Ahhh, spring is here.  It has me dreaming of warmer days,  sunshine and fresh flowers.

This image here↓?

This is a free stock image from Unsplash (oh, but I wish it was me on a bike with fresh flowers!).

Over the years I’ve worked with so many entrepreneurs and businesses and there’s always been one thing in common, the need for better images.  If budget allows, we’ll always do our own photoshoots. However, there are also times we’re in need of images that cannot be found in our own existing libraries so we search free stock photo sites.

Why Stock Photos?

You never want to save an image off a random Google search as chances are, its NOT a free stock photo and someone owns it. You can face legal action if you are caught.  So let’s never do this, and just get familiar with many of the amazing free stock photo sites out there.

I’ve curated a list of my favourite sites for free stock images (note: stock images have come a long way in the last few years!). Most of the photos from these sites below are free from all copyright (note: its always good to check!). You can copy, modify and use for commercial purposes… all without having to ask permission (though giving credit is always suggested).  Images play such a huge part in connecting with the reader. You should pay attention to the images you are using to represent you + your brand.

The "Featured Image" for all my blog posts is a modified stock photo I cropped and edited to a Pinterest friendly dimension

8 of My Favorite Royalty Free Stock Images Sites

1. Unsplash: Beatiful free photos. Gifted by the world’s most generous community of photographers.  

2. Pexels: Best free stock photos in one place 

3. Death to Stock Sign up with your email and they’ll send you free sets of images every month 

4. Negative Space Beautiful, High-Resolution Free Stock Photos 

5. FoodiesFeed Resource of awesome naturally looking food photos that are completely free to download 

6. Picjumbo Totally FREE stock photos for your commercial & personal works 

7. Pixaby Beautiful Free Images 

8. VisualHunt They hunt free high quality stock photos