If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a free picture is worth at least double…right? We think so too. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best 5 resources for free stock images. These websites allow you to access thousands of flexible high-quality photos and incorporate them into any project for free.
1. Pixabay
Pixabay offers a library of 660,000 vectors, stock photos, and art illustrations – a dream come true for a video editor in need of images. Pixabay also features an Editor’s Choice section as well as a beautiful home screen populated with new images to help you get going on a project. Pixabay also has options to narrow down your search by image size, orientation and color, giving you more robust results if time is on your side. Take a peek when you’re looking for inspiration. You’re bound to find some here.
2. StockSnap
StockSnap’s claim to fame is consistent quality. Nearly every image found on its site is breathtaking. StockSnap opts for quality over quantity, so make it a regular stop on your image searching journey. You’re guaranteed to find something nice here. Short and sweet.
3. Pexels
Pexels is another great user-driven website. Embracing the same Creative Commons Zero license as others on this list, Pexels features a large quantity of user-created content. However, the result of any given search is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, the pictures you will find are high quality and clean so keep this page bookmarked for future reference.
4. New Old Stock
New Old Stock lets any historical filmmaker dive deep into the past with hundreds of free vintage photos. The database is small, but the photos you’ll find will each tell their own compelling story. It’s hard to jump into this one without taking a trip down history lane so be careful. Color not guaranteed!
5. FreeImages
FreeImages’ library is comprised of a grab-bag of 380,000 images and growing. Its stock is sorted into categories like Architecture and Industrial, allowing for easy access to all sorts of free photos and illustrations. If the hundreds of thousands of free photos weren’t enough, FreeImages offers a premium service to give you access to more than two million premium photos. Exploring this option may take you a bit of time, but you may find a hidden gem or two.
That concludes our list of the best 5 resources for free stock images. Have a favorite free image website we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
