Are stock photos free?

If you’re a marketer or a blogger, you know that images are the best way to showcase what you’re promoting or writing about to give your readers a visual representation of what they’re getting. But are stock photos free?

Yes, there are many websites that offer free stock photos. However, it is important to read the terms of use for each website before downloading and using any images. Some websites require you to give credit to the photographer, while others allow you to use the images without any restrictions.

Here are some of the most popular websites for free stock photos:

• Pexels: Pexels offers a large collection of high-quality, free stock photos. You can use the images for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution.
• Unsplash: Unsplash is another great source for free stock photos. The photos on Unsplash are all released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means you can use them for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution.
• Pixabay: Pixabay offers a wide variety of free stock photos, videos, and music. The images on Pixabay are all released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means you can use them for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution.
• Gratisography: Gratisography offers a small collection of high-quality, free stock photos. The photos on Gratisography are all released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means you can use them for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution.
• StockSnap: StockSnap offers a large collection of high-quality, free stock photos. You can use the images for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution.

» More: Best free stock photo sites

When using free stock photos, it is important to follow the terms of use for each website. Some websites may require you to give credit to the photographer, while others may allow you to use the images without any restrictions. It is also important to make sure that you have the right to use the images for your intended purpose. Some websites may only allow you to use the images for personal use, while others may allow you to use them for commercial use.

Free stock photos vs royalty-free stock photos

Free photos and royalty-free photos are both types of stock photos that can be used in a variety of projects. However, there are some important differences between the two types of photos.

Free stock photos

Free photos are typically released under a Creative Commons license, which means that they can be used for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution to the photographer. However, there are a variety of different Creative Commons licenses, so it’s important to read the license carefully before using a free photo. Some Creative Commons licenses may require you to give credit to the photographer, while others may allow you to use the photo without attribution.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Can be used for any purpose
• No need to give credit to the photographer

Cons:

• May have restrictions, such as not being able to use the photo for commercial purposes
• May not be high quality

Royalty-free stock photos

Royalty-free photos, on the other hand, are typically released under a different type of license that allows you to use the photo for any purpose, including commercial use, without having to pay royalties to the photographer. However, royalty-free photos may still have other restrictions, such as requiring you to give credit to the photographer or not allowing you to use the photo for certain types of projects.

Pros:

• Can be used for any purpose, including commercial purposes
• High quality
• No need to pay royalties to the photographer

Cons:

• May be expensive
• May have restrictions, such as requiring you to give credit to the photographer

So, which type of photo should you use? It depends on your needs and budget. If you need a photo for a personal project, a free photo may be a good option. However, if you need a photo for a commercial project, you may want to consider using a royalty-free photo.

How to find free stock photos

Stock photos are a great way to add visual interest and professionalism to your website, blog, or marketing materials. But with so many stock photo websites out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to find free stock photos.

1. Know what you’re looking for

   The first step to finding the perfect stock photo is to know what you’re looking for. What kind of image do you need? What is the tone of your project? Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, you can start your search.

2. Use a stock photo website

   There are many great stock photo websites out there, so take some time to explore a few different ones and see what they have to offer. Some of our favorites include Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay.

3. Use filters to narrow down your search

   Most stock photo websites have a variety of filters that you can use to narrow down your search. This can be helpful if you’re looking for something specific, like a photo of a certain type of object or scene.

4. Read the terms of use

   Before you download and use any stock photo, be sure to read the terms of use. This will help you understand how you can and cannot use the image.

5. Give credit to the photographer

   In most cases, you will need to give credit to the photographer when you use their stock photo. This is usually done by including a link to the photographer’s website or social media page.

6. Use the right format

   When you download a stock photo, be sure to choose the right format for your project. For example, if you’re going to use the photo on your website, you’ll need to download it in a web-friendly format like JPEG or PNG.

7. Edit the photo

   Once you’ve downloaded a stock photo, you may want to edit it to fit your needs. This could include cropping the photo, adjusting the colors, or adding text.

8. Use the photo responsibly

   When using stock photos, it’s important to use them responsibly. This means not using them in a way that is misleading or defamatory. It also means not using them to promote something that you don’t believe in.

» More: How do stock photos work?

Additional tips

• Use multiple stock photo websites. This will give you a wider variety of images to choose from.
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match stock photos. You can use different photos from different websites to create a cohesive look.
• Use stock photos in moderation. Too many stock photos can make your project look unprofessional.
• Use stock photos in conjunction with other types of visuals, such as your own photos or illustrations. This will help your project look more unique.

How to use free stock photos legally

Here are some tips on how to use free stock photos legally:

• Read the terms of use. Before you download and use any stock photo, be sure to read the terms of use. This will help you understand how you can and cannot use the image.
• Give credit to the photographer. In most cases, you will need to give credit to the photographer when you use their stock photo. This is usually done by including a link to the photographer’s website or social media page.
• Use the photo for the intended purpose. Make sure that you are using the photo for the purpose that it was intended for. For example, if the photo is licensed for personal use only, you cannot use it for commercial purposes.
• Do not modify the photo. In most cases, you will not be allowed to modify the photo in any way. This includes cropping, editing, or adding text.
• Do not use the photo for defamatory or misleading purposes. You cannot use the photo to defame or mislead others.
• Do not use the photo in a way that violates the copyright of the photographer. You cannot use the photo in a way that infringes on the copyright of the photographer.

If you are unsure about whether you can use a particular stock photo, it is always best to contact the photographer or the stock photo website for permission.