When I first started blogging, I didn’t use pictures on my site. Eventually, I noticed that lots of other bloggers did, and that it made their posts more interesting.
But where did they get the photos?
After some digging around, I found a whole list of sites that offer free photos.
Before you use a photo, check the copyright information. Most of these sites use a creative commons license, which allows the creator of an image to keep either all or only some rights to how the image can be used.
Here’s an article with more information about different Creative Commons licenses.
In most cases, you must credit the person who created the image. I usually credit them and link back to the original source. Also check to see if you can change the image or must leave it as is.
Photos with a creative commons license
Public domain images
These are images that were either taken by government agencies, released into the public domain by their creators, or whose copyright has expired.
Flickr images from libraries and museums worldwide
Morguefile
No dead bodies here, it’s named after the “morgue files” of old clippings, photos, and articles that newspapers once maintained for reference purposes.
Wikimedia
The image branch of Wikipedia. It also audio and video clips.
NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The people who watch the weather also watch the seas, the sky, and the coastlines. They have some amazing photographs, which are copyright free. All you have to do is credit them when you use an image.
Got any other great sources or tips? Share them in the comments.
Image credit: NOAA
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