Finding the right image is always a challenge and if you want to find a great image for free it becomes an even bigger challenge! Of course, if you have your own equipment and a flare for photography consider producing your own imagery.
We’ve listed here the best free stock photo resources with the type of Creative Commons license and whether they require attribution.
Image Licenses – Creative Commons and Public Domain
There is a myriad of information about licences, but the most popular ones are Creative Commons and Public Domain licenses.
A Creative Commons license only applies to images protected by copyright and communicates how the image can be used There may be restrictions on how you can use the image.
A Public Domain license is free for use for anyone on the Internet so the image is unrestricted. An image that is in the public domain can be declared using CCO, which means “no copyright reserved.”
Already have an image in mind?
You will need to check whether you can use the image. To do this go to How to check copyright on images.
Imagery Sources
Here are some of our favourite sources for imagery.
Attribution: Some imagery
License : CC variable
- A stock content provider. Some photos are free, but for limited sizes.
- Our View: Wide range of categories and option to subscribe for larger sizes.
Albumarium
Attribution: Required
License : CC 2.0
- Beautiful imagery with a useful list of popular albums.
- Our View: Easy to use interface.
Attribution: Not Required
License: CCO
- Free stock photos, videos and illustrations.
- Our View: A great bank of images. Easy to navigate and no sign up needed.
Attribution: Not Required
License: CCO
- An extensive traveller with a talent for taking photos.
- Our View: It’s a great way to travel the world. Amazing free imagery for travel websites.
Attribution: Not Required
License: CC Varies
- Shopify have created Burst. This is a free stock photography website for websites and commercial use.
- Our View: Great photos, just make sure you don’t get sucked into having a shopify website.
Attribution: Not Required
License: CCO
- 69 million stock images and 19 million users.
- Our View: No sign up needed and easy to use.
Attribution: Not Required
License CCO
- 10,000 free stock photos.
- Our View: Basic site. Search by keyword or by colour.
Other Sites
There are many other sites which provide imagery.
