What Are The Best Sites For Free Stock Photos?
You know how images can totally make or break a website, right? So, when you're building a site, picking the perfect free stock photos is super important.
We've all seen those DIY websites with every kind of photo just thrown together, and nothing really fits. It just ends up looking like a hot mess!
So, if you're a service-led solopreneur, I’d totally recommend investing in a branding shoot instead of relying solely on free stock photos. A branding shoot gives your site a personal touch and lets potential clients see what it's like to work with you. But don’t get me wrong, free stock photos can still be super useful. When you choose the right ones, they can complement your branding shoot photos perfectly.
In this post, I'll guide you through some amazing websites where you can find stunning stock photos for free.
My Top Picks For The Best Sites For Free Photos
1. Unsplash
Let's start with Unsplash, a treasure trove of images contributed by talented photographers from around the world. With its vast collection covering a wide range of subjects and styles, you're sure to find the perfect image for any design project. Using Unsplash is as easy as pie. Simply browse through the extensive library, explore different categories, or search for specific keywords to find the perfect image for your needs. With just a few clicks, you can create your own collections to incorporate these stunning visuals into your website, blog posts, social media graphics, and more. This library used to be exclusively free stock images but it now offers Unsplash+ where you can access members only content for just a few dollars a month. However, there’s still so much to choose from in the entirely free version. www.unsplash.com
2. Pexels
Another fantastic resource is Pexels, offering an extensive library of captivating visuals that align with your brand and vision. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily discover the right image to enhance your website's aesthetic appeal. Pexels is one of my favourite free stock photos websites and the one I recommend to clients wanting to source their own free website images. I absolutely love the quality of photographers on here and it’s really easy to find the perfect images and videos. A small tip I use when searching is typing in the search bar ‘beige aesthetic’ or ‘dark aesthetic’ - this brings up a range of images that all fit one particular colour scheme making it much easier to create a cohesive collection. www.pexels.com
3. Kaboompics
If you're looking to add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your website, Kaboompics is a great place to go. Their selection of beautifully curated images will infuse your site with artistic flair. Plus, their search feature makes it a breeze to find the perfect photo for your specific needs. What I love about Kaboompics is the beautiful ‘photoshoots’ option where you can download whole styled shoots, providing you with an instant collection of photos that all work together beautifully. Whilst the library might be considerably smaller than Unsplash and Pexels, this website is absolutely about quality over quantity. I am a huge Kaboompics fan and I’m amazed this resource is completely free! www.kaboompics.com
4. Canva
Canva isn't just a powerful graphic design platform; it also provides access to a vast collection of free stock photos. It's like having a one-stop-shop for all your design needs, ensuring that you have everything at your fingertips to create a visually stunning website. Some collections may come under the Pro version of the website, but there’s usually a free trial on offer if you want to take advantage of the Pro level images to download for your design project. www.canva.com
5. Freepik
I recently discovered Freepik and now use it on pretty much every project! This also has a premium version and a standard free stock photo version. The paid version is around £14 a month on the monthly plan with no minimum term so it’s a great choice if you have a particular project or website to design and just need access for a short time window. I recently used Freepik to source these gorgeous vintage pink images for my small business web designer client Pink Copywriting. I used search terms such as ‘muted pink desktop scene’ or ‘muted pink art deco pattern’. I was able to find a collection of images from the same shoot, and then added in this cool pattern to add interest to the website. I love how it turned out and so did my client! I now start out with Freepik when searching for the best free stock photos for a new client project as I find it just so super easy to use - there is literally so much to get your hands on here, from photos to vectors, patterns, icons and more. Go check it out. www.freepik.com
How to Curate Free Stock Photos For Your Website
Now that you know where to find these incredible resources, let's dive into how you can curate the best quality photos for your website so that your pages unfurl like a beautifully thought out online brochure.
1. Create a cohesive colour palette
So how do you ensure that these free stock photos seamlessly blend with your brand and create a cohesive look across your pages? The key lies in creating a cohesive color palette. When selecting images, pay attention to the colours and tones used. Aim for images that are similar or complementary to your brand's colour scheme. By aligning the colours of your images with your brand, you can create a visually pleasing scrolling experience for your visitors.
Think about it: when you visit a website and see consistent colors throughout, it immediately gives off a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that the website owner has taken the time to curate their content and create a harmonious visual experience. This level of consistency not only looks great but also helps reinforce your brand identity in the minds of your audience.
Take a peek at this website I created for Frah Consulting, a business consultant in the Education Sector. All the free stock photos in the website work as a collection with a mixture of high contrast black and white images alongside warm colour images with brown and coppery tones that perfectly compliment the company’s neutral branding colours.
2. Edit images for consistency
Free stock photo websites offer a vast array of images that you can use without breaking the bank. But with so many options out there, how do you ensure consistency in your visuals? Editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop can be your secret weapon!
If you have access to editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom, you have the power to make minor adjustments that will bring harmony and cohesion to your website's imagery. One important aspect to consider is the tones of your images. By tweaking the warmth or saturation, you can create a consistent look that ties everything together.
Imagine your website as a gallery, where each image is a piece of art. Just as an art curator ensures that all the pieces blend well together, you can do the same with your website's visuals. Take a moment to evaluate the overall feel you want to achieve and adjust the tones accordingly. By paying attention to these details and making subtle adjustments, you'll create a cohesive visual experience for your website visitors.
3. Choose images that resonate with your audience
The best sites for free stock photos offer a treasure trove of high-quality visuals that can bring your brand to life. But it's not just about finding beautiful images; it's about choosing ones that truly speak to your audience. When browsing through these sites, keep in mind the message and feeling you want to convey. Look for photos that align with your brand values and evoke emotions that make visitors feel like you understand their needs and can solve their problems.
By selecting images that resonate with your audience, you not only create an instant connection but also build trust. When visitors see themselves reflected in the visuals on your website, they feel understood and more likely to engage with your content. These powerful visuals act as a bridge between you and your potential clients, helping you establish a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
4. Set the mood
The emotions conveyed by your images should create a connection with your audience. Setting the mood goes beyond just selecting the right colours for your website. It's about using imagery that helps your audience feel a certain way. Think about the emotions you want to convey - whether it's excitement, tranquility, or inspiration - and choose stock photos that align with those feelings.
Imagine a website for a yoga instructor. To create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, you could select images of people practicing yoga in beautiful natural settings, surrounded by lush greenery. These visuals would not only set the mood but also transport your visitors to a place of tranquility, enticing them to explore further.
On the other hand, if you're designing a website for a vibrant and energetic fitness coach, you might opt for images of people engaging in high-intensity workouts, radiating determination and strength. These visuals would instantly captivate your audience, igniting their motivation and encouraging them to take action.
The right images have the power to transport your audience into a world where they can visualise themselves benefiting from your products or services. This emotional connection will leave a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of turning potential customers into firm enquiries.
5. Verify licensing
While it's incredibly convenient to use stock photos from free sites, it's essential to ensure that you're on the right side of the law. The last thing you want is to face any legal issues down the line. Each free stock photo website comes with its own set of licensing terms outlining how you can use their images and any limitations that may apply. So, take a moment to double-check the usage rights and restrictions associated with the images you choose. By doing so, you can guarantee compliance and peace of mind.
A few more options if budget allows…
While free stock photo sites are excellent resources, there are also some great paid options available if you're looking for more stylised and curated photos:
Creative Market: www.creativemarket.com
Social Squares: www.socialsquares.com
Styled Stock Society: www.styledstocksociety.com
Haute Stock: www.hautestock.co
Jana Bishop: www.janabishop.com
Canva: www.canva.com (pro version)
But if your budget doesn’t allow for these fantastic paid resources, you can absolutely find stunning imagery from the range of free stock photo websites listed in this post. It may take a bit of time and effort, but it's worth it to create a visually stunning website that reflects your brand. So, get ready to dive into these great free stock photo websites, unleash your creativity, and design a website that truly shines. Happy designing!
And if you want an expert to help you with your image curation or website design, head over to my Web Design Suffolk page to find out about my tailored website design approach.
