Let’s be clear to start: stock photography shouldn’t be your first choice. There’s nothing better than professional photos of the actual business, employees, services, products and/or work completed. BUT… sometimes that full width image deserves a really great stock photo. They certainly have their place in web design. With this in mind, here are some of the best FREE stock photography websites to help along the way.
Unsplash
This site is my first go-to when looking for really compelling full width images. You’ll find a large mix of photos (with emphasis on vast landscapes).
Check out Photos at Unsplash
Superfamous
Think: real life landscape patterns (for the most part). These too are good for the full width background in some circumstances.
Check out Photos at Superfamous
New Old Stock
These images are incredible and while they don’t always have their place in a new web build, they’re incredible. At New Old Stock you’ll find old photos that you can’t find anywhere else.
Check out Photos at New Old Stock
Gratisography
People, places and things in a very unique way. A lot of these photos are very unique and expertly created.
Check out Photos at Gratisography
Pic Jumbo
People, places and things in a standard, stock format. Good for businesses that need specific photos to highlight on page, content needs (generally).
Check out Photos at Pic Jumbo
Magdeleine
Inspiring photos that may not fit in all business applications. Landscapes and non-business related items.
Check out Photos at Magdeleine
Get Real Life Photos
People, places and things with an emphasis on landscapes. There are some great, standout images that work well with a full width landscape need on the website.
Check out Photos at Get Real Life Photos
Foodies Feed
This is strictly food photography. There are lot of hidden gems on the site. Supplement your food photography with nicely staged, food images.
Check out Photos at Foodies Feed
The Pattern Library
Repeat patterns can go a long way when using the full width parallax and column background shortcodes by Spark Logix Studios.
Check out Patterns at The Pattern Library
Brit Myers
Thank you so much for sharing about these sites. For the longest time I had only ever used Photo Pin because I was not aware there were other options. This is great for me seeing as I am not very good with a camera but I still want images that will stand out among the millions and trillions of them online. Bookmarking this page!