On the internet, graphics are everything. We are visual creatures that have been spoiled by perfectly staged and choreographed imagery. It can get really stressful trying to take your own photos for every graphic and blog post you make for your business. Thats where stock photos come in! Here are my favorite site to roam and wander, lets see what we find..

Pixabay

Explore The bay

Death to the Stock Photo

No death required

Gratisography

Follow Your heart

Pexels

This Might be the one

Unsplash

Make a splash

ISO Republic

A photo adventure awaits

USING YOUR STOCK PHOTOS

BE PICKY

Take your time and find photos that really tell your story and resonate with your brand. You will be tempted to save every pretty picture you see, but try to stick to images that really vibe with your blog or business. You want to save images that will capture the mood of your website or blog. As someone who is bright and colorful it wouldn't make sense for me to use gothic stock photos, even though I think they're sexy.

MAKE THEM YOUR OWN

Remember that if you're using a free stock photo, there are others using it too. Don't be afraid to brand it and make it your own! You could add text, your logo, or a filter to set your image a part. Be sure if you are using text that you keep it consistent with the fonts on your Brand Board.

CREDIT YOUR SOURCES

Most of the site I have linked use the Creative Commons license. If your image is marked as CCO, it is free to use. That is a “no rights reserved” license which means you can use the image “as is” or alter it and you are not required to give credit. All other licenses have terms and conditions so make sure you are reading them carefully before publishing to your site.

Here are a few of my favorite stock photos to get you started:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO Chelsea