April 13, 2015: Because I spend a lot of time online, I’ve probably seen the same 20 or so tired stock photos used over and over by agencies and businesses. As a photographer, I get pretty fed up with the lack of effort that many social media managers and bloggers are putting into the aesthetics of their posts. Here’s a fact: photos are one of the most engaging types of content you can post. Finding beautiful images is just as easy as scouring tacky stock image sites, and many of you don’t even have to pay!
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite image sources. These websites all provide photos that are free to use however you’d like. Support artists, and good design, by using images from these sites:
Editor’s Note to the Reader 11/15/2018: Didit’s list of free stock image resources was compiled in 2015, and while all the referenced links remain valid, new resources have emerged in the past three years that may also meet your needs. To view an updated list of these free image resources, we suggest visiting the following website: https://www.whoishostingthis.com/resources/free-stock-images/
1. Unsplash: My personal favorite of the group. The photos are beautiful, hi-res, free to use, and because Unsplash recently joined up with Canva, they can be easily thrown on your pre-sized layout! From gorgeous landscapes to moody portraits, Unsplash is chock full of unique imagery (if you’re willing to spend a little time).
2. Death to the Stock Photo: With a name like that, you know these artists mean business. You can subscribe (for free) to Death to the Stock Photo and receive 10 stock images delivered to your inbox monthly! Trust me, it’s like Christmas. Or, go premium and have total access to their library anytime you need it! I love this site because the subscriptions pay for photographers to continue shooting these projects. It’s a win-win!
3. SnapWire Snaps: “7 free images every 7 days” is the motto of this site, along with “Let’s Make Photography Human Again.” The images also live on their Tumblr site, so you can download them there as well. I’ve seen some very exceptional photography on this site, and it’s really great for lifestyle brands. SnapWire’s blog contains some very useful tips for photographers seeking to get into the stock photography business.
4. Picjumbo: I like Picjumbo because they have a huge selection, and it’s searchable and intelligently classified by image category. This really comes in handy when you’re searching for a specific image to fit a particular article or post, and they have several themes that you can look through (e.g. Food, Technology, etc.). You have the option to subscribe to them to receive photos in e-mails, or go premium to receive special extra “themed” packs.
5. Gratisography: This site is full of weird and whimsical photography by Ryan McGuire, another photographer who has paired with Canva in recent months. The photos also live on the site, so there’s no need for subscription. All he asks for is a meager coffee donation!
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