5 Free Image Resources With Photos You’ll Actually Use

I’ve been married to a professional photographer for over 13 years, exposing me to what a great photo can be. Even the “snapshots” of our children are documented beautifully. They’re well-composed and well-lit.

As a result, I have become a bit of a photo snob.

But, I’ll be honest: Sometimes I finish a blog post and still look like a deer in headlights. I search the myriad of free stock photo sites in hopes to find one to meet my standards and often come up short. 

After all, you get what you pay for.

If my search takes longer than actually writing the piece of content, sometimes the bar gets lowered, like it did with A Practical Guide to Brand Voice and Tone. I’m not proud, but it’s important to have an image to accompany each post, even if it’s not a perfect image.

Though I wish I could have a custom image for everything I post, we all know that sometimes it’s easier to use something that’s already been created. So, to free us all up (no pun intended), I’ve compiled my top five free photo resources where I have the best luck.

Unsplash

Unsplash features mostly nature images that are gorgeous and inspiring. Even if you don’t need a photo, this site is worth a browse to get some creative juices flowing.

Pablo

Pablo is Buffer’s answer to creating images without having to find free images. Just make your own. You can use the templates they provide or upload a photo of your own. Overlay your own text to make it relevant to your post.

The MorgueFile

This site, like many other free resources, requires some digging. But if you stay on the “free” tab you’re bound to find some great options. Just be careful that you don’t end up on a paid option such as with…

Dreamstime Free Images

This site does have quality free images, but I’ve been known to head down the rabbit hole to find the perfect image only to discover I somehow deviated from the free section. Browse with caution!

(Photo credit: © Sarah Post | Dreamstime Stock Photos)

Life of Pix

Life of Pix is an enjoyable browse. Their photos, while maybe a little abstract at times, have great lighting and composition.

What go-to sites do you use to collect free images? Let me know in the comments below, and stay tuned for our post later this week about how to separate the bad images from the good and from the good to the really great.