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20 Free Stock Photo Websites Every Designer Should Bookmark

Estimated reading time: 3 min read

Posted : May 6, 2025

If you’re a designer, content creator, or small business owner, you’ve probably spent too much time hunting down quality visuals for your projects. The good news? There are dozens of free stock photo websites that offer stunning, high-resolution images — and you don’t need to spend a penny.

Below, I’ve listed 20 of the best free stock photo websites that I use and recommend. Whether you’re building a website, designing social media posts, or putting together a brand presentation, these resources have you covered.

1. Unsplash

A go-to for creatives. Clean, high-quality images across every niche imaginable.

2. Pexels

Great for both photos and videos. Well-curated and easy to search.

3. Pixabay

Offers illustrations, vector graphics, and videos in addition to photos.

free stock photo websites - this is a picture from Kaboom Pics. A woman sitting on a laptop with a book about scandinavian designers at work on a table. Its a picture from a birds eye perspective.

4. Kaboompics

Known for its stylish, color-coordinated photo sets — perfect for branding.

5. Life of Pix

Artistic, high-resolution photography with a modern, minimal aesthetic.

6. Gratisography

Quirky and creative — ideal if you’re after something offbeat and original.

a shiba inu dog in a tuxedo. This picture comes from Gratisography which have a lot of quirky and fun images.

7. Picjumbo

Fresh, vibrant images from a solo photographer. No attribution required.

8. Reshot

Authentic, non-stocky photos with a strong “real life” vibe.

9. ISO Republic

Perfect for commercial projects. Offers both photos and videos.

10. SplitShire

A unique collection from one photographer — great for lifestyle and editorial.

11. StyledStock

Feminine and modern stock photos, ideal for blogs, brands, and socials.

12. Rawpixel

Massive collection of diverse and inclusive images. Some premium, many free.

13. Burst (by Shopify)

E-commerce-focused imagery, but useful across various digital projects.

14. FoodiesFeed

High-quality food photography. Perfect for food bloggers and menus.

15. New Old Stock

Vintage photography from public archives — beautiful and nostalgic.

16. Picography

Bright and creative stock photos, curated by a passionate photography team.

17. Skitterphoto

Original images shared by creators for personal and commercial use.

18. ShotStash

Visually rich, carefully chosen images for branding and design.

19. Freerange Stock

Photos taken by a community of creatives — high-res and unique.

20. Jay Mantri

Minimalist and atmospheric — ideal for moody or artsy projects.

Why Use Free Stock Photo Websites?

Free stock photo websites save time, money, and effort — especially when you’re working on client projects or building your own content. Instead of digging through low-quality sources, these platforms give you access to visuals that feel polished and professional.

When used correctly, free stock photo websites can elevate your designs and help you maintain a high-quality visual brand without overspending.

Final Thoughts

Bookmark this list, pin it, or share it with your creative friends — it’s a resource worth coming back to. And remember: whether you’re a seasoned designer or just getting started, knowing where to find the best free stock photo websites can make a huge difference in your workflow.

Looking for more design tools and resources? Follow The Design Mentor on TikTok, Instagram, and keep checking the blog for fresh tips EVERY day.

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