Finding quality images to use on your website can be a daunting task. And taking your own photos or getting professional photography services just isn’t always realistic.
If you’re thinking, “What do you mean? Images are everywhere! Just use Google!” Keep reading…
Why can’t I use Google Images?
Google Images doesn’t actually own the images it’s showing you. It’s simply a search engine bringing up images from websites all over the Internet. Most of the images you see are copyrighted, and are the exclusive property of their owners. Copyrighted images should not be republished without the owner’s permission.
Just because an image is not watermarked or listed as copyrighted doesn’t mean it’s not copyrighted. In fact, it’s better to assume it is copyrighted, unless specified otherwise.
You can use Google Images to help you locate images. But it’s up to you to verify the copyright status on any image before you republish it on your website.
One more point about photo copyright and licensing…
Just because an image is listed as “free” doesn’t mean it’s okay to use it on your website or in all other circumstances. Avoid legal issues by verifying that an image is actually safe to use:
- License type: Check whether the image is labeled as public domain, Creative Commons, or a custom license set by the photographer.
- Commercial use allowed: Make sure the license covers business or organizational use, not just personal or educational projects.
- Attribution required: Some images are free only if you credit the photographer or source. If attribution is required, follow the exact instructions and wording they provide.
- Modifications allowed: Look for whether you can crop, edit, overlay text, or adjust colors. Not every license allows changes.
- Restrictions on resale or products: If you’re using the image on merchandise, ads, printed materials, or paid content, confirm that the license permits it.
- Model or property releases: If a real person, recognizable place, or private property appears in the image, make sure the platform indicates that the proper permissions are in place.
- AI-generated images: Many image libraries now blend AI-generated images with traditional photography. Be aware of this so you can select the type of images that best match your brand and mission.
If you’re unsure about any of the these items, it’s better not to use the photo, and find another that you know is in the clear.
Get the Most Out of Your Free Stock Photos
Free stock libraries are convenient, but many of the most eye-catching photos also show up on countless other websites. When the same image appears everywhere, it makes your pages feel generic and waters down your brand identity. Think about how you can keep your visuals fresh even when you have to use stock photos:
- Look for images that are less widely used or come from more niche collections.
- Edit photos to match your brand’s style by adjusting the crop, coloring, or composition.
- When possible, mix stock photos with original photography so your site doesn’t feel cookie-cutter.
- Select photos that represent the diversity of the audiences you serve.
Photos only help your site if they load quickly and add polish. As you’re sourcing and uploading photos, keep in mind:
- Start with photos that are crisp and in focus. Blurry or low-resolution images will look even worse once scaled or compressed, and can undermine the professionalism of your site.
- Large, uncompressed images can slow your site down. Export images at the size they’ll actually appear on the page instead of uploading oversized files.
- Use modern file formats like .webp or optimized .jpg to keep load times fast without losing clarity.
The Best Sources for Free Photos for Your Website or Blog
There are many dependable places to find high-quality, free stock photos you can incorporate into your website or blog. Explore the list below to find photography, illustrations, historical materials, and representation-forward resources.
General Stock Photography
These are some of our favorite go-to sites for free, high-quality images for general website needs.
- Unsplash – Large library of polished photography with permissive licensing. The library includes photos that are not free, but you can filter the results to only display those that are.
- Pexels – Free photos and videos with strong search tools.
- Pixabay – Photos, vectors, and illustrations with broad usage rights.
- StockSnap.io – Frequently updated, high-resolution imagery.
- Kaboompics – Curated lifestyle photography with a consistent aesthetic.
- Burst by Shopify – Business-friendly stock photos with clean, modern styling.
Diversity, Inclusion & Representation
Sources centered on real people and inclusive storytelling.
- Nappy – Images featuring Black and Brown creators and models.
- Flickr – Useful for finding authentic, community-created imagery. Filter your searches to only show the appropriate Creative Commons licensing, as not all photographers allow their images to be used commercially.
Illustrations, Icons & Vectors
Great for explainer pages, blog posts, and simplified visual storytelling.
- unDraw – Open-source SVG illustrations you can recolor to match your brand.
- Vecteezy – A huge library of vectors, icons, and illustrations. Many files are free, but some require attribution or fall under a freemium license, so check the usage terms before downloading.
- ManyPixels – A smaller collection of clean, consistent illustrations available for free use.
Historical, Archival & Public-Domain Materials
Ideal for museums, cultural organizations, educators, and content rooted in history.
- Wikimedia Commons – Freely licensed media from museums, archives, and institutions.
- New York Public Library Digital Collections – Filter your search to view only public-domain prints, photos, maps, and manuscripts.
- Smithsonian Open Access – Millions of images from the Smithsonian’s collections.
- British Library on Flickr – Public-domain scans from historic books.
- The Met Open Access – Artwork and objects available under CC0.
Creative, Niche & Specialty Visuals
Unique visuals that help your site feel less “stock” and more distinctive.
- RawPixel – A mix of contemporary photos, vintage art and posters, illustrations, curated sets, and public-domain images.
- Life of Pix – Artistic, high-resolution photography from global creators.
Using AI Images on Your Website
AI image generators are everywhere now, and it’s tempting to rely on them when you can’t find the right photo or you have something very specific in mind. Still, results can be hit-or-miss. Many AI images look polished at first glance but fall apart on closer inspection, though results are getting better all the time.
AI-generated images can get mixed reactions. They may not be appropriate for organizations where accuracy and authenticity are paramount. They’re not a good fit for content featuring real people, historical materials, cultural subjects, scientific or healthcare topics, or any story tied to lived experience. AI often introduces subtle inaccuracies or stereotypes, which can undermine credibility. For mission-driven organizations, viewers expect authenticity, and AI visuals could feel misleading or insensitive in emotionally charged or community-centered contexts.
Tips for Generating AI Website Images
If you want AI to play a role in your visual toolkit and it’s suited to your brand, the key is knowing when to use it, when to avoid it, and how to create images that actually support your content instead of distracting from it.
- Start with the right tool. Look for a platform that allows commercial use and gives you clear download options.
- Write a prompt with website needs in mind. Describe what you want in plain language. Include the subject, mood, composition, and any brand elements (like color palette or style).
- Choose the right orientation. Websites often need wide, horizontal images for banners, and square or vertical images for cards and galleries. Include this in your prompt so you don’t have to crop heavily later.
- Match your brand style. Reference elements such as your tone, color palette, or photography style.
- Export at web-friendly sizes. After generating the image, download it at the resolution closest to how it will appear on your site. Oversized files slow things down. Aim for clean, sharp images without the huge file weight.
- Review carefully before using. Check for visual glitches, unrealistic details, or anything that could confuse or misrepresent the subject. Avoid using AI for anything that needs factual accuracy or cultural sensitivity.
Free Tools for Generating AI Images
If you’re ready to try creating your own AI visuals, these platforms offer free options so you can experiment before committing to a paid plan:
- Bing Image Creator – Powered by DALL-E, free to use with a Microsoft account.
- Adobe Firefly – Generates images and design elements with an emphasis on brand-safe content. Free tier available with an Adobe account.
- Canva AI Image Generator – Built into Canva’s free plan, great for quick web-ready visuals and simple concepts.
- Leonardo AI (free tier) – Offers a limited number of daily tokens with strong image quality for stylized visuals.
- NightCafe (free tier) – Daily free credits, good for experimenting with different styles and resolutions.
Great Stock Photos are Just a Few Clicks Away
Finding the right images takes a little effort, but it pays off. When your visuals feel intentional and reflect your audience, your website becomes more inviting and easier to navigate. If you’re planning a website update and want guidance on choosing imagery that supports your goals, our team is here to help.
