A photo is pretty much essential for a blog post. A single image can convey the topic of a post and also catch the eye to draw readers in. And while no one would dispute the value of professional photography relative to the fees charged, the costs can add up and be prohibitive for small businesses. So where do you turn for blog post photos when you’re on a budget? I’ll share some of my top sources here.
A Note About AI-Generated Images
I do not use AI-generated images on my site. Full stop. If you also want to avoid AI-generated images, be sure to check for filter settings to deselect AI images or check the site’s contributor guidelines to see if they even allow AI-generated photos in the first place. I have indicated the policies and options on the sites I mention below. These are current as of early February, 2026.
Free Stock Photography
There are many sites that offer free stock photos, some better than others. And there are a few things to keep in mind when you use these sites:
- Free does not mean unacknowledged. Most free photo sites have licenses that indicate what degree of attribution you are required to provide. And even if the license does not require attribution, it is professional courtesy to provide it. I include an attribution with links at the bottom of every post or page where I use a stock image. Always check the terms of a license before you use a photo.
- Free does not mean free to use for profit. Most free photo licenses are very clear that you cannot sell an unaltered image, thereby making money from work that is not yours. Nor can you compile images for use in your own photo distribution service nor sell these photos to another stock photo service. Again, be sure you check the license before you use a picture from a free site.
- Free photos may not have the same quality as paid photos from services like iStock. It doesn’t mean they are bad, just that they may not be as well lit or well composed as a photo with a fee.
- Always check the background of free photos for small details you might not want. (Or, if a picture features glass that might reflect something off-camera, be sure to check the reflection.) For example, I once had a photo of a rustic kitchen that I loved and used it for a while, but upon closer examination I saw rust on appliances and a general dirty appearance, plus a brand name that I grew uncomfortable with.
- You will have various size options for downloading so be sure you know what will work best for your purposes. The larger the size, the larger the file which can be an issue when loading web pages.
- Some free photo sites accept donations for their photographers and some offer premium memberships that provide further options, like removing photo backgrounds and members-only content. In short, you have a fair amount of flexibility and can pay a small amount if you are able.
With those caveats out of the way, here are the free photo websites I use. There are others, but these are the ones I have come to rely on for very good photography at no charge.
- Creative Commons (CC). CC is a nonprofit seeking to create a “thriving commons of shared knowledge and culture”. With their search option, you select the service you want to search and then enter a search term. For photos, I use Openverse or Flickr. Note that the licenses here often require attribution with a link to the license. CC is currently working on an AI policy. Because they point to other sites, you will have to check the policies of individual sites regarding AI-generated images. For example, Flickr “encourages” people using AI to create photos to flag them as “art/illustration” rather than photos.
- Pexels. This site has a good selection of images. Pexels’ Terms of Service explicitly forbid uploading of images created with generative AI. (See Section 7B).
- Pixabay. I don’t use Pixabay frequently but have found good photos here. Pixabay has a Content Type dropdown that allows you to filter out AI-generated photos.
- Unsplash. I use Unsplash more than any other. Beware that they mix free photos with those that are not free; the paid ones are indicated by a plus sign in the top left corner. According to its submission guidelines, Unsplash does not accept AI-generated content.
No Photography Budget? Take Your Own Pictures
If you have no budget for photography, you can always take your own pictures. You don’t need an expensive camera; a good phone camera will take perfectly adequate pictures for a blog post.
If you are worried about quality, use filters to make a photo look intentionally grainy or overexposed. You’ll develop an artistic vibe that can look really great. Just be sure to use similar filters every time for a consistent look across your site. (Thanks to Good Manners Agency for that tip.)
Photo of vintage cameras by Lory ♥ on Unsplash.