular stock photos for this generation. If you don’t own any high-tech equipment they might be using, look for models who have it, or try to find a place to rent the equipment for the photoshoot.

Extra Tips

To get the most authentic representatives of Gen Z you should scout through social media. This generation is all over Instagram and TikTok, and maybe you should be there as well. Pay attention to the content they’re publishing, how they’re dressing and acting - then hire them for the appropriate photoshoots. You should also reach out and exchange ideas with these teenagers and young adults. The inspiration can spark from their social accounts, but also through the interaction with them. 

Be aware of the sensitivities that come with all types of diversity in this generation, investigate, learn about them, and don’t be afraid to take photos. Respect everyone you work with, the pronouns they expect you to use - and use appropriate keywords when uploading images to stock agencies. 

If you’re taking lifestyle stock photos, use the same scenery you would use when capturing lifestyle in any other generation. Yes, these youngsters are divers, but they still go to school, college, they’re working, travelling, going out and hanging around with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

The generations will always change, bringing something different to the table. Millennials opened the doors towards more diversity, transparency, equality, and tech savviness. The Gen Zers are taking all that to the next level. Having photos which reflect the shift in the mainstream culture they’re bringing will definitely help you bump up your stock photography sales numbers. 

Keep in mind, visuals we all see online, on TV, or in magazines are shaping the way whether we perceive something as “normal” or not - the images you produce should be able to reflect this sentiment.