17 Free & Cheap Stock Photo Sites for Bloggers

17 Free & Cheap Stock Photo Sites for Bloggers

Cheap stock photo sites provide a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses needing high-quality images for various purposes. These sites offer a wide range of royalty-free photos that can be used for commercial or personal projects without breaking the bank. Here are 17 affordable stock photo sites to consider:

Top 17 Free & Cheap Stock Photo Sites

1 – Unsplash

Unsplash is a popular platform for accessing high-quality and royalty-free stock photos. It offers a vast collection of over 5 million images contributed by photographers from all around the world. The website is user-friendly and allows easy navigation to find the perfect image for your needs.

Features & Benefits

1. Vast collection of images: Access to over 5 million high-quality photos
2. Royalty-free license: Use images without worrying about copyright infringement
3. Easy search functionality: Effortlessly find images using keywords or categories
4. User contributions: Photos are contributed by photographers from around the world
5. Customisable collections: Create and organise your collections of favourite photos.

The variety of images on Unsplash makes it suitable for various projects, such as websites, blogs, social media posts, or even professional presentations. Whether you need nature, architecture, people, food, or abstract images, Unsplash has it all.

Using Unsplash can save you time and money, as you no longer need to hire a photographer or purchase expensive stock photos. The platform's user-friendly interface and easy download options provide a seamless experience.

In addition, Unsplash offers an API that allows developers to integrate the platform's images into their applications. This feature enhances flexibility for businesses and developers who require many photos for their projects.

Unsplash is a fantastic resource for anyone in need of high-quality stock photos. Its extensive collection, user-friendly interface, and cost-efficiency make it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses.

Unsplash offers a wide range of high-quality, royalty-free stock photos that can enhance your projects without breaking the bank. Its user-friendly interface, extensive collection, and customisation options make it a top choice among photographers, designers, and businesses. Explore Unsplash today and discover the perfect image for your next project.

2 – Pixabay

Pixabay is a popular free stock photo website that offers a vast collection of high-quality images for various purposes. Pixabay is known for its extensive collection of over 4 million photographs, covering multiple topics and categories. Whether you need photos for personal projects, blog posts, or even commercial use, Pixabay has a vast selection. The website has a user-friendly interface, making navigating and finding the images you need easy. You can browse through different categories or use the search bar to look for specific photos.

Pixabay offers high-resolution photos, ensuring that the visuals you use are of excellent quality. This is particularly important if you use the images professionally or commercially. All images on Pixabay are released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means they are free to use for personal and commercial projects without the need for attribution. This license allows you to modify, distribute, and use the images without legal restrictions. Pixabay provides various download options for convenience. You can choose the resolution that suits your needs and download the image in the desired format, such as JPEG or PNG. The website also allows registered users to contribute photos to the collection, ensuring a constant influx of new images.

Pixabay is a valuable resource for accessing high-quality, free stock photos. If you're looking for websites similar to Pixabay, consider Unsplash, Pexels, and Freepik. These platforms offer comparable features and benefits and can provide a broader range of options when searching for free stock photos.

3 – Pexels

Pexels is a great option when looking for affordable stock photo sites. Here's a closer look at what Pexels offers:

1. Wide Selection of Photos: Pexels provides a vast collection of high-quality photos. They have over 4 million free stock photos, ensuring you can find the perfect image for your needs.
2. Easy to Use: Pexels offers a user-friendly interface, making browsing and downloading the images you need simple. You can easily search for keywords and filter the results to find the most relevant photos.
3. Free to Use: Pexels provides all of its photos for free. You can download and use any image from their collection without worrying about copyright issues. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses on a budget.
4. Quality Assurance: All photos on Pexels undergo a thorough review process to ensure they meet high-quality standards. This ensures you can access professional and visually appealing project images.
5. High Resolution: Pexels offers high-resolution images that can be used online and printed. You can confidently use these photos in your designs without worrying about pixelation or loss of quality.
6. Multilingual Support: Pexels is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to users from different parts of the world. This feature enhances the user experience and allows a broader audience to benefit from their service.

Pexels is popular among designers, bloggers, and content creators due to its extensive library of free stock photos. With its user-friendly platform and commitment to quality, it continues to gain popularity and remains a go-to resource for visual content.

4 – Burst by Shopify

Burst by Shopify is a well-known stock photo platform offering various high-quality images for multiple purposes.

• Users can find visually appealing and professional-looking photos on Burst to enhance their websites, blogs, social media posts, and marketing materials.
• Burst boasts an extensive collection of free stock photos, eliminating the need for expensive subscriptions or the risk of copyright infringement.
• Users can easily search for specific images using keywords and browse through categories to find the perfect picture for their project.
• Burst offers diverse photos, including landscapes, food, people, nature, and more, ensuring something for everyone.
• The platform also allows photographers and creators to contribute, offering exposure and collaboration opportunities.
• One of the benefits of using Burst by Shopify is its seamless integration with the Shopify e-commerce platform.
• Shopify users can access Burst's extensive library of images without leaving their website, making it convenient and time-saving.
• Burst by Shopify is known for its high-quality images, carefully curated and selected to meet the needs of businesses and individuals.
• Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or a marketing professional, Burst offers visually appealing photos that elevate your visual content and captivate your audience.

5 – StockSnap

StockSnap is a popular stock photo site offering various high-quality and royalty-free images for multiple purposes. With over 100,000 stunning photos in its collection, StockSnap provides ample options for individuals and businesses looking for visually appealing content.

Benefits

• Vast Selection: StockSnap boasts an extensive library of photos, ensuring that users will find images suitable for their needs. Whether you're looking for nature shots, business-related images, or lifestyle photos, StockSnap has you covered.
• High-Quality: All photos available on StockSnap are carefully curated for their quality. This ensures that users can always rely on finding professional and visually captivating images that meet their standards.
• Royalty-Free: StockSnap offers photos under the Creative Commons CC0 license, allowing users to download, modify, and use the images for personal and commercial projects without any attribution requirements. This simplifies the legal aspects of using the photos and provides peace of mind to individuals and businesses.
• Easy to Search: StockSnap provides a user-friendly search interface, making it easy to find specific images or browse through different categories. You can search by keywords, explore popular images, or even discover trending photos to stay up-to-date with current design trends.
• Regular Updates: StockSnap regularly adds new photos to its collection, ensuring that users have access to fresh content. This is particularly beneficial for those who require a constant supply of new and unique images for their projects.

Limitations

• Limited Contributors: Unlike other stock photo sites that allow contributions from many photographers, StockSnap has a smaller contributor base. While this does not necessarily impact the quality of the images, it means that the site's collection might not be as extensive as some of its competitors.
• No Exclusive Content: StockSnap focuses on providing a vast selection of CC0 images, which means that it does not offer exclusive or premium content. If you're looking for specialised, exclusive pictures, you may need to explore other stock photo sites.

StockSnap is a reliable and user-friendly stock photo site offering a wide range of high-quality and royalty-free images. Whether you're an individual blogger, a web designer, or a business owner, StockSnap's vast selection and easy-to-use interface make it a valuable resource for finding visually appealing and legally compliant photos for your projects.

6 – Freepik

Freepik is a popular stock photo site offering various high-quality images and graphics for different purposes. Here is a table outlining the key features and benefits of using Freepik:

Features & Benefits

• Vast Collection of Images: Freepik provides access to millions of royalty-free images, illustrations, icons, and vectors, allowing users to find the perfect visuals for their projects.
• User-Friendly Interface: The website is easy to navigate, making it simple for users to search for specific images or browse through various categories.
• Customisable Designs: Freepik offers editable templates and designs, allowing users to customise and adapt them to their specific needs.
• Free and Premium Options: While some content is free, Freepik also offers premium subscriptions that provide access to exclusive content and additional features.
• Commercial Use: Users can utilise the images and graphics from Freepik for both personal and commercial projects, saving time and effort in creating original visuals.
• Easy Downloads: The platform allows quick and hassle-free downloads, enabling users to obtain the desired images in various formats.

Freepik's extensive collection, intuitive interface, customisable designs, and free and premium options make it a valuable resource for individuals and businesses seeking high-quality visuals. Whether designing a website, creating marketing materials, or enhancing presentations, Freepik provides a range of options to suit your needs. With the ability to easily download and use the images for commercial purposes, Freepik offers convenience and accessibility for all users.

Freepik is a reliable and versatile stock photo site that meets the demands of professionals and creatives alike. Its extensive collection, user-friendly interface, customisable designs, and commercial use options make it a valuable asset for various projects. Consider utilising Freepik to enhance your creative endeavours if you need high-quality images and graphics.

7 – Kaboompics

Kaboompics is a popular and reliable stock photo site offering various high-quality images for multiple purposes. Here are some key points to consider about Kaboompics:

• Variety of Categories: Kaboompics offers diverse categories, ranging from nature and landscape to food and fashion. With such a wide array of options, you will find the perfect image for your project.
• High-Quality Images: Professional photographers take all the photos on Kaboompics, ensuring excellent quality. The images are crisp, well-lit, and visually appealing.
• Free to Use: One of the best things about Kaboompics is its extensive collection of free-to-use images. You can download and use these photos without attribution for personal or commercial projects.
• Search Functionality: Kaboompics has a user-friendly search feature, allowing you to find specific images quickly. Search by keywords, colours, and orientation to narrow your selection.
• Regular Updates: Kaboompics is regularly updated with new images, ensuring you have a fresh supply of content. This is particularly beneficial if you consistently need new photos for your projects.
• Customisable Photos: Another unique feature of Kaboompics is the ability to customise specific images. You can use the Kaboompics Editor to add filters, adjust brightness and contrast, and make other modifications to suit your needs.
• Premium Membership: While Kaboompics offers many free images, they also have a premium membership option. By becoming a premium member, you gain access to additional exclusive photos and other benefits.

Kaboompics is an excellent resource for finding high-quality, diverse, free stock photos. Whether you need images for personal projects or commercial use, Kaboompics has you covered. Its easy-to-use search functionality and regular updates have become a go-to platform for many designers, bloggers, and businesses. Consider utilising Kaboompics to enhance your projects and make them visually appealing.

8 – Picjumbo

Picjumbo is an excellent option for high-quality, royalty-free stock photos. It offers various images that cater to different themes and industries. Let's dive into the details of what Picjumbo has to offer:

• Membership: Picjumbo offers a free membership option that provides access to a limited number of photos. For an enhanced experience, users can opt for the premium membership. This premium membership offers unlimited access to all the images in Picjumbo's library.
• Photo Categories: Picjumbo covers many categories, including technology, fashion, nature, food, etc. This extensive collection ensures that users can find the perfect photo.
• Resolution: All photos on Picjumbo are available in high resolution. This means users can use the images for web and print, ensuring their projects look professional and visually appealing.
• User-Friendly: Picjumbo's website is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to browse through its extensive collection. Users can quickly search for specific keywords, which helps save time and find relevant images efficiently.
• Fresh Content: Picjumbo regularly updates its collection with new photos, ensuring users can access fresh content. This ensures that users can find various images to suit their ever-changing needs.

Picjumbo is a reliable source for high-quality, royalty-free stock photos. The free membership option allows users to explore the platform and determine if it meets their requirements. The premium membership is a worthwhile investment for those requiring a more extensive selection and high-resolution images.

Picjumbo provides an extensive collection of high-quality stock photos across various categories. Its easy-to-use interface, regular updates, and affordable premium membership make it a top choice for individuals and businesses.

9 – Reshot

Reshot is an innovative platform that offers a great selection of high-quality and unique elements. Reshot stands out among other stock photo sites with a simple and user-friendly interface. Here are a few key features that make Reshot an excellent option:

• Vast library: Reshot boasts an enormous library of handpicked elements from a community of talented creatives. With over 100,000 design aspects to choose from and new additions regularly, you will find the perfect icon for your project.
• Authentic and diverse: Unlike generic stock photos, Reshot focuses on providing original and various visuals that tell a story. These illustrations capture real moments and emotions, making your designs more engaging and relatable.
• High quality: The designs on Reshot are of exceptionally high quality, ensuring that your final product looks professional and visually appealing. Whether you need icons for a website, blog, or marketing materials, Reshot's high-resolution files will significantly impact you.
• Free to use: One of the best things about Reshot is that you can use most of its elements for free, even for commercial purposes. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses on a tight budget.
• No attribution required: Reshot simplifies usage by not requiring attribution for most aspects. This saves you time and effort in crediting the creator, allowing you to focus on your creative work.

In addition to Reshot's outstanding features, there are a few suggestions to enhance your experience: 

1. Take advantage of the search filters: Reshot's search filters allow you to narrow your options by category, colour, and orientation. Utilise these filters to find exactly what you're looking for, saving you time and effort.
2. Support the community: Reshot thrives on the contributions of its designers. Consider supporting them by following their profiles, appreciating their work, and even purchasing their premium elements if available. This not only helps the artists but also ensures the continuous growth of the platform. 
3. Share your feedback: If you have a particularly stunning design or suggestions for improvement, don't hesitate to contact Reshot's customer support. Your feedback can help shape the platform's future and benefit the community. 

Reshot is a top choice among stock sites, offering a vast library of high-quality and authentic images for free. Its user-friendly interface and commitment to diversity make it a preferred platform for individuals and businesses. Start exploring Reshot today and elevate your creative projects with stunning visuals.

10 – NegativeSpace

NegativeSpace is a website that offers a wide range of high-quality stock photos. It is an excellent resource for individuals and businesses needing visually appealing images. Compared to other stock photo sites, NegativeSpace stands out due to its superb collection and user-friendly interface.

The site categorises its photos into various categories, such as Architecture, Nature, People, and Technology. Each class offers a diverse range of images, ensuring that users can find what they need for their projects. NegativeSpace has a collection of several thousand high-quality stock photos that are free to use under a Creative Commons license.

The photos on NegativeSpace are carefully curated to ensure the highest quality. This attention to detail sets NegativeSpace apart from other stock photo sites that may offer larger images but sacrifice quality. Users can trust that they will find visually stunning and professional-looking photos on this site.

One standout feature of NegativeSpace is its easy-to-use interface. Users can navigate through the site effortlessly, searching for photos based on category or keyword. The efficient search function lets users quickly find the perfect image for their projects.

In addition, NegativeSpace regularly updates its collection with new photos. This ensures that users have access to fresh content and an ever-expanding range of options for their creative endeavours.

To enhance the user experience even further, NegativeSpace also offers a newsletter subscription. By subscribing to their newsletter, users can stay updated with the latest additions to the collection and receive exclusive offers or discounts on premium content.

NegativeSpace is an excellent choice for those in need of high-quality stock photos. With its diverse collection, user-friendly interface, and regular updates, NegativeSpace is a reliable resource for individuals and businesses. Whether you need images for a website, blog post, or promotional material, NegativeSpace has you covered. Explore their collection and discover the perfect visuals for your next project.

11 – Rawpixel

Rawpixel is a popular stock photo site that offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality images for various purposes.

• Rawpixel provides a vast library of over 5 million stock photos, vectors, and illustrations. This allows users to find the perfect image for their specific needs.
• Whether you're looking for business-related photos, nature scenes, lifestyle shots, or abstract visuals, Rawpixel covers various themes to cater to different industries.
• Rawpixel offers high-resolution photos, ensuring users can access clear and crisp visuals suitable for printing or digital use.
• Rawpixel has a unique collection of exclusive images that can't be found on other stock photo sites. This allows users to use distinctive visuals to make their projects stand out.
• The Rawpixel website is designed with user experience in mind. Its intuitive interface enables users to search for and download the needed images without hassle.
• Rawpixel offers flexible licensing options to accommodate different usage requirements. Whether you need pictures for commercial or personal use, you can find the appropriate license that fits your needs.
• Rawpixel provides affordable pricing plans, making them accessible to individuals and businesses with various budgets. This allows users to get high-quality images without breaking the bank.
• Rawpixel has a community-driven approach, encouraging photographers and artists to contribute their work. This fosters a diverse and dynamic collection of visuals that continuously grows.
• Rawpixel regularly adds new content to its library, ensuring users can access fresh, up-to-date visuals. This keeps the options diverse and relevant for different projects.
• Rawpixel offers excellent customer support to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter while browsing or downloading images.
• Many renowned brands and organisations, including Apple, Google, and Adobe, have trusted Rawpixel. This showcases the reliability and quality of their pictures.

12 – Skitterphoto

Skitterphoto is an excellent stock photo site that offers a wide range of high-quality images for free. The site is regularly updated with new photos, ensuring a constant supply of fresh content. With a user-friendly interface and easy navigation, finding the perfect image for your project is simple.

Skitterphoto provides various photos across various categories, making it suitable for multiple projects. The site is renowned for its stunning nature and landscape photos, perfect for enhancing the beauty of your designs.

Skitterphoto offers a wide range of image resolutions, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you require a high-resolution image for printing or a smaller image for web use, Skitterphoto has you covered.

One of the standout features of Skitterphoto is its exceptional image quality. The photos on the site are captured by talented photographers with a keen eye for detail, guaranteeing visually striking and captivating images.

Another advantage of Skitterphoto is its user-friendly license. All the photos on the site are released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means they can be used for personal and commercial purposes without needing attribution. This makes Skitterphoto a valuable resource for businesses, designers, and content creators seeking high-quality images without legal restrictions.

In addition to its extensive photo collection, Skitterphoto also offers a search function, allowing you to find images based on keywords or categories quickly. This feature is handy if you want something specific or need to browse many photos.

Skitterphoto is a top choice for anyone searching for high-quality, free stock photos. Its impressive collection, user-friendly interface, and generous license make it an excellent resource for designers, businesses, and content creators. Whether you need images for a blog post, website, or marketing campaign, Skitterphoto is a reliable source that won't disappoint.

13 – ISO Republic

ISO Republic is a reputable stock photo site offering various high-quality, royalty-free images for multiple purposes.

• Image Categories: ISO Republic provides a diverse collection of image categories, including nature, travel, business, technology, and more. Users can easily browse the categories to find the perfect image for their project.
• Image Quality: All images on ISO Republic are of excellent quality. They are carefully curated and selected to ensure users can access visually appealing and professional-looking photographs.
• Licensing: All images on ISO Republic are available under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means they can be used for personal and commercial purposes without needing attribution.
• Search Functionality: ISO Republic offers user-friendly search functionality that lets users quickly find the needed images. Users can search by keywords, categories, or colours to narrow their options.
• Download Options: Users can download images from ISO Republic in high-resolution formats suitable for online and print use. The download process is quick and efficient, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
• Contributor Program: ISO Republic welcomes photographers to contribute their work to the site. Photographers can showcase their talent and earn money from their images by joining the contributor program.
• Membership Plans: ISO Republic offers both free and premium membership options. Free members can access limited images, while premium members enjoy unlimited downloads and exclusive content.

Choosing the ISO Republic for your stock photo needs ensures access to a wide range of high-quality images. The website's user-friendly interface and extensive collection of images make it a top choice for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you are looking for ideas for personal projects or commercial use, ISO Republic has you covered with its diverse categories and excellent image quality.

14 – Splitshire

Splitshire is a popular resource for high-quality stock photos that can enhance the visual appeal of your creative projects. Splitshire offers various images that can capture your audience's attention. Let's take a closer look at what Splitshire brings to the table.

1. Image Selection: Wide range of high-quality images
2. Categories: Diverse range of classes to suit various themes
3. Resolution: Images available in high resolution, ensuring clarity and detail
4. Licensing: Free for commercial and personal use
5. Updates: Regular updates with new content to keep your projects fresh
6. Photographer: Created by the talented photographer Daniel Nanescu
7. Website: Simple and user-friendly interface for easy navigation
8. Advanced Search: Search feature to quickly find the desired images
9. Download Options: Images are available for download in different sizes
10. Social Media Presence: Active social media profiles to stay connected
11. Feedback: Willingness to accept feedback and suggestions from users
12. Exclusive Premium Membership: Optional premium membership for additional benefits

Splitshire's vast selection of high-quality images covers various categories, ensuring you can find the perfect picture for your needs. Whether you are working on a personal project or a commercial venture, these images can add depth and professionalism.

With images available in high resolution, you can be confident that the details of your visuals will be sharp and clear. The free licensing allows you to use the images for personal and commercial purposes, providing flexibility for your projects.

Splitshire regularly updates its collection with new content, ensuring there is always something fresh for you to discover. The platform also provides a simple and user-friendly interface, making navigating and finding the images you need easy.

Splitshire's active presence on social media platforms allows users to stay connected and informed about the latest additions and updates. The website also provides an advanced search feature, enabling users to find the specific images they seek quickly.

With a premium membership option, Splitshire offers exclusive benefits to its members, such as access to additional content and advanced features.

Splitshire is a valuable resource for anyone in need of high-quality stock photos. Its vast selection, high-resolution images, user-friendly interface, and commitment to regular updates make it a top choice for creative professionals. Incorporating Splitshire's visually captivating images into your projects will elevate overall visual appeal.

15 – FancyCrave

FancyCrave is a photography website that offers high-quality images for free. It has a simple and user-friendly interface, allowing easy browsing of categories such as travel, food, fashion, technology, and more. FancyCrave.com provides a wide range of stunning photographs to enhance your creative projects without any cost.

One of the critical advantages of FancyCrave is the licensing of its images. All the photos are available under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, allowing personal and commercial use without any attribution or restrictions. This saves you time and effort as you don't need to seek permission or give credit to the photographer.

The image quality on FancyCrave is excellent, with visually appealing high-resolution pictures suitable for various purposes. The website also offers a search function to find specific images that meet your requirements conveniently.

When downloading images from FancyCrave, they are available in JPG format, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across different platforms and software.

FancyCrave caters to different fields and interests, making it a valuable resource for bloggers, designers, marketers, and anyone needing visually captivating images. The website's categories allow for exploring and finding perfect ideas for specific projects.

Incorporating FancyCrave into your projects can elevate the visual appeal and deliver impactful results. It is an excellent tool for creative endeavours, offering free, high-quality images with multiple categories.

16 – Life of Pix

If you are looking for high-quality images for personal or commercial use, Life of Pix is a great option. Its diverse categories, easy navigation, and free downloads offer a convenient and affordable way to enhance visual content. Regular updates ensure you have access to fresh and relevant images catering to your specific needs. Head to Life of Pix and explore today's vast collection of captivating photos.

• Image Quality Life of Pix provides high-quality images captured by professional photographers. The photos are visually appealing and suitable for both personal and commercial use.
• Free Downloads Life of Pix offers free downloads, allowing users to access and use their images without cost. This is beneficial for individuals or businesses looking for affordable visual content.
• Licensing The site provides flexible licensing options, ensuring that users can find images that meet their specific requirements. Life of Pix offers licensing options suitable for different purposes, whether for personal use or commercial projects.
• Diverse Categories Life of Pix covers many categories, including nature, architecture, technology, people, etc. This diverse collection allows users to find the perfect image for their needs.
• Regular Updates Life of Pix regularly updates its image library to provide fresh and relevant content. This ensures that users can access a wide selection of images and find the most up-to-date visuals.
• Easy Search and Navigation The site offers a user-friendly interface that allows efficient searching and navigation. Users can easily browse through different categories or use keywords to find specific images.
• Responsive Design Life of Pix is designed with a responsive layout, making it accessible on various devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. This flexibility allows users to access the site anywhere and at any time.

17 – Picography

Picography is a website that offers a wide range of high-quality stock photos. It is an excellent resource for individuals and businesses looking for visually appealing images for their projects without paying for them.

The website offers a collection of more than 5,000 photos that can be used for personal and commercial purposes. The images cover various subjects and themes, ensuring there is something for everyone.

What makes Picography stand out is that all the photos on the website are available for free. You can browse through the collection, choose the images that suit your needs, and download them without cost.

The photos on Picography are licensed under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. This means that you can use the images for any purpose, including commercial projects, without the need for attribution. It provides a hassle-free experience for users who can focus on their work without worrying about copyright issues.

Whether designing a website, creating marketing materials, or working on a personal project, Picography offers a wide selection of high-quality images. The website is easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly find the photos you need, saving you time and effort.

Providing a free collection of high-quality stock photos, Picography is a valuable resource for individuals and businesses looking to enhance their visual content without breaking the bank. It is a reliable platform that helps users find the perfect image for their projects while adhering to legal and licensing requirements.

Fact: Picography offers over 5,000 free stock photos, making it a valuable resource for individuals and businesses seeking high-quality images for their projects.

What Are Stock Photos and Why Use Them?

Stock photos are professional photographs that are available for use by anyone for a fee or sometimes for free. They are a valuable resource for individuals and businesses who need high-quality visuals for various purposes. Here are some reasons why stock photos are widely used:

1. Time-saving: Stock photos provide a quick and convenient solution for those who need visually appealing images without the time-consuming process of hiring a photographer or conducting a photoshoot.
2. Cost-effective: Purchasing stock photos is often more budget-friendly than hiring a professional photographer. Many stock photo websites offer affordable pricing models, allowing users to access a wide range of images at a fraction of the cost.
3. Variety and choice: Stock photo libraries offer extensive ideas covering diverse subjects, themes, and styles. This allows users to find the perfect image that aligns with their needs and target audience.
4. Versatility: Stock photos can be used in numerous ways, including websites, blogs, social media posts, marketing materials, presentations, and more. Users can modify and adapt the images with the proper licensing agreement to suit their purposes.
5. Professional quality: Experienced photographers typically capture stock photos using high-quality equipment. As a result, they provide visually stunning images with excellent composition, lighting, and resolution.
6. Timelessness: Stock photos often depict universal themes and concepts unrelated to a specific time or place. This makes them suitable for long-term use, ensuring images remain relevant and practical.

How to Choose the Right Stock Photo Site?

When looking for the right stock photo site for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

1. Variety and quality of images: Look for a site that offers a wide range of high-quality images. A good stock photo site will have diverse photos that suit different styles and subjects.
2. Search functionality: A reliable stock photo site should have an intuitive search function to find the images you need quickly. Look for features like advanced filters, keyword search, and tagging systems to streamline your search process.
3. Licensing options: It's essential to understand the licensing options provided by the stock photo site. Determine whether you need a royalty-free license or if you require extended usage rights. Ensure that the site offers the appropriate permits for your specific project.
4. Pricing and subscription options: Compare the pricing models and plans different stock photo sites offer. Consider your budget and the frequency at which you need access to images. Some sites offer affordable subscription plans or credit-based systems that provide flexibility for different budgets.
5. Reputation and customer reviews: Research the reputation and credibility of the stock photo site. Read customer reviews to understand the experiences of other users. Look for positive feedback on factors such as image quality, customer support, and ease of use.
6. Image rights and copyright: Ensure the stock photo site adheres to copyright laws and provides legally safe images. Look for information on image ownership, licensing agreements, and any restrictions on usage.
7. Additional resources and features: Consider whether the stock photo site offers other valuable resources like illustrations, vectors, or videos. Some sites may also provide editing tools, templates, or creative inspiration to enhance your projects.

Remember, each project is unique, so choosing a stock photo site that aligns with your specific requirements is essential. By considering factors such as image variety, search functionality, licensing options, pricing, reputation, copyright compliance, and additional features, you can make an informed decision about selecting the right stock photo site for your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Using Cheap Stock Photo Sites?

When it comes to using cheap stock photo sites, several benefits make them a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike:

1. Cost-effective: One of the main advantages of using cheap stock photo sites is affordability. These sites offer a wide range of high-quality images at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional photographer or purchasing prints from expensive stock photo agencies. This allows users to access an extensive collection of images without breaking the bank.
2. Wide variety: Cheap stock photo sites typically have vast images covering various topics and themes. Whether looking for business-related photos, nature scenes, or lifestyle photographs, you will likely find what you need in their extensive collections. This diverse selection ensures something for everyone, regardless of their specific requirements.
3. Time-saving: Utilising cheap stock photo sites can also save a significant amount of time. Instead of spending hours conducting photoshoots or searching for the perfect image, users can browse the site's library and find the right photo within minutes. This convenience is especially valuable when working simultaneously on tight deadlines or multiple projects.
4. Easy accessibility: Cheap stock photo sites offer a user-friendly platform, making it easy for anyone to search, select, and download the desired images. The straightforward licensing terms also make it hassle-free to use the photos for various purposes, whether for personal use or commercial projects.
5. Professional quality: Despite being labelled as “cheap,” these stock photo sites do not compromise quality. Many of the images available on these platforms are captured by talented photographers, ensuring excellent composition, lighting, and resolution. This allows users to access professional-grade visuals that enhance the overall aesthetic of their projects.
6. Versatility: Images obtained from cheap stock photo sites can be used in various ways, such as websites, blogs, social media posts, marketing campaigns, and presentations. The versatility of these images makes them a valuable asset for individuals and businesses across various industries.

The benefits of using cheap stock photo sites are numerous. These platforms offer cost-effective access to a wide range of high-quality images, allowing users to save time, find the perfect visuals, and enhance the overall appeal of their projects. Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or a graphic designer, leveraging these sites can add value and professionalism to your work.

How to Get the Most Value from Cheap Stock Photo Sites?

When looking to get the most value from cheap stock photo sites, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

• Compare prices: Different stock photo sites offer various pricing options. You can find the most affordable option that suits your needs by comparing prices. Look for discounts, subscriptions, or package deals that can save you money in the long run.
• Consider licensing options: Cheap stock photo sites often offer different image licensing options. Determine whether you need a standard or extended license depending on how you use the photos. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid any legal issues.
• Search filters: Utilise the search filters provided by the stock photo site to narrow down your options. Filter by categories, tags, colours, or orientation to quickly find the images you are looking for. This can save you time and effort in sifting through irrelevant results.
• Check image quality: Before purchasing any images, ensure that the quality meets your requirements. Zoom in on the image to check for any blurriness or pixelation. Cheap stock photo sites often mix high and low-quality images, so take the time to find the ones that best meet your standards.
• Read user reviews: User reviews can offer valuable insights into the quality of images and the overall experience with a particular stock photo site. Look for studies that highlight positive experiences and ideas that meet professional standards.
• Download limits: Some cheap stock photo sites impose download limits on their plans. Be aware of these limits and ensure they align with your needs. If you anticipate needing many photos, consider a program that offers unlimited downloads.

By following these strategies, you can maximise the value you get from cheap stock photo sites and find high-quality images that suit your requirements. Remember to select reputable sites and always credit the photographer or site per their guidelines to maintain ethical practices.

What Are the Legalities of Using Stock Photos?

When using stock photos, it is crucial to understand the legalities involved to avoid copyright infringement or legal issues. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Ownership: Stock photos are owned by the photographer or the stock photo agency. They hold the rights to their work, and you must obtain the appropriate licence to use their photos.
2. Licences: Different types of grants are available for stock photos, such as royalty-free or rights-managed. Royalty-free licences allow you to use the image multiple times without additional fees, while rights-managed rights have restrictions based on duration, usage, and exclusivity.
3. Usage restrictions: Make sure to read and understand the licence agreement terms. Pay attention to any limitations on the usage of the photo, including commercial or editorial use, distribution, and modification.
4. Model releases: If identifiable individuals are in the photos, you may need a signed model release to protect yourself from legal claims. Model releases are essential for images used in advertising or promotional materials.
5. Trademarks and recognisable brands: Be cautious when using stock photos that include trademarks, logos, or recognisable brands. You may need additional permissions or licences to use these elements.
6. Attribution: Some stock photo agencies require you to credit the photographer or the agency when using their photos. Make sure to include the appropriate attribution as specified in the licence agreement.

Choosing reputable stock photo agencies that provide clear terms and conditions is always recommended to avoid legal issues. Familiarise yourself with the licensing agreements and follow the proper usage guidelines.

Pro-tip: Record your stock photos' licences and usage rights. This will help you stay organised and quickly provide proof of compliance if needed.

How to Give Credit to the Photographer or Site?

When using stock photos from photographers or sites, it is vital to give them proper credit. This not only shows respect for their work but also ensures legal compliance. Here are some guidelines on how to give credit to the photographer or site:

1. Include the photographer's or site's name: When using a stock photo, always include the name of the photographer or site in the caption or credit line.
2. Link back to the source: If you are using the stock photo online, it is best practice to include a clickable link to the photographer's or site's page where the image is hosted. This allows others to find the source quickly.
3. Follow attribution requirements: Some photographers or sites may have specific requirements for how they want to be credited. Make sure to read and follow their attribution guidelines. This may include mentioning their name in a particular format or having additional information, such as a license type.
4. Place the credit near the photo: The credit should be positioned close to the stock photo, either directly below or at the side. This ensures that viewers can easily connect the picture with the appropriate credit.
5. Use a clear and legible font: When giving credit, use a font that is easy to read. Avoid using decorative or hard-to-read fonts that may make the credit challenging to understand.
6. Size the credit appropriately: The credit should be visible and legible but not distract from the main content. Find a balance in size that allows the photo to take centre stage while acknowledging the photographer or site.

Following these guidelines, you can appropriately credit the photographer or site when using stock photos. Always check the specific requirements of each photographer or site you use to ensure you are giving credit correctly.

Supporting the photographers or sites by providing feedback or leaving reviews is also helpful when using stock photos. This boosts their reputation and encourages them to continue creating high-quality stock photos.

Some Facts About Cheap Stock Photo Sites:

• ✅ Stock photo subscriptions can save designers, companies, and agencies over 50% on the price of stock photos.
• ✅ Stockphotos.com, Shutterstock, iStock, Adobe Stock, Canva Pro, and 124RF are top choices for cheap stock photos.
• ✅ Shutterstock offers a limited-time 20% off site-wide discount.
• ✅ PxBee is a new stock photo website that offers cheap images in various categories and allows photographers to sell their pictures.
• ✅ Adobe Stock provides different licenses for individuals, teams, and corporates, with varying prices based on the number of images per month and the permit duration.

Frequently Asked Questions