10 Websites that offer free photographs for commercial use

One of the issues we experience with building websites is asking clients to either supply images for their website, or they request that we supply them on their behalf. 
There are heaps of websites out there claiming they offer 'free' photographs to use, I know, I found myself going 'wow' when flicking through these websites, finding a 'free' photograph I want to use and then clicking the download button to find out you need to pay for it or buy a pack of credits before you can have the photo.
Now, I don't begrudge this method at all. Why not get paid for a beautiful photo. I've actually purchased this way and loved the product.

However, there are actual free websites that supply amazing photographs. I actually like to visit these sites when not looking for photographs for clients. They really are amazing and I recommend you do the same.

​So lets get stuck in. These are in no particular order.

Please note, if you do wish to use any photos from these sites its best to check with the site and make sure that you are allowed to do what you plan to do with the photo. Most of them work under an agreement of the Creative Commons CC0, which allows you to use and adapt them for commercial purposes.

1. Pixabay

I think its pretty cool how you can buy the photographer a 'coffee' if you feel like it. There is no obligation to do so though, so have a look at Pixabay and enjoy. Pixabay is great for a couple of reasons: the portfolio of photos, the ability to download a certain size, and it gives you the opportunity to message the photographer directly and follow them.

2. Public Domain Archive

I like this site because it was started by a family. Matt and Shayna who have a deep passion in the field. Their website is a public domain image repository. They created it to showcase photography, and they have some great images. I highly recommend having a look.

3. Unsplash

I like this site. I have downloaded more photos from this site than any other. I actually think it's because they utilise the photo by reproducing it so it takes up most of your whole screen. It won't bore you with information. It's all about the photo and boy, is there some talented photographers on there. If I get a spare moment in the day I turn to this site to sample photography at it's best.

4. ISO Republic

Founded by Tom Eversley (this is one of Tom's photos) is another great site. You can subscribe if you like. I like it as it gives the photographer the ability to add a little history about the photograph, which I find interesting. It also provides details about the photographer and if they have their own website you can quickly jump to it using ISO Republic.

5. PEXELS

Some great photos, I particularly like this site as you can scroll and scroll and scroll and the amount of photos seems endless. I really liked the way you can search by colour (find a photo with the colours you need and the option will be available).  I had to find a very dark photograph for a website so I searched for eerie black, and all the photos that were produced were of that nature.

6. Raumrot

This is a great website if you need a series of photos that have the same theme or medium. Raumrot curate and handpick the photos for you which saves you a heap of time. The photos are high quality and if you like one, you can choose to follow the photographer through Flickr. 

7. Picjumbo

PicJumbo is another free website which gives the photos a large piece of website real-estate, which is great for the viewer. Another great feature of Picjumbo is they give you the opportunity to 'test drive' the image and suggest ways the photo could work as a header for your website or blog.

8. ​Jay Mantri

I like Jay Mantri's style.The only blurb on the site is "Free pics, do anything (CCO), make magic". Another site that fully exposes the photo with a near screen size version. There are lots of black and whites on this site.

9. Stokpic

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Stokpic has heaps of photographs and heaps of information about them to make sure you are abiding by their rules, with FAQ's, the ability to subscribe and a great list of categories to choose from. You have heaps of options with Stokpic.

10. PhotoPin

Photopin from the start gets you to the photos you want by only offering the ability to search for the type of photo you want, then it provides you with a load of good quality pictures. Once you have chosen one, Photopin then gives you heaps of options to the size of the photo you want to download.

So, there you have it, 10 useful websites. There are a heap more, but I really like these sites and, like I said, I do visit them when not working. Be careful though as you can spend quite a bit of time flicking through them. You have been warned.

Please note, the above was correct as of the date that the Blog was posted. The websites featured in this article may have changed their terms and conditions since this time.