Resources for Designers: 5 Websites for High-Quality Free Stock Photos

by Kelsey Arrington on Jan 10, 2022

Any designer or content creator, who has scoured the internet for images, knows the value of finding websites that have high-quality free stock photos. However, finding “free” photos is only half the battle. Once you find the stock you’re searching for; you have to make sure that you can actually use the images for your personal and commercial creative projects.

Let’s be honest. Image license agreements can be a headache; riddled with confusing language. And, sometimes, photographs that are marketed as being “free” actually cost if you want to include them on your brand’s blog, in advertisements, websites, or on social media. With all this to consider, wading through the sea of stock images can be tricky, to say the least.

But, it’s not all bad news – there is was a way around the legal jargon and limited image usage rights. The solution? You have to find reputable image resources, for designers, to ensure the stock photos you download are free from copyright restrictions.

Sounds easier said, than done, right? We get it. After all, finding a legitimate stock site with a CC0 image license can take a while. Fortunately, the team at Authentic Jobs has already done this research for you! In this post, you’ll find 5 websites for high-quality free stock photos, with no strings attached.

Gratisography

Have you been looking for one-of-a-kind images to make your website stand out?

Look no further than Gratisography – a design resource that is offering, as their website puts it, “the world’s quirkiest collection of high-resolution free stock images.” So, for those searching for uncanny pics, that can put a unique spin on any creative project; this resource is for you.

StockSnap

Are you desperately in search of a reliable resource for CC0 images?

StockSnap can offer peace of mind and thousands of beautiful, free stock photos. If you need more reasons to check out this design resource, their website includes information on commercial usage – meaning you can snag visually-arresting images, for your client projects, at absolutely no cost.

Free Nature Stock

Do you need outdoorsy photos of flowers, mountains, and night sky scenes?

Free Nature Stock is dedicated to the best nature photos with a truly free CC0 license and ran by a solo photographer. There’s a wide variety of outdoor images, everything from beautiful flower gardens to incredible Milky Way captures. Speaking of which, you may also enjoy Night Sky Stock for even more free space images.

StockVault

Are you looking for free stock images and illustrations?

StockVault offers the best of both worlds with its vast library of photographs and vector illustrations, that you can download for free.

Specifically, this website is known as a creative hub for images of textures, futuristic backgrounds, and conceptual vector art.

MorgueFile

Do you need reference photos for your project?

Morguefile is a stock website dedicated to providing free image reference materials for the creative community. With its focus on catering to illustrators, comic book artists, art educators and designers; this resource can be used by creative professionals working on a variety of projects.