Free Stock Photo Websites

Submitted by Linda Cole on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 22:01

Recently, I was in need of a stock photo and realized I'd lost touch with all of the sites I used to visit for free photos.  So I set out on a quest to locate some good stock photo sites, resulting in this first post of several on where to find those photos, and some insights into my findings on each site.

morgueFile

morgueFile is my first stop when looking for a stock photo.  They have a large collection of photos that are free to use in your creative work, whether it be personal or commercial. You are also free to adapt the photo to your needs and are not required to attribute the original author. 

There are however, some restrictions.  You may use the image on a stand-alone basis; you cannot sell, license, sublicense, rent, transfer or distribute the image exactly as it is. You may also not claim ownership of the image in its original state.

FreeDigitalPhotos

Freedigitalphotos offers royalty free photos for corporate and personal use.  The free images are small, 400 pixels on the longest side, and require a link back to the creator's portfolio on FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Images are also available in high resolution for use in print or graphic design.  These larger renditions can be purchased, or if you want the smaller image without the attribution requirements, you can purchase it too.

Images are neatly categorized with sub-categories, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

Freerange Stock

The goal of Freerange is to provide free, quality stock photos for commercial and non-commercial use.  All of their images are at least 2400 x 1600 pixels. They would like a linkback to the site or to the photographer but it is not required.  Their terms of use are what I expected.  You are free to use the images on your website, in advertising, books, videos, and other commercial presentations but you are not allowed to repackage, redistribute, or claim ownership of the images and you cannot use the photos in products that rely on the photograph as the main selling point.    

Be careful though.  They lump their free images along with for purchase images from Shutterstock on the same page.  A small text heading separates them.

Stock.XCHNG

With over 396,040 images online, Stock.XCHNG has a nice collection of free images, all neatly categorized.  They will grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the image, free of charge provided you adhere to their terms and conditions.

Images may be used on websites, multimedia presentations, broadcast film and video, and cell phones.  They may also be used in printed promotional materials, magazines, newspapers, books, brochures, flyers, CD/DVD covers, etc.  Additionally, you can use them on your business cards or letterhead, or to decorate your home or office. Images may not be resold.

RGBStock.com

RGBStock.com offers images free for personal and commercial use.  The image may be used in digital format on websites, blogs, multimedia presentations, broadcast film and video, and print. To use the images in a manner not prescribed in their terms of use, simply contact the artist for written permission.

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