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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Awkward Stock Photos” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73, number 21689 of the collection, and the 31st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Awkward Stock Photos” meme mean?
This humorous format exploits the discomfort caused by overly polished or strangely mismatched advertising images. It highlights the visual hypocrisy of professional worlds where everything must be smiling and controlled. The comedy arises from the contrast between expected neutrality and the unsettling nature of the subjects. We laugh at this artificiality that betrays human reality behind the camera. It is a gentle critique of standardized corporate culture.
Where does the “Awkward Stock Photos” meme come from?
The Tumblr blog 'Awkward Stock Photos' was launched in January 2010 by Mark Hauge, a graphic designer from the Chicago area. Friends encouraged him to share his usual finds via this new dedicated channel instead of just Facebook. The exact date of the first post remains unknown. The community quickly contributed by submitting their own visual discoveries. The phenomenon rapidly gained media attention. A compilation published by The Hairpin on January 3, 2011, titled 'Women Laughing Alone with Salad', amplified the concept's notability. In February 2010, a DMCA takedown request was filed regarding some hosted images, highlighting legal tensions around these diverted uses.
- January 2010Mark Hauge launches the Tumblr blog dedicated to disturbing commercial photos.
- February 2010A DMCA takedown request is filed against the site for published content.
- January 3, 2011The Hairpin publishes a viral compilation titled 'Women Laughing Alone with Salad'.
How to use the “Awkward Stock Photos” meme
- Share an image showing a rigid man holding an object without clear logic to illustrate a useless meeting.
- Group several clichés with forced smiles to comment on a political speech that is too smooth.
- Add an ironic caption to a photo of an artificial family to criticize social standards.
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The “Awkward Stock Photos” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21689 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 73 |
| Fame | 66/100 · #31 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Awkward Stock Photos” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Awkward Stock Photos comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Awkward Stock Photos”
More cards of the Memes World series 73
Frequently asked questions
What is awkward stock photos?
It refers to a Tumblr blog created in 2010 cataloging public service clips with unnatural poses and embarrassing expressions.
Who created awkward stock photos?
Graphic designer Mark Hauge, based in Chicago, founded this collection after being encouraged by his circle.
Awkward stock photos origin?
The project stems from a personal initiative on Tumblr starting in early 2010, focused on visual humor related to corporate life.
Women laughing alone with salad link?
It is an article compiling these images published in The Hairpin on January 3, 2011, which popularized the concept.
How do I get the Awkward Stock Photos meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Awkward Stock Photos” is a rare card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Awkward Stock Photos card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Stock Photo Cliches - meme.com · Awkward Stock Photos · Awkward Stock Photos: Image Gallery · checked on October 14, 2026.
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