Image Freedom: How to Find Free Pics for Commercial Purposes

Did you know that some of the world’s most iconic advertisements use stock images for commercial use? For example, AlamapBBDO, a Brazilian ad agency, used stock photos from Getty Images to create their Endless Possibilities campaign in 2016. The advertising campaign combined photos of random people’s faces to recreate portraits of famous people such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

Most creative agencies prefer altering stock images in most of their work. This is because it allows them to create campaigns for different companies much faster at affordable costs. Keep reading to find out how to get free images for commercial use in your next project.

Part 1: Download images in loyalty-free sites

Several sites offer free images for commercial use as part of their services. In addition, you do not need to register an account to download the images. The sites typically rely on user contributions and content teams to ensure their databases are fresh and maintain consistent quality. Furthermore, all creative assets they offer fall under the creative commons zero license or a variation of it. Here are some of the sites that offer you images for commercial use for free.

1. Pexels

Pexels.com is a free-to-use provider of high-resolution photos and videos for aspiring creators. The German-based website was started in 2014 by two brothers and has been under the Canva umbrella since 2018.

Currently, the website hosts over 3.2 million images and videos from over 250,000 active contributors. In addition, all the material you find in its library is under the Pexels license, which slightly varies from the creative commons zero license model. Some of the restrictions it enforces include:

You can only use pexels images for commercial use after making alterations to the original image. For example, you can use part of an image to create a collage for your commercial branding.
Furthermore, you cannot use any of the website’s content to promote political ideologies and explicit content, especially if the images contain identifiable subjects.

Pexels is available through the following channels:

Your web browser by typing the URL pexels.com.
The Android and iOS app.
A plugin for other content creation software such as Google Slides and MS Office.
An extension on your Chrome browser.
You can also access the database using the official Canva app.

2. Unsplash

Another website that offers free images for commercial use is Unsplash, a subsidiary of Getty Images since 2021. The website is a favorite among creators boasting over 16 billion photo impressions monthly. In addition, the database consists of over 3.48 million photos from more than 265,000 unique contributors, all under the Unsplash license.

The Unsplash license restricts the sale of its creative assets without incorporating new creative elements, including using them in print media and physical goods such as mugs and caps.

You can access Unsplash from your web browser or request API integration for your application from the site’s owners. In addition, the site also hosts photo walks across different cities, where Unsplash guides show you the best photo locations around the city and the best camera techniques for your work. Some cities to host the event include Boston, Montreal, Tokyo, and Toronto.

3. Freerange

Freerange Stock is an online resource for photos, illustrations, and textures you can download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Since 2007, the site has continued to provide high-quality images to its community of over 800,000 registered users.

Unlike the previous examples, all content on Freerange falls under the website’s Equalicense. It grants you broad commercial rights of its stock images while allowing the contributors to retain control of their copyright, image resale, and distribution. As such, you cannot use the images for bulk distribution or print-on-demand works.

Freerange Stock maintains its steady supply of images for commercial use via the following methods:

It has an in-house team of professional photographers who upload images across the different categories on the website.
Freerange Stock also purchases image rights or directly commissions photos from independent creators.
You can also contribute to the website’s library by voluntarily submitting your work to the platform. Kindly note that you will need a verified account to enable this function.
The website also works directly with photographers through a licensing and distribution model, providing them extra exposure on the site.
Finally, Freerange stock aggregates public domain images from other sources, including similar sites and government institutions. It does so by acknowledging the image owner and sometimes lists the image source when the owner is unknown.

Freerange Stock is accessible through your web browser or as an API integration on your app.

4. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an extensive online library of free stock images for commercial use. Some of the site’s highlight features include the following:

A best-in-class search engine that incorporates multiple filters to ensure your results are extremely accurate. For example, you can sort images by color, style, number of people, and age of the subjects, something other free stock websites do not provide.
All images, videos, and vector illustrations are free for personal and commercial uses. It does so through a property sign and release model with its extensive network of contributors, which protects users from any legal liabilities.
Finally, it employs a content team that manually reviews each photo submission to ensure consistent quality standards for its offerings.

In addition, you can also purchase design resource bundles by subscribing to its Vecteezy pro for as little as $9 monthly. Some of the resources available include the Ultimate Text Effects Layer Styles Bundle for Photoshop, which costs $39 stand-alone or $4.50 when you subscribe to pro.

Part 2: Buy from stock providers

Another way to get images for commercial use is by buying them from stock providers. Some of the benefits of buying images from stock providers include:

You get a wide selection of unique photos from top-tier photographers. Stock providers always seek collaborations with the industry’s finest to edge out the competition.
You receive exemplary customer service with your purchase. Selecting the right image can be confusing for amateur creators. As such, stock image providers have customer support channels to help you throughout your creative process.
Stock images reduce your delivery times significantly. Buying images from a stock provider eliminates the need to invest in photography equipment and the time you need for post-production. As such, you can deliver projects in a fast and cost-effective way.

Despite the above positive, here are some challenges that buying stock images may present:

Not all stock image providers will have the creative assets you need.
Image overuse is likely since every creator will rush for the most popular contributor.

Below are some of the stock image providers you should consider.

1. iStock

iStockphoto.com is an online database of creative resources, including royalty-free photos, videos, audio, illustrations, and clip art you can use in your creations. The website is a Getty Images subsidiary based in Calgary, Canada. In addition, contributors earn royalties depending on how often users download their content.

2. Alamy.com

Alamy.com is a British-owned stock image provider with contributions from photographers and agencies in 173 countries. It compensates its contributors by offering higher than average payouts every time users download their creations. Some popular brands to use Alamy’s services include M&C Saatchi, Microsoft, and The Economist.

Part 3: Shot a Photo by yourself or create one with editing tools

Alternatively, you can get images for commercial use by shooting them yourself or creating them with editing tools such as Figma and Wondershare’s Filmstock. Here are some benefits of using this method:

You get exactly what you want, provided you have the required skills and equipment. Sometimes, getting the right image for your commercial purpose can be challenging. As such, shooting an original photo may be the only option.
You have full ownership of the image.

Unlike obtaining images from stock photography websites, you are free to use the image in whatever capacity you please without any restrictions. For example, sites such as Unsplash do not allow you to use their images in political statements, a restriction you can bypass when using your own creations.

However, you should also consider the following factors when using this method.

It requires a substantial investment

Getting high-quality images for commercial purposes requires specialist equipment. For example, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 camera, which has 4K resolution capability, costs $2,197 on Amazon. This makes it extremely expensive for amateur creators.

There is a steep learning curve

Becoming a professional photographer takes time and effort. Unless you are creating as a hobby, it will be a while before you can start generating income from your creations.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Do you need a contributor account to get images for commercial use?

Not necessarily. Stock image sites like pexels.com allow you to download images from their website without creating an account. You will only need one if you want to showcase your work on the platform.

2. Can you use your smartphone to get images for commercial use?

Yes. Most stock image providers have device-specific apps that allow you to access their databases from your mobile device. For example, UnsplashPhotoPicker allows you access to the Unsplash library from your Android device.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Transform Your Photos Into Stunning Videos with These Top Makers

Pictures and videos are captured to relive a moment and recall a memory. The real joy is always in the unpredicted moment. Something that happens suddenly, out of nowhere, makes you smile and laugh is natural happiness. It is hard to capture those natural moments of joy because they are not pre-planned.

An event that is planned properly is always captured properly through videos and in photos, but there are occasions in our life that are not planned either captured. From this article, you will learn to make your slideshow from photos. Stay with us because we will talk about the 5 best photo movie makers.

Part 1. 5 Best Photo to Movie Maker to Help Create Unique Videos

Suppose you went to a party and didn’t get the time to record or film anything. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything now. If you have cool and aesthetic images, let us tell you how to make a slideshow out of those images.

This section of the article will talk about the 5 best images to video moviemakers that will change your life. With these brilliant tools, you will be able to create stunning slideshows.

1. Wondershare Filmora

The first photo movie creator that we will talk about is Wondershare Filmora. Filmora is a very strong editor. You can create a stunning slideshow with Filmora, a slideshow movie maker. Filmora is the best software one will ever find to edit their images and make a slideshow. It has numerous features like:

Wondershare Filmora has a very intuitive interface.
Beginners can easily use the software. Whereas the features it offers allow editing at a professional level.
Using Filmora, you can do mind-blowing editing by using the effects, transitions, filters, and elements it has.
You can also create expressive and interactive material from Filmora using its text and title templates.

Wondershare Filmora gives voice to your aesthetic editing skills. You can also create a slideshow with Filmora. The software is very easy to use and understand. The steps to make a slideshow are also very simple. Let us guide you more about Filmora as Movie Maker with Pictures and share the steps to make a slideshow with photos.

Step 1: Download Wondershare Filmora

The first step for making a slideshow is downloading the correct software. Download Wondershare Filmora from its official website if you haven’t already.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Step 2: Importing Media

Next, you need to import the media to Filmora that you want to use in your slideshow. After you have imported the images, select your favorite images and drag them to the timeline. This will create the base for your slideshow.

Step 3: Add Text and Titles

Now it’s time to do fancy things with your slideshow. You can add text to it. For that, head over to the Titles tab, and from Filmora’s titles templates, select your favorite. You can double-click on the Text Title to adjust and change it.

Step 4: Add Background Music

Filmora has a huge asset library full of images, music, and whatnot. You can add background music to your slideshow to make it attractive. Select a piece of suitable music that matches the vibe of your slideshow, or else you can also import music to Filmora.

Step 5: Add Transitions and Effects

As mentioned earlier that Filmora has a lot to offer. So, by moving to the Transitions tab, you can select a suitable transition and drag it to the timeline. In the same way, you can also add various effects and filters to your slideshow from the Effects section to make it classy.

Step 6: Export the Slideshow

Once you are satisfied with all the edits and adjustments, you can export the slideshow and enjoy sharing it with your loved ones.

2. Icecream Slideshow Maker

The next picture movie creator in line that we will talk about is Icecream Slideshow Maker. With this slideshow maker, you can create a professional-looking slideshow of your favorite pictures with just a few clicks. Icecream slideshow maker is a brilliant image to video movie maker.

The slideshow is famous because of its features. Icecream slideshow maker supports all popular photo formats. You can add any multimedia content to your slideshow. Let us share some more features of the Icecream Slideshow maker.

The slideshow maker is supported by Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
With this slideshow movie maker, you can create up to 3840x2160 resolution slideshows.
Icecream slideshow maker allows you to save slideshow in MP4, AVI, MOV, or WEMB format.
The amazing slideshow maker also lets you add background music, text, and transition effects to your slideshow.

3. Movavi Slideshow Maker

Movavi is another amazing movie maker with pictures. This slideshow maker is very easy to use, and it helps you create a slideshow with images very fast. You can follow its 3-step process that will lead you to create a stunning slideshow.

Movavi Slideshow makers have a lot of different filters, effects, and transitions that could be used in your slideshow. It also has cute stickers and ready-to-use templates. There are many captivating features that Movavi Slideshow maker offers. A few of its features are:

One of the best features of Movavi photo movie makers is that it supports animated objects.
It has a music library to use free music and add it to your slideshow.
The slideshow maker is available for both Windows and Mac.
Movavi Slideshow maker has over 165 visual effects, 100+ titles, and more.

4. Freemake Video Converter

Next comes the turn of Freemake Video Converter. When you are talking about slideshows, then Freemake Video Convertor is a well-known movie maker with pictures. The tool is very simple and easy to use. It has a self-explanatory interface that guides the user about the next step.

The free software is reliable, and it promises to safeguard your data. There are many unmatchable features of Freemake Video Converter. Let’s discuss them with you.

For Freemake Video Converter, you don’t have to sign up. The software is free.
With this classic photo movie creator,you can upload directly to YouTube.
This slideshow maker supports several output formats.
Another amazing thing about Freemake Video Converter is that the slideshow can be transferred directly to DVDs.

5. Ashampoo Slideshow Studio

Last but not least, we will talk about Ashampoo Slideshow Studio. This movie maker with pictures can make a slideshow almost on its own. This is the biggest advantage of using this slideshow maker.

Ashampoo Slideshow Studio is very popular software with mind-blowing features and capabilities. The slideshow maker has various templates, transitions, and sound effects that can help you create something crazy and equally classy. Some of its features are.

The most captivating thing about Ashampoo Slideshow Studio is its built-in wizard. With these wizards, you can create a slideshow with great ease and blazing fast action.
The new format support of this slideshow movie makeris for iPads, gaming consoles, and cellphones.
Ashampoo Slideshow Studio supports MKV, VP9, and MP4 formats with resolutions up to 4K.
The interface of this slideshow maker is logically structured. Everyone can easily understand it and work with it.

Final Words

This article is everything you need in today’s world where you like to share your life on social media. After reading this article, you will be able to create impressive and stunning photo slideshows. We have discussed in detail regarding 5 top photos to movie maker software. All the discussed software are amazing and popular because of the services and quality.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

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