Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Ellen
Looking for free photos for commercial use? Check out this big list of sites for free images for blog posts and other commercial uses.
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Photography is very important to your blog post. Whether you are writing about a recipe, a home repair, a fashion post, or a list on changing market trends, you need a photo to give your readers a visual draw.
Free Photos for Commercial Use
In many cases, you can and should take your own photographs. In some cases, you need to figure out where to find free photos for commercial use.
Photographs belong to the people who take them. You should never use a photograph you find randomly online unless you have the author’s specific permission to do that. Just linking back to the site you found the photo on or mentioning where it came from in most cases is not enough. Using photographs in ways that you haven’t received permission for can result in fines and lawsuits.
There are a few definitions you need to understand first.
- Attribution – A concept in photography where you give credit to the source of the photograph.
- Commercial Use – The use of a photograph in any way that earns you money.
- Creative Commons – A non-profit organization with the goal of providing images that can be legally shared with conditions.
- Royalty Free Images – Images that can be used without royalty fees with certain conditions. You may be required to pay a license fee.
There are a number of different sites that offer photos for commercial use. Some require attribution. Some require a fee. It’s very important that you look at the conditions for each photograph before you use it. Never assume you can use it on your blog without checking.
If you earn money in any way on your blog – whether a sponsored post, advertising or affiliate income, the images you use must be intended for commercial use.
Free stock images sites
- Morguefile – Images are free. Attribution is recommended. See their terms.
- Unsplash – 10 new photos every 10 days. Free. No attribution required. See their terms.
- Gratisography – Images are free. No attribution required. See their terms.
- Life of Pix – Images are free and in the public domain. No attribution. See their terms.
- Startup Stock – Free images. Does not specify terms. May be safe to attribute.
- MMT – Free photos. No fees or attribution.
- Pexels – Free stock photos. No attribution. See their terms.
- Magdeleine – Free photos. No attribution mentioned but may be safe to attribute just in case.
- Jay Mantri – Free photos with no attribution. See their terms.
- Stock Snap – Photos that are free with no attribution. See their terms.
- ISO Republic – Free photos. Attribution not required but appreciated. See their terms.
- Pixaby – Free photos with no attribution. See their terms.
- Shuteroo – Free images. Attribution requested but not required.
- Good Free Photos – Free stock images. No attribution needed.
For more photography related articles, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:
- Beautiful typography Photo Apps for Bloggers from Pretty Opinionated
- 5 Simple Photography Tips for Blogging from Day by Day in Our World
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Ellen is a serial entrepreneur who owns 9 profitable blogs, two printable stores, an online vintage jewelry business, and a variety of other work at home endeavors. She shares tips for working at home successfully.
I see a few new sources on here! I use Pixabay a lot for basic stuff. I absolutely LOVE unsplash for really gorgeous, more unique shots. I also recently found Picjumbo in my “blogging stuff” folder. I had bookmarked it but never checked it out. They have a decent selection, also free, no attribution required. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks! I’ll check that one out too.
I use Morguefile a lot, but am always looking for a new site to search. Thanks for the great list as there are a few I have not seen before now.
Glad to help, Laura!
Hey Ellen, nice list. I’m a travel photographer and have launched http://shutteroo.com for free photos in the travel niche. I hope others may find it useful and you’ll consider adding it to your list. Cheers, Klaye.
Hi Klaye – Thanks for visiting! I added your site to my site. Gorgeous photos!
Thanks so much Ellen, I really appreciate it.
Hi Ellen, please check out http://www.upicm.com for free pics with no attribution required. All images are pre-optimised for web use so they load fast and look sharp on all devices. The number of images is growing fast too. Thanks for the opportunity to share – Declan
Thanks for sharing!
Great post. Pixabay is one of the best stock photo site to find free high quality photos.
I totally agree! Great quality!
Hi, Also check out http://www.goodfreephotos.com for thousands of free public domain photos, especially travel photos. Appreciate it if you could add it to your list. Thanks.
Thanks so much. I have added you to the list!
Thanks! Unsplash and Pixaby are my favorite.
They do have great images!