10 Free Stock Photography and Illustration Websites You Should Be Using
High-quality images can make or break a project. But sourcing images and illustrations can be costly, especially if you’re on a budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of free stock photography and illustration websites out there offering incredible photography and illustration at no cost. In this post, we’ll look at 10 of the best free stock websites you should have bookmarked. Whether you’re in need of photos, vector illustrations, or icons, these sites have you covered.
1. Rawpixel
Rawpixel offers a mix of free and premium photos, vectors, and PSD mockups. The platform is known for its diversity of images and is a favorite for those looking for unique and high-quality visuals. There’s even a section dedicated to public domain images, making it a go-to for creatives in need of free, professional-grade imagery.
Highlights:
- Public domain images available
- Diverse range of stock photos and vectors
- Some content requires a free membership
2. Vecteezy
Vecteezy specializes in vector graphics but also offers free stock photos and videos. If you’re after free vector illustrations, this site should be on your radar. Its easy-to-use editor allows for simple customization of graphics, making it an excellent choice for designers.
Highlights:
- Large selection of free vectors
- Easy-to-use editor for customising graphics
- Attribution required for some assets
3. Gratisography
If you’re looking for quirky, unconventional, or fun images, Gratisography is the place to go. Known for its unique collection of photos, this platform offers something different from the usual stock photo sites. The whimsical nature of the images makes it an excellent resource for creatives and bloggers who want something out of the ordinary.
Highlights:
- Unique and whimsical photography
- No attribution required
- Smaller collection but very distinctive
4. Unsplash
Unsplash is a treasure trove for stunning, high-resolution photography. With over a million images covering a wide range of categories, it’s no surprise that Unsplash is one of the most popular platforms for free stock photos. Whether you need landscapes, portraits, or business-related images, Unsplash has you covered.
Highlights:
- Gorgeous, professional-grade photography
- No attribution required (though it’s appreciated)
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
5. Pexels
Pexels is another fantastic resource for high-quality images and videos. The platform offers a growing library of free stock photos, curated for quality and relevance. It’s particularly popular among bloggers, social media managers, and businesses needing diverse content.
Highlights:
- Free stock photos and videos
- Popular among bloggers and social media managers
- Excellent search functionality
6. Pixabay
Pixabay boasts a massive library of over 2.6 million free photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and even videos. The site covers just about every category you can imagine, making it a one-stop shop for all your visual needs. It’s perfect for personal and commercial projects.
Highlights:
- Offers photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos
- Easy search functionality with filters
- Free to use with no attribution required
7. Freepik
Freepik is well-known for offering a mix of free vectors, stock photos, and PSD files. It’s a fantastic resource for designers who need high-quality vector illustrations and graphics for their projects. While there’s a premium plan, the free tier provides plenty of resources, especially for icons and illustrations.
Highlights:
- Huge collection of free vectors and PSD files
- Attribution required for free assets
- Excellent for icons and illustrations
8. Burst (by Shopify)
Burst is Shopify’s very own stock photography platform designed to help entrepreneurs, web designers, and creatives find high-quality images for free. The images are often tailored for e-commerce and business-related needs, but there’s plenty of variety for other projects too.
Highlights:
- High-quality, business-focused imagery
- No attribution required
- Categorised collections for easy browsing
9. Picjumbo
Picjumbo offers a wide variety of free images covering everything from nature and fashion to business and food photography. The platform is regularly updated with fresh content, and while it offers premium options, the free selection is impressive and perfect for web designers and bloggers.
Highlights:
- Frequent updates with new content
- Free and premium options
- No attribution required
10. Reshot
Reshot is perfect for creatives looking for fresh, non-cliché images. The site’s goal is to provide visuals that feel authentic and unique, standing apart from the typical stock photography vibe. It’s particularly great for startups, freelancers, and anyone who wants something a little different.
Highlights:
- Authentic, non-stocky imagery
- No attribution required
- Ideal for startups and freelancers
Finding high-quality visuals doesn’t have to be a drain on your budget. With these 10 free stock photography and illustration websites, you can access professional-grade images and illustrations without spending a penny. Whether you need photos for your website, blog, or social media, these platforms have you covered.
Selecting the right visuals is only one part of creating a stunning website. Equally important is choosing a color scheme that complements your imagery and overall design. A well-balanced color palette can bring your website to life, enhance user experience, and reinforce your brand identity. If you’re looking for tips on how to choose the perfect color scheme for your new website, be sure to check out this detailed guide: How to Choose the Perfect Colour Scheme for Your New Website.
