50 Years Of SuperStock
1973: A Year of Change and SuperStock’s Birth
Remember 1973? Nixon’s resignation, Roe v. Wade, Vietnam finally ending. It was a year that rocked the world, and in that whirlwind, a quiet revolution was sparked in New York City: the birth of SuperStock.
From Film Reels to File Cabinets: A Photographer’s Dream
Bill Beerman, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for creative potential, saw an opportunity to empower photographers and revolutionize the way brands accessed visual content. He envisioned a treasure trove of high-quality images, curated by artists, for artists. SuperStock was born, a stock photo agency built on mutual respect and shared passion.
A Brief History of Stock Photography: From Dusty Archives to Digital Deluge
While SuperStock wasn’t the first, it was part of a rising tide. The Photo Argus reminds us that stock photography’s roots stretch back to the 1920s, with pioneers like H. Armstrong Roberts and Otto Bettmann recognizing the power of a well-placed image. But it was Beerman’s vision of a curated collection, accessible through catalogs, that truly set SuperStock apart.
A Photographer’s Perspective: From Tony Stone to SuperStock
As a photographer myself, I witnessed the industry’s early boom firsthand. My work found a home with Tony Stone, another early pioneer, and the possibilities felt endless. Suddenly, our dusty negatives could fuel our creative ventures, opening doors for artistic exploration.
The arrival of Getty Images in 1995 marked a turning point. The internet buzzed with potential, and Getty, with its keen business sense, saw the future of stock photography in digital delivery. They acquired giants like Image Bank, Tony Stone, Photonica, and FPG, while Beerman, content with SuperStock’s success, held onto his vision.
SuperStock: Still Artist-Owned, Still Passion-Driven
Fast forward to today. After navigating ownership changes, I, myself, acquired SuperStock in 2019. Our team, with offices around the world, remains laser-focused on quality and artist-driven curation. We believe in the power of images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire creativity.
Beyond the Bottom Line: The Goosebumps of Image Possibilities
Unlike many stock agencies beholden to shareholders, SuperStock is driven by a different kind of fuel: the thrill of matching the perfect image to a client’s request. When you reach out, we don’t just see a customer, we see a fellow creative seeking the visual spark for their next masterpiece. And when our images grace billboards, magazine covers, TV commercials, or movie pitches, it still blows our minds.
So, here’s to 50 years of capturing moments, fueling creativity, and proving that a stock photo agency can be more than just a business. Here’s to Bill Beerman, who dared to dream in 1973. And here’s to the future, where SuperStock continues to be your go-to partner for visual storytelling, one passionate image at a time.
Ready to explore the world of SuperStock? Let’s make some magic together.
– Stewart Cohen
*****
P.S. Stay in touch with SuperStock as we work on our next 50 yrs. Follow us on our social.
