Discover 20 Amazing Websites for Finding Awesome Stock Photos!

I have something exciting to share with you today. I want to introduce you to 20 incredible websites where you can find the most stunning stock photos. Whether you’re working on a school project or sprucing up your personal blog, these sites are a treasure trove of captivating visuals.

Now, let’s dive into the world of stock images! These websites are like an online gallery, filled with a wide variety of photographs for you to choose from. They offer everything from breathtaking landscapes to delightful portraits, all ready to enhance your creative ventures.

When it comes to high-quality stock images, these websites are the real deal. You’ll be amazed by the professionalism and talent behind each photo. Their vast collections cover a multitude of themes and subjects, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

So, why should you consider using stock photos? Well, the answer is simple. Stock images provide a quick and convenient solution for your visual needs. Instead of spending hours taking pictures yourself, you can simply browse through these sites and find the perfect image in no time. It’s like having your own personal library of beautiful photos at your fingertips!

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Are these stock images even free? Well, my friend, here’s the great news – most of these websites offer a range of free photos! Yes, you heard me right. You can download and use these images without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic opportunity to add some flair to your projects without spending a single dime.

Of course, if you’re looking for even more options, some of these sites also offer premium memberships or paid images. These give you access to an even larger selection of top-notch photos with exclusive features and benefits. It’s like unlocking a hidden vault of creativity!

Now, enough talking – let’s get to the good part. I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best stock image sites below. Each one is a gateway to a world of mesmerizing visuals. So go ahead, explore, and let your imagination run wild!

1. Unsplash

2. Pixabay

3. Pexels

4. Freepik

5. Shutterstock

6. Getty Images

7. Adobe Stock

8. iStock

9. Burst by Shopify

10. Picjumbo

11. Kaboompics

12. Reshot

13. StockSnap

14. Canva

15. Rawpixel

16. Negative Space

17. Styled Stock

18. Foodiesfeed

19. Splitshire

20. Freestocks

Remember, my friend, these websites are like a treasure chest of inspiration. Whether you’re a student, a blogger, or just someone who loves aesthetically pleasing visuals, these stock image sites have got you covered. So go ahead and explore these virtual galleries, and let your creativity shine!

I want to tell you about the power of a good image in your marketing. Pictures are super important because they catch people’s eye and can tell a whole story. They also help build up your brand online, like on your website or social media pages. But let’s be real, not every small business has the time or money to take fancy pictures all the time. That’s where stock image websites come in!

So, what exactly is a stock photo website?

I’ve got something cool to share with you – these awesome websites that have really cool pictures that you can use for your websites, social media posts, or even for your business! These sites have a lot of different options and themes to choose from, so you can find the perfect image for your needs. Some of these sites have images and videos that you can buy the rights to, so you can use them however you want. Other sites have a bunch of pictures that are free to use, with no strings attached!

The Best Places to Find Free Pictures

If you’re a business and don’t have the money for images, don’t worry! There are lots of stock image websites that offer free photos, even for business use. Some of these sites let you download images without any requirements. Others may ask for credit to the photographer or allow you to donate if you want. These sites usually give non-exclusive rights to the photos, meaning other people can use them too.

Now, I’ll share with you some of the best free stock image websites for small businesses like yours.

1. Unsplash

I want to tell you about Unsplash, which is honestly one of the best websites to find cool pictures. They have such a wide range of images, from modern to artsy, that it’s hard not to find something you like. What’s really cool is that most of their pictures are of real people and places, so you can feel a connection to them. Plus, they offer the photos in different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your needs. And the best part? You can use all of these photos for free, for any purpose you want!

Now, here’s the important stuff. Unsplash has something called a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which basically means you don’t need permission to use the photos. Isn’t that great? You can use them for personal projects or even for business purposes without worrying about copyright issues. But, it’s always nice to give credit to the person who took the photo. It’s not a requirement, but it’s appreciated.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. You can’t just take these pictures and sell them as they are. That wouldn’t be fair. If you want to sell them, you need to make some significant changes to the photos first. And sorry, but you can’t use Unsplash images to start your own stock photo website. That would be stepping on their toes, and we don’t want that.

2. Pexels

Let me tell you about Pexels, an awesome website for finding free stock photos. They really care about supporting photographers and showcasing their work. You can find all kinds of photos on Pexels, from beautiful nature scenes to bustling cityscapes. There are even photos of families enjoying time together at home.

When it comes to sizes, Pexels has got you covered. You can choose from small, medium, large, and high resolution versions for most of the photos. Isn’t that great?

But wait, there’s more! Pexels also offers videos that you can download. So, if you’re looking to add some moving visuals to your projects, they’ve got you covered there too.

The best part? Everything on Pexels is absolutely free and legal to use. You can even make changes to the images without having to give credit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. You can’t sell the Pexels images or make alterations that might be offensive to people in the pictures. And remember, you can’t imply that those pictured endorse anything.

3. Kaboompics

Guess what? I’ve got some really cool news for you. Kaboompics is this awesome website where you can find tons of absolutely free stock photos. And let me tell you, these photos are simply breathtaking! They’re so full of life and color, capturing genuine moments that will bring a smile to your face.

Now, here’s the best part. Not only can you search for specific images, but you can also explore entire photoshoots featuring the same model or props. It’s like diving into a world of visual stories. Oh, and did I mention that you can get the images in custom sizes? Yep, that’s right! You can choose exactly what fits your needs.

But wait, there’s more! Kaboompics understands that aesthetics matter. So, they’ve made it super easy for you to find images according to color or orientation. You can really make sure that the photos match your brand or the overall look and feel you’re going for.

Here’s the cherry on top: all the images on Kaboompics are free to use, both for commercial and noncommercial purposes. No need to credit the source, and you can even make modifications to suit your style. The only thing you can’t do is resell the images. So, it’s like having access to a treasure trove of stunning visuals without any strings attached.

4. Ready for some more freebies?

Let me tell you about this awesome website called Gratisography. It’s an amazing place where you can download high-resolution images for free, without any copyright restrictions. Isn’t that cool? Ryan McGuire, the creator and founder of this website, has put together a collection of whimsical and quirky stock images that you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s even better is that these photos are not just for personal use. You can also use them for commercial purposes, like adding them to your website or social media profiles. You can even add your logos or other elements to the images through creative commons licensing, allowing you to customize them to fit your needs.

But here’s the thing − you can’t redistribute these images. They’re exclusively for your personal or commercial use, but you can’t go around giving them away to others. It’s important to respect the rights of the photographer and the website, after all.

One more thing to note − Gratisography doesn’t guarantee or license the rights to things like trademarks, publicity, or privacy. So, if you want to use these images for anything related to those areas, you’ll need to seek permission elsewhere.

5. Pixabay

Did you know that Pixabay is the go-to place for awesome freebies? They’ve got you covered with tons of stock photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, and even music! And get this, they’ve got a whopping 1.8 million images on their site! Can you believe it?

Here’s the best part: all the content on Pixabay is completely free for you to use. That means you can download, modify, copy, and distribute those images without any hassle. No need to worry about permissions or giving credit. It’s all covered under the creative commons licensing. How cool is that?

Now, keep in mind that even though Pixabay is all about sharing the love, there may be a few things you need to be careful about. Some of the content might be protected by trademarks, privacy rights, or publicity rights. So, if you want to use a specific image, make sure to check out the page for that image. You’ll find all the nitty-gritty details about licensing and what you can or can’t do.

6. Library of Congress

Did you know that the Library of Congress has an awesome collection of digital images that you can use for free? Pretty cool, right? They’ve got all kinds of photos that are either in the public domain, have no copyright, or have been given permission for use. And it’s not just photos – they’ve got videos, documents, sound recordings, maps, and more!

A lot of these items are vintage or historical, so you can really dive into the past. And just like Getty images, you’ll find captions and explanations for everything. It’s like stepping into a time machine!

Now, here’s the best part – the Library of Congress website has a handy search feature that lets you find what you’re looking for based on different categories. You can search by authors/creators, subjects, names/titles – you name it!

Oh, and before I forget, let me tell you a little something about Wikipedia. It’s this amazing online encyclopedia that has a ton of information about, well, everything! Seriously, you can look up anything and learn so much. It’s like having a super-smart friend who knows everything.

Did you know that Wikipedia pages have pictures to make the content more interesting? These pictures are added by users, but they have to have the right license, like creative commons or public domain. You can even upload your own pictures to Wiki Commons and share them with everyone. They become free for anyone to use under the Creative Commons Zero (cc0) license. Just go to the photo page for the license and more information.

8. Pikwizard

I’ve got some awesome news for you. Pikwizard is here to save the day with their incredible library of over a million free stock photos and videos. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking pictures of nature, stunning shots of buildings, fabulous fashion images, or even some mind-bending abstract visuals, Pikwizard has got you covered!

What’s even better is that all this amazing content is absolutely free for both commercial and non-commercial use, thanks to the creative commons license. Isn’t that fantastic?

Now, here’s a little heads up. While you’re browsing and searching for the perfect image, you might come across a few premium images from Adobe Stock. Don’t worry, they’re just ads. But the majority of the content is completely free!

Now, I hate to be a party pooper, but there are a couple of things you should know. First, you can’t use this content as part of a trademark or logo. And secondly, you can’t resell it. Fair enough, right?

9. Flickr

I want to tell you about an amazing website called Flickr. It’s a place where people like you and me can share photos and other cool stuff. One of the best things about Flickr is that they have a lot of pictures that you can use for free! But, not all of the pictures are free to use. Some belong to someone else and are protected by something called copyright.

But don’t worry, there are also pictures on Flickr that you can use without any problems. These pictures are available under something called creative commons, creative commons zero, or public domain. This means that the people who took the pictures are happy for other people to use them for different things.

If you’re looking for free stock photos, Flickr is a great place to start. You can even search specifically for pictures that you can use for free. When you find a picture you like, you can click on it to see what rights you have. Sometimes you might need to give credit to the person who took the picture, and other times you might not be able to share the picture with other people.

So, if you need an awesome picture to use for something, remember to check out Flickr. They have lots of great photos for you to choose from!

10. What is Negative Space?

Did you know that Negative Space is an awesome place to find beautiful, high-quality photos for free? They’ve got all kinds of pictures – nature scenes, buildings, animals, objects, and even virtual backgrounds. You can easily browse through different categories, search for specific terms, or even sort photos by color. And here’s the best part – these photos are available in super high resolution, and some even come in raw versions! Isn’t that cool?

Now, let me tell you something even better. You can use these free stock photos for anything you want – personal projects or even commercial purposes. Isn’t that amazing? The site is pretty chill about it too. They do appreciate it if you give credit to the photographer, but it’s not a requirement.

Oh, and did I mention that Negative Space has a newsletter? Yup, they’ll keep you updated whenever they add new images, so you’ll always have something fresh to work with. And hey, they’ve got support for other creative folks too. Isn’t that awesome? So go ahead, dive into the world of Negative Space and unleash your creativity!

Premium Stock Image Sites

Hey, did you know that there are lots of websites where you can buy really nice pictures? Yeah, it’s true! You can either pay a fee to be a member or just pay for the images you want to download. But here’s the thing, each site has different rules and conditions, so make sure you check out what you’re getting into. Some websites might give you special rights to the photos you buy, while others offer really good quality pictures without any extra charges. Now, let me tell you about some of the best premium stock image sites out there.

11. DepositPhotos

At DepositPhotos, we have a variety of premium plans and options for downloading photos. You can choose to pay a monthly fee and then download as many stock images as your plan allows for that month. If you prefer an annual plan, we offer discounts for signing up. You also have the option to simply pay for individual photos that you want to download. Our images come in multiple sizes, including large and high-resolution versions, although each photo may vary. In addition to photos, we also offer videos and vectors. Vectors can be scaled to any size you need. Most of our images come with a standard license, which means you can use them for personal or commercial purposes, up to 500,000 copies. If you plan on reselling or distributing stock photos that exceed this amount, we also have extended licenses available.

12. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is an amazing stock website with a huge collection of photos. They add over 1.7 million new pieces of content each week, so you’ll always find something new. Along with photos, they also offer videos and audio files. You can sign up for a monthly subscription based on how many photos you regularly need to download. The prices range from $4.90 to $0.33 per image depending on the plan you choose. They also have on-demand packs available. These packs range from $14.50 to $9.60 per image and can be used within one year. They’re great for people who want high-quality stock images but don’t need a lot of them. Shutterstock also offers enterprise and multi-user plans. The photos you download come with a standard license, which allows you to use them for business purposes. However, they also offer enhanced licenses that give you more rights, like using images in products or templates. And if you’re looking for free stock photos, Shutterstock has thousands of them available as well.

13. iStock

Welcome to iStock, a cool website where you can find amazing stock images owned by Getty Images. What are stock images, you ask? Well, they’re photos, vectors, illustrations, and even HD videos that you can use for all sorts of things. The best part? They’re royalty-free, which means you don’t have to worry about paying extra fees.

Now, let me tell you about the different collections of photos on iStock. First, we have the basic collection. These are timeless images that you can get at really affordable prices. They’re perfect for any project you have in mind. Then, we have the signature collection. These are special photos that are only available on our site. They’re trendy and exclusive. How cool is that?

So, how much does it cost to join iStock? Well, we have different plans to suit your needs. You can start with our $29 per month plan, which gives you access to 10 photos from the basic collection. If you need more images, don’t worry! We also have premium plans that allow you to download up to 750 images per month. That’s a lot of creativity right at your fingertips!

Now, let’s talk about licenses. When you choose a standard license, you can use the photos for both business and personal purposes. You can even make up to 500,000 copies of each photo. That’s a whole lot of copies! But if you need to go beyond that limit, we also offer extended licenses. These are perfect for people who want to use the photos in products they’re planning to sell.

Oh, and one more thing! Every week, we offer free stock photos from our exclusive signature collection. It’s our way of giving back to our awesome members like you. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of iStock and let your creativity soar!

14. Adobe Stock

Guess what? I have another awesome website to tell you about. It’s called Adobe Stock, and it’s not just a stock image website. It’s a place where you can find illustrations, vectors, videos, templates, 3D graphics, and even audio files. It’s a treasure trove of creativity, all in one spot!

What sets Adobe Stock apart from other stock image websites? Well, let me tell you. When you become a member of Adobe Stock, you also get access to stock images from Adobe Creative Cloud apps and community. That means you don’t have to open a separate window to find the perfect image for your graphic or design. It’s super convenient!

Now, let’s talk about pricing. Adobe Stock offers both annual and month-to-month subscriptions, so you can choose what works best for you. Our plans start at $29.99 per month, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. With a subscription, you can download and use a bunch of high-quality, royalty-free images without any worries.

However, there are some limitations when it comes to using the stock photos. You can include them in your web content and make up to 500,000 print copies. That’s pretty generous, right? Just keep in mind that you can’t use the stock photos in products you’re planning to sell. We gotta respect the copyrights and all.

Now, here’s a little bonus for you. As an Adobe Stock member, you also get access to thousands of free stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and other types of images. It’s like a never-ending supply of inspiration!

So, what are you waiting for? Come on over to Adobe Stock and let your creativity run wild.

15. Offset

Welcome to Offset, a unique stock photography site that specializes in providing you with authentic and artistic images captured by talented award-winning photographers. As a part of the Shutterstock family, we offer a diverse collection of royalty-free images and illustrations that cover various lifestyle categories, ranging from food to family.

When you choose Offset, you gain access to photos that come with global usage rights, meaning you can use them for both personal and commercial purposes. What’s more, there are no restrictions on how many times you can use each stock photo. It’s unlimited creativity at your fingertips!

Our stock photos are available in two sizes: small (72dpi) and large (300dpi). You have the freedom to purchase packs of images in the size that best suits your needs. It’s all about providing you with flexibility and options.

Now, let’s talk about pricing. At Offset, we value the quality and exclusivity of our images, which is reflected in our pricing. Prices for our small images start at $211.90 per image, while large images are priced at $299.90. We understand that this may be slightly more expensive than other stock photography websites, but we believe in delivering unparalleled value.

And here’s where we really stand out. When you download an image from Offset, you receive exclusive rights to use that image for one whole year. That means you won’t find these unique and captivating photos on countless competitor sites all over the internet. If you want your article or content to truly make an impact and stand out, Offset is the perfect choice for you.

So why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Experience the Offset difference and elevate your creative projects to new heights.

16. Scopio: The Ultimate Source for Diverse Lifestyle Images

Welcome to Scopio, a fantastic royalty-free stock photo site that has everything you need to bring your projects to life. Here, I’ll walk you through all the amazing features that make Scopio the go-to platform for all your image needs.

At Scopio, we understand the power of diversity. That’s why we specialize in offering a wide range of lifestyle images that reflect the beautiful tapestry of the world we live in. Whether you’re searching for pictures of people, places, or things, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s talk about the price. For just $29 a month, you get access to an incredible collection of high-quality photos. But here’s the best part: you can download up to 50 photos every single day. That’s right, unlimited inspiration at your fingertips! And the best part is, we’re constantly adding new content, so there’s always something fresh to discover.

But that’s not all. We understand that organization is key, especially if you’re part of a team. That’s why we’ve created a boards feature that allows you to save and categorize your favorite images. It’s like your very own virtual filing cabinet, making it easy to find the perfect photo for any project.

Now, let’s talk about licenses. All of our stock images are approved for business use, so you can feel confident using them in your commercial projects. And while credit isn’t required, we always appreciate a shout-out when possible.

When it comes to licenses, we’ve got you covered. We offer standard, extended, and editorial licenses, depending on your needs. Our standard license is perfect for online content and up to 100,000 printed copies. If you’re looking to use our images in editorial content, we’ve got a license specifically designed for that too.

So there you have it, the amazing world of Scopio. Join us today and unleash your creativity with our vast collection of diverse lifestyle images. The possibilities are endless!

17. Stocksy: Where Creativity Comes to Life

Let me tell you about Stocksy, a cool place for finding photos and videos. They call themselves art forward because their content is all about creativity and beauty. What’s really neat is that this site is actually owned by the artists who create the content!

When you’re browsing through Stocksy, you’ll notice that you can buy the images you like. The prices range depending on the size you choose. For smaller images, you can get them for as low as $15, while the super high-resolution ones are priced at $300. If you’re interested in videos, they range from $75 to $400.

One cool thing about Stocksy is that their stock images come with royalty-free licenses. This means that once you buy them, you can use them forever without any worries. But hey, if you need something extra special, you can also pay extra for extended licenses or exclusive rights!

18. Getty Images

So, I’m sure you’ve heard of this cool place called Getty Images. They’re like this super awesome stock photo agency that has all kinds of amazing stuff like high-quality images, videos, and even music! It’s like a treasure trove of visual content for all your creative needs.

And guess what? They’re the very first stop for people looking to find and use stock visual content. Photographers and videographers from all around the world contribute their awesome creations to Getty Images, making it a hub for all things visually stunning.

When I say they have everything, I mean it! You can find all sorts of artsy images, like those artistic ones that make you go Wow! Plus, they have awesome backgrounds that can make your designs pop, and they even have photos of famous celebs! How cool is that?

Now, here’s the best part – you can totally get your hands on these incredible images and videos. You can either pay for each one individually, or you can grab a pack of up to ten. Prices may vary depending on how big and fancy you want your downloads to be, ranging from $150 to $499. But hey, it’s totally worth it for the top-notch quality and resolution you’ll be getting!

Here’s a little tip for you – all the content on Getty Images is available as royalty-free downloads. That means once you’ve paid for them, you can use them however you want without any worries. Pretty cool, huh?

But hey, that’s not all! Getty Images also has this awesome team called the rights and clearances team. They’re like the superheroes of intellectual property! If you need to connect with the owners of certain photos or get permission to use them in special ways, these guys have got your back.

Imagine this – you want to use a photo of a famous celebrity in your ad campaign. With Getty Images, you can work directly with their rights and clearances team to ask for permission. They’ll help you connect with all the right people and make sure you’re on the right track. How awesome is that?

And let me tell you, the photos on Getty Images are famous all around the world for their incredible quality and attributions. When you use photos from Getty Images, you can be sure you’re using the best of the best.

So there you have it, my friend. Getty Images is the go-to place for all your visual content needs. They’ve got the awesome stuff you’re looking for, and they’re always ready to lend a helping hand when you need it. Happy exploring!

19. Photocase

Photocase has an amazing collection of photos featuring real people and capturing real emotions. When you buy photos, you can use them on social media, include them in your content, or even share them with your customers or team members. If you need an image for high print runs or to use on templates or merchandise, you can pay a little extra for that too. To make it even better, you can choose to buy photos directly or get credits at a lower rate if you plan on downloading lots of photos. Prices start at $14 for small, web-sized photos and go up to $42 for large, print-sized photos. And the more credits you buy, the bigger the discount – anywhere from 20 to 45 percent off! So whether you need just a few photos or a whole bunch, Photocase has got you covered.

20. Megapixl

Welcome to Megapixl, where you can find amazing stock photos, vectors, videos, and more! We have a wide range of categories to choose from, including abstract, animals, people, business, travel, and technology. So, no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!

When it comes to using our content, we offer different licenses to suit your needs. Our standard license is royalty-free, which means you can use the images on things like websites, ad posters, booklets, articles, and presentations without any worries. But that’s not all – we also provide extended licenses for those who want to use our stock photos in even more types of content.

And here’s the best part! We have monthly plans available, so you can download as many photos as you need. Our prices range from $25 to $219 per month, depending on how many images you want. Whether you only need 20 images or a whopping 750, we’ve got a plan that suits you. Plus, we offer a one-week free trial with all of our plans, so you can see how awesome our stock photos are before committing.

But what exactly is a stock image, you ask?

Wanna know what’s the deal with stock images? Well, lemme break it down for ya. See, a stock image is basically a photo that can be used by other peeps like you and me. Some are free, while others you gotta pay for on stock image websites. Oh, and get this – there are some snazzy stock photos that you can only use if you give credit on certain websites. But hey, you can also grab a free stock photo and use it for pretty much anything you want, or even give it a little makeover!

What kinds of stock images can ya find?

When it comes to stock photography, the options are pretty much endless. You can find all sorts of visuals, my friend. We’re talkin’ standard photographs, cool illustrations, even snazzy vectors! And the best part is, these images can be anything you want – people, objects, places, events, you name it! Oh, and some are even up for grabs exclusively, but most of ’em you can purchase or download from stock image websites.

So, what’s the difference between royalty-free images and free images?

When it comes to images, there are two main categories: royalty-free and free. Let me explain the difference between the two.

Free images are exactly what they sound like – you can use them without having to pay any fees. However, royalty-free images are a bit different. With royalty-free images, you have the right to use them without paying ongoing royalty fees. It’s a common agreement in the world of stock photography. Some websites offer royalty-free images for free, while others may charge a one-time fee.

Now, free images might come with some conditions. For example, you may need to give credit to the owner or meet certain qualifications before using them. On the other hand, some websites provide images that have been made available through a cc0 license by their creators. These images can be used by anyone, in any way they like.

So, can you use Creative Commons photos for free?

Yes, you can! Photos or images that have the Creative Commons Zero (CC0 1.0) public domain dedication are available for you to use free of charge. Isn’t that great?

Did you know that images with a CC0 1.0 license are totally free? They belong to the public domain and don’t have any copyright protection.

The Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license page says, You can copy, modify, distribute, and perform the work worldwide under copyright law.

So, how do you pick great stock images and avoid the cheesy ones?

• Fake smiles: We’ve all seen those pictures of a woman smiling while eating salad alone. Or a businessman giving a thumbs up directly to the camera. Let’s be honest, those aren’t everyday scenes. They feel too staged, making it obvious that they’re stock images.
• Unrealistic props: Have you ever found yourself in a conference room filled with giant puzzle pieces? Yeah, me neither. Stock photo sites sometimes use props like these to represent abstract ideas. But honestly, they don’t really add anything to the story.
• Low-quality photo editing: When a stock image uses a green screen for the background and it’s obvious, it doesn’t look professional. And if it’s noticeable to you, it’s noticeable to your customers too.
• Candid moments: When it comes to stock images with people, it’s better if they’re doing something rather than just staring directly at the camera. This way, the viewer can feel like they’re a part of the situation instead of focusing on the photographer.
• While clean white or blue backgrounds are common in stock images, it’s more realistic and engaging to have a background that shows a home, office, or outdoor scene. Just make sure it doesn’t look obviously photoshopped.
• Emotional impact: Stock photos should tell a story and make people feel something. The viewer should be able to understand what the person in the photo is thinking, feeling, or experiencing in that moment. This is what creates the most powerful impact.

So, here’s the deal. When you’re picking out pictures from those fancy stock photography websites, use your common sense. If the images look like something you might stumble upon in the real world, then they’re probably good to go. But if they seem staged or too unrealistic, your customers might not be too keen on your cheesy visual content.

But can I just use images from Google? I mean, it’s just a quick search away!

Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you can’t just snatch any old image from Google. See, those images might actually be protected by copyright laws. Just because a website has a whole bunch of pictures doesn’t mean they’re up for grabs by anyone. The person who took the photo or made the illustration is usually the one who owns the rights to it. So they get to decide if and when other people can use or share their work.

If you want to use images you find on the internet in a legal way, there are a few things you need to do. You can either buy the rights to the image or make sure it’s available for anyone to use. This means it’s either in the public domain or has a creative commons license. Another option is to get written permission from the owner, which you can sometimes find on certain websites.

Make sure you read the terms of service on each website carefully before you download or use any images. It’s really important to follow the rules because if you use an image without permission, you could end up getting sued or having to pay fines later on. If you’re not sure if you can use an image, you should stick to using websites that specialize in stock photos. They have lots of images that you can use without any problems.