9 Top Resources for Free Stock Photos

Every content marketer knows that their blog is only as good as the images that accompany their words.  It’s no lie that a picture says 1,000 words, and all those extra words could certainly help get your message across in your blog.

But it is quite tricky to find good quality and relevant stock images to help, especially for commercial use.  So I’ve compiled a list of my favourite resources to look for various stock photos.

1. Free Images

They have a huge gallery containing over 350.000 quality stock photos by more than 30.000 photographers.  You need to sign up/ log in to start downloading photos, and they have an onsite blog where you can post blog articles.  They also have a Forum for discussions, and a place for tutorials, where you can learn various photo tricks.  This is one of my favourites.

2. Open Photo

This site has some great abstract images, and at the time of this blog has 14,793 images available.  You don’t need to open an account to access the photos.  They are closely partnered with my next resource – Dreamstime.

3. Dreamstime

Not all of Dreamstime images area free, and you must register for an account.  The paid websize images currently cost EUR0.18 for 1 credit.  They have a FREE section of their site which is easy to find.

4. Free Stock Photos

Freestockphotos.biz currently has 11,118 free stock photos and clip art illustrations. They have a variety of commercial and editorial licenses.  All images on this site are completely free to download and use. No payment or registration is required, although you must abide by the Image License and Usage Terms listed on the photo download page.

5. Morgue File

Morgue file contains free high resolution digital stock photographs and reference images for corporate or public use. The site provides free image reference material for illustrators, comic book artists, designers, teachers and all creative pursuits.  All they ask is that you please credit the photographer, when you use their photo.

6. Photos 8

This site has Free Photos and Desktop Wallpapers. Currently a collection of 9,870 High Resolution stock photos and wallpapers, thousands of high quality pictures, and easy to search.

7. Public Domain Pictures

PublicDomainPictures.net is a repository of 6,915 free public domain photos. If you intend to use an image you find here for commercial use, please be aware that no model or property release was obtained and pictures featuring products should be used with care.

8. Clker

This site contains a large range of clip art and vectorized images.  They have a community where you can sign up.  This kind of site may not be suitable for everyone, but I like it because it is a little bit different.

9. Creative Commons Search

This one is not a website, but a searching tool, to search Google, Yahoo, Flickr, Blip.tv, Jamendo, SpinXpress, and Wikimedia Commons.  You can select to search for something that you can use for commercial purposes, or something you can modify, adapt and build upon.  Of course, they don’t guarantee the images or information you will be will be 100% free commercial use, but it’s a tool with great potential.