High quality images are essential to a well designed website, and can transform the look and feel dramatically. Thankfully there are plenty of online spaces that you can source photos from, in this article I’m sharing both free and premium stock photography sites, so you can find one which suits you and your business best.
What are stock photography sites?
Stock photography sites are online image libraries which house high quality, royalty free images, which can be downloaded and used by others. They are perfect for using on your website and social media posts, helping to reinforce your brand mood and tell your story.
Free Stock image sites
Pexels
Pexels is one of my favourite sources for free stock photography. They’ve also got a great selection of video, perfect for adding extra visual interest to websites, and grabbing snippets for reels. Once you create an account you can create different collections, saving images before you decide to download them.
Unsplash
Unsplash is another great resource, with over 3 million images, you’re sure to find a selection that fits your brand vibe. They have recently introduced vector illustrations, which could be helpful, if they fit your brand’s aesthetic.
Kaboompics
Kaboompics is the work of one woman, and the vibe across the site reflects her style. Aesthetic imagery that feels elevated, and minimal.
Pixabay
Pixabay offers royalty free photography, video, illustration, vectors and also audio! A massive selection of over 4.4 million included within their library, and available to use, it’s definitely worth having a look around.
Dupe Photos
This is a new find, and a bit different to the previous options, but I felt it deserved a shout out. All the imagery feels like UGC (user generated content). It doesn’t have a super polished feel but more of social feed, sharing a real life kinda vibe. I wouldn’t use this as your only photography source, but there’s defo a place for it, when used thoughtfully.
Paid stock image sites
Editorial Stock Images*
Editorial Stock Images provide a library of stunning photography and video, updated with new collections frequently. You can use all their imagery for your website, socials and free content. There is a separate option to purchase individual images for your paid products.
Elevae Visuals
Elevae Visuals, (previously known as Social Squares) provides a library of over 8000 images and video, in a range of styles to suit different brand vibes, making it easy to source content for your website and social media. They also provide Canva templates, digital marketing training and social captions.
Haute Stock
With over 9500 stock images and videos in their library Haute Stock is another good option for sourcing high quality stock imagery. They also provide templates for marketing your business, such as Pinterest graphics, social templates and workbooks.
Sourced Co
Sourced Co is a stock photography site that’s a bit more niche, and aimed at wedding professionals. Providing high quality imagery and styled shoots, blog outlines and caption templates, it’s also lifetime access after the initial one time fee.
Death to Stock
Death to Stock has always been on my radar, with edgy shots, and trend led imagery. With over 9000 assets in their library which grows by 250+ each month, you’re guaranteed striking imagery, keeping your socials fresh.
How to select the right images
It’s all about making sure you have the right vibe for your business, and not just picking randomly. You need to be selective, and think “is this right for my brand?” Are you picking soft, muted or bold and vibrant colours? Are you wanting to convey an earthy spiritual kinda vibe or are you high end office chic? The imagery you choose is guided completely by your brand personality.
Free versus paid
In my opinion, I believe it’s good to have a mix. When you’re just getting started and finding your aesthetic style, defo utilise the free options, but when your budget allows, I highly recommend finding a stock photography membership that aligns with your brand vibe and you feel will best support your brand identity.
Do’s & Don’ts
As each platform is different, do always make sure to check the licensing and what you can and can’t do with the imagery. Don’t pass the images as your own, give credit when you can, for example on your website you could share your image source on the site credits page.
I use images by Editorial Stock Images*
*Get 15% off your membership through this link (This is an affiliate link, meaning I would receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links. I only ever share tools and resources I personally use and love. ❤)
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