OMG!

Shocking photos are sure to stop you in your tracks. Seeing a photo of someone snorting drugs or with scabs all over their body really makes you cringe. The shock factor only works if the photo is crossing the line of way is socially acceptable. Once again I think there are certain cases where this strategy should and shouldn’t be used.  

This shock factor should only be used with topics and subjects that are harmful to society. For example I think Sisley's fashion ad with the two girls pretending to snort the dress is just pointless and not representing the brand well. I find it is also promoting the use of drugs. This ad does not have a negative tone to it which make it unacceptable.  

I think this works best with social issues. The shocking photo tells the user how to feel about the issue. The magazine ad with the scars about meth clearly has a negative tone. This scares the user into never wanting anything to do with this object. Shocking the user into fear is a smart way to promote stopping doing negative social issues. Bullying, drugs, eating disorder or rape are all issues that could benefit and work very affectively with ads that use the shock factor with disturbing images.