But, finding the right picture is not an easy task. If you plan on using stock images, make sure the copyright license of each image is explicitly defined.
The following websites provide images which are free from copyright restrictions or licensed under creative commons public domain dedication so you can copy, modify and distribute them without restriction.
1. Morguefile
One of the oldest stock photos website, providing free high-resolution stock photos for illustration and design since 1996. Beside several categories you can check out the most popular photos as well as the most recent ones. Also, you can learn how take better photos in the classroom. Free of charge, of course.
2. Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons has over 15 million freely usable media files including images, videos, and sounds, ready to use. You can search by numerous criteria including topic, location, and source. You are allowed to copy, use, and modify any of these files as you wish, as long as you just follow the licensing terms of each file.
3. StockSnap.io
StockSnap.io provides a large selection of beautiful free stock photos and high resolution images. Hundreds of images are added on a weekly basis from around the web and a number of daily submissions by photographers.
What makes it stand out among other similar websites is its user-friendly design which makes it extremely easy to find the perfect free stock photo among the thousands of images available. You can immediately download the photo and there is no need to register or leave your email.
4. FreeImages
At this website you can browse through the categories of their huge gallery containing over 350 000 quality stock photos submitted by more than 30 000 photographers. Photos from diverse set of categories are easily searchable.
However, registration is necessary but it only takes few minutes to get access to numerous shots. There are also tutorials available involving stock photography and image editing.
5. IM Free
IM Free is a free resource from IM Creator, a free website creator. The photos give a sense of realism and authenticity. IM Free categorizes the images by collections and categories, such as ambient, arts & music, business, black & white, cityscape, education, fashion & beauty, foods & drinks, inspirations, lifestyles, nature, occupations, people, technology, etc.
6. Unsplash
Unsplash releases 10 new photos every 10 days. You can find pictures of breathtakingly attractive beautiful landscapes, both rural and urban as well as close up shots of objects and animals.
Since there are no tags on the photos, there is no search option available. However, the photos are of superb quality and high resolution so you will spend a lot of time scrolling down.
7. Picjumbo
Another great website with excellent photos. Well organized, with many categories referring to everyday life. In addition you can find a great collection of food shots, so if you are in food business you might find it worth your while to take a browse.
And the best part is that most of the photos come in very high resolution: mostly 3500+ pixels wide, so we strongly recommend that you check it out.
8. Gratisography
Gratisography is a great source for free high-resolution photos that are regularly updated. All the photos are captured and weekly added by Ryan McGuire, an artist and web designer.
Image collection is remarkable and consists of quirky images named Balloon Blues, Whole Lotta Hair or Lizacorn. This type of photos can be suitable for a project which you just can’t find a literal image to fit and you want your readers to think: ‘What the…?’
The downside is that there isn’t a search function or categories, so it might take time to find what you need but once you’ve found it, it will make a statement on any website.
9. Bucketlistly
If you are looking for travel photos, this is the right place for you. The author states: As a photographer, my purpose is not to create beautiful or realistic photos, but to inspire others to travel. You are sure to be inspired by these incredible and original photos from: New Zealand , Indonesia, Japan and several more countries.
10. SplitShire
SplitShire provides extremely high quality stock images. Images are regularly updated and the website is easy to search trough. Some of the best shots are abstract and portrait photography but other categories stock some great photos as well.
We would like to keep our list updated, so feel free to let us know if you’ve found amazing, yet free stock image websites.