Images cover 50% of the topic which we wish to say to our readers. Images do speak and images are the best way to express clearly what we want to show.
A blogpost/article will look pale without an image. At least one image will add the flavour to the post.
Here comes a big challenge on how to find a relevant image(s) for posts we make and where to find them?
We have to keep in mind one thing while selecting an image. Google images aren't free, we can get millions of suitable images for our use, but they aren't there to face our need.
They are protected by copyrights and using them for personal/commercial use falls under the copyright infringement.
We have to respect the work of the photographers, we need to consider their license and publications.
It is safer to consult them for the picture and include an attribution. If you are able to buy the image, it's all yours without any restrictions.
Each and every blogger/writer wishes to have some high quality and clear images in their content. And many aren't willing to pay for this. The need for high resolution images is increasing and also the providers.
First let's see the following infographic why images are preferably included in content :
Infographic by MDG Advertising
Now we know how important images are, either you choose to include them with third party image hosting or direct uploading, they are going to attract more clients/readers/visitors.
Let's come to the main track, now we are going to discuss where to find the high resolution and royalty free images.
There are many sites which will provide you HD images for free of charge. Among them, I made a study and handpicked 35 sites. These are the sites with all our image needs at one place.
Note : This order isn't based on ranking/alphabetical/google results. This is made random.
(1). Freedigitalphotos
Freedigitalphotos is simple and very easy to download any image(s). There is a subscription process and especially we don't need to create any account to download the images. We have to provide your email address and then proceed with the downloadable content by passing only one security captcha.
For smaller size image requirements this is the place you have to be. We must attribute the owner as mentioned in the email we get after the download(s). There is also a premium membership for more stock photos in high resolution.
Click here to visit Freedigitalphotos
(2). Startup Stock Photos
Startups posts which are related to techies and business. This is the right place to find all the images. All kind of techie photos are hosted by the startup stock photos.
Articles which deal with entrepreneurship and business ideas, here we can find many such images.
Click here to visit startup stock photos
(3). Free Images
Free images is a free platform of many images for every niche. Science & technology, industrial, textures, patterns, sports, fitness, people.
You can download all the images for free, there is also a premium service.
You have to let the owner of the photo know about the download by commenting. By creating an account you can comment there.
Click here to visit Free images
(4). Life of pix
Download unlimited high quality pictures and get notified via email when new images are uploaded.
Click here to visit Life of pix
(5). Dreamstime
This site got some huge response from the bloggers and it is due to this pictures they give. There are editorial pictures in this with a designing area.
You can enjoy being here.
Click here to visit Dreamstime
(6). MMT
MMT provides number of images for commercial use. This is helpful in image finding. All pictures are owned by Jeffrey Betts.
Click here to visit MMT
(7). Every stock photo
This is the hub of occasional photos, here we can get images related to celebrations and moments that stay forever in our hearts.
We can directly embed the image to blogs/websites by giving back the credit.
Click here to visit Every stock photo
(8).Little visuals
Sign up with little visuals and get 7 hi-resolution zipped up to your mailbox. We can use it anyway we want.
Here there is one sad notice from the website that the owner of this site, Nic (26) died due to S.A.D.S (sudden adult death syndrome). And it happened back in 2013. Now there are no new updates, but you can download it from the old packages.
Click here to visit Little Visuals
(9). Pexels
Pexels is loaded with astonishing pixels. Here there are 10 new photos arriving daily.
Click here to visit Pexels
(10). Splitshire
More than 500 pictures to download in zip format and it gets updated almost daily. Royalty free images are now to use on our terms. If not bought, do appreciate the work of others and attribute.
Click here to visit splitshire
(11). Magdaleine
Magdaleine is a free images site which brings a new image everyday. Many images are very inspirational here.
Click here to visit Magdaleine
(12). Picjumbo
Picjumbo subscription service is very active, it delivers with some beautiful pictures (at least 4) to our mailbox. All the pictures are the hard work of Viktor Hanacek.
You’ll never regret being subscribed to picjumbo. Of course it's free and also paid subscription also available.
Click here to visit Picjumbo
(13). Gratisography
Images are free of copyright restrictions and the developer is Ryan McGuire. Gratisography have some ravishing HD pictures.
Click here to visit Gratisography
(14). Morguefile
This site is useful in grabbing the images for illustrations, comp or designing, art etc. One can make good presentations with the images available here.
Click here to visit Morguefile
(15). Foodies feed
The name itself indicates this site is related to the food images. And this is the choice of many food bloggers.
If you are a food blogger or having any idea of creating a food related post, head to this free site.
Click here to visit Foodies Feed
(16). Jay Mantri
Images are free to use for personal or commercial purposes. Beauty of nature, locations etc can be seen here.
Click here to visit Jay Mantri
(17). Unsplash
Unsplash is a hub for new photography talents. Large number of images are generated by crew and from various photography. 10 free images for 10 days.
Click here to visit Unsplash
(18). New Old Stock
This is a place for vintage images, as old as 1893. Historical and cultural images are also seen here. All free to download and use.
Click here to visit New Old Stock
(19). Stock snap
Stock snap is a very active images site, upto 100 pictures are added weekly.
Click here to visit Stock snap
(20). We function
This site provides images in the form of volumes (vol. 1, vol. 2 etc).
Exciting images and free of copyright.
Click here to visit We function
(21). ISO Republic
This free images site gifts us with images of flowers, keyboard keys, cityscapes, interior design and lights etc. All are free to use.
Click here to visit ISO Republic
(22). Shutteroo
All images are captured by Klaye Morrison. And here this is a travel photography, most helpful for the travel bloggers.
Click here to visit Shutteroo
(23). Death to the stock photo
Free photos are seen monthly and we can subscribe to their mailing list. This is really a death to the stock photos.
Click here to visit Death to the stock photo
(24). Negative space
Another best site which can't be missed a shot.
Click here to visit Negative Space
(25). Ancestry images
This site holds all the ancient historical maps and other images. Can be a useful one to those who work on history on their blogs.
Click here to visit Ancestry Images
(26). IM free
Images and free templates, people and business related are available here.
Click here to visit IM Free
(27). Refe
All real life photos with amazing natural looking are available for free here.
Click here to visit Refe
(28). Pixabay
You can also try pixabay to get all the free images for various tasks.
Click here to visit Pixabay
(29). Lock and stock photos
Best of royalty free images, full clarity and good looking pictures. All for free.
Click here to visit Lock and stock photos
(30). Compfight
Compfight is an image search tool like site, it is linked with the Flickr.
Click here to visit Compfight
(31). Photopin
This is another site for all the free images for bloggers, source is needed to be attributed.
Click here to visit Photopin
(32). Public domain archive
Here, we have options to choose from the categories like, vintage, modern and weekly etc. Choose your needy task suitable picture for free.
Click here to visit Public domain archive
(33). Snapwire snaps
Snapwire snaps is a Tumblr blog. You can download free photos here.
Click here to visit Snapwire Snaps
(34). Graphic stock
Graphic stock is a colourful site and a paid site for the HQ images. If you are a professional blogger and you want professional shots, choose this site.
Click here to visit Graphic stock
(35). Flickr, Pinterest, Google+
Flickr is the place of images of all categories, world's best photographers roam around on Flickr. Create an account here and you can upload your work too. Using the images will depend on the permission of the respective owners.
Pinterest is home of portrait pictures, long and long length pictures. Infographics and other amazing images are here. Not free to use, but if you can attribute properly, you'll escape copyright infringement.
Google+ never loses it's charm. Since it's launch, it became a best place to experience real life photography. Contact the photographer and let him/her finish the property for your blog/site.
What are your favourite site(s) to get free images for your blog/website. Do share it below in the comments and also share your thoughts on this post. Thank you :)