Many people think that if they find an image they like using Google search or on social media sites like Instagram or Pinterest, that they can copy and use on their blogs. This is, in fact, illegal and could result in hefty fines by the copyright owner. So where can you find images for your blogs and social media?
Sources for Free Images
Unsplash.com
One of my favorite sources for free images is Unsplash.com. Here you will find over two million high quality photos. According to their About page, “We hand-select every photo and accept only the best, so that no matter what you need—you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on Unsplash.”
Besides lots of landscape and nature type photos, they have mockups and brand photos from companies like Jimmy Dean, XPS, Espolòn Tequila, etc.
You can also download one of several sizes: small (640 x 426 pixels), medium (1920 x 1280) and large (2400 x 1600) for landscape orientation photos or even the original size (e.g., 6450 x 4360).
Pexels.com
“Pexels is a free stock photo and video website and app that helps designers, bloggers, and everyone who is looking for visuals to find great photos and videos that can be downloaded and used for free. If you see a photo or video you like, simply download it for free (no strings attached!).” I like Pexels when I need to have people in the photo. Like Unsplash, they offer downloads in various sizes. Unlike Unsplash, Pexels also offers videos. Many of them are in 9:16 aspect ratio–perfect for social media.
Freely
If you are looking for a source for free Christian stock photos, Freely has a good selection.
Other Free Image Photo Banks
- https://stocksnap.io/
- https://morguefile.com/
- https://morguefile.com/
- https://kaboompics.com/
- https://pixabay.com/
- https://pixabay.com/ (vintage photos)
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
- https://picjumbo.com/
- https://foodiesfeed.com/
- https://gratisography.com/
- https://freestocks.org/
- https://www.rgbstock.com/
- http://www.designerspics.com/
- https://www.splitshire.com/
- https://stokpic.com/
- https://www.motosha.com/
Stock Photos for Purchase
There are many places to purchase stock photos. Some sites let you purchase just the ones you need, while others require you to have a subscription or to buy packs of images. Here are a few of my favorites:
Deposit Photos – on demand or by subscription
Adobe Stock – includes a collection of millions of images, templates, 3D assets and music tracks, including quite a few free assets. Premium assets must be purchased in packs.
123RF – photos, video footage, vectors, and audio through packs or subscriptions
istockphoto – photos, illustrations and videos through packs or subscriptions
BigStockPhoto – stock images, vectors, and videos by subscription
Ivory Mix – stock photos, social graphic templates, and captions