Top 10 Copyright Free Image Sources for Bloggers

As a professional content writer part of my job is scouring the web for the best FREE copyright free images to use in my articles. While I probably use them more than the average blogger and I know we all strive to create our own images and take amazing photos ourselves, sometimes you need a little help whether it's a beautiful photographic image, a background, vector image or blog buttons and social media icons.

In no particular order, here is my top 10 list of Copyright free FREE image sources for bloggers.

Freeimages (formerly Stock Exchange)

Freeimages is a massive collection of copyright free photographs, illustrations and vector art. It was my first find and remains my most used source. While these images are copyright free you may need to include an attribution so always check before downloading.

Pixabay

Pixabay is another massive source of copyright free images for free. Again, always make sure to check licenses in case you need to include an attribution.

Flickr

Flickr of course as everyone knows is a great way to find amazing pictures. Always make sure you're searching for images in creative commons and always check licenses. For example, this beautiful image comes courtesy of Svenia Schreiner and you can see the original image here.

Microsoft Office

Yep, the old Microsoft Office is still a great source for finding pics. I use it for work all the time! Always check the details as usual. They have lots of great photos and vector art and of course a huge selection of business oriented pics.

Unsplash

Unsplash is absolutely my new favourite copyright free photo source. While it's not a great tool if you're looking for something very specific ALL of the photographs are absolutely amazing! The top pic in this post is also from there. Unsplash is a blog with 10 new photos every 10 days and all the images are free to do what you like with!

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons is another great source for searching for copyright free images. I don't use it too often but it's usually my number one source when I need photographs of celebrities. It's licenses are also extremely easy to understand but once again, always make sure you check before sharing.

Google

By Mdf (Taken by Mdf) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons 

Finally, finally Google is helping us search for copyright free images through google image searches. All you need to do is search for what you want, as usual, click on search tools and select "labeled for reuse". After you find the image you'd like make certain to click through to the original site and check for the license.

Morgue File

Morgue File has another huge selection of copyright free images to use for free. It's easy to search too!

Free Range Stock

Another good source is Free Range Stock. You do need to sign up, however signing up is free and the only catch is you'll get an email from them once a month.

Freepik

Freepik is my favourite source of vector and illustrations to use for blogging. The only catch is you do need to credit them. But look how beautiful they are!

So, have a missed anything? What's you're favourite source of copyright free images for Free OR do you pay for them or simply ONLY use your own?