Where to Find Stock Imagery for Your Brand

When diving into the wonderful world of photography, we always recommend working with a professional photographer to create a unique set of photos tailored to your brand. Prioritizing custom imagery guarantees that your visuals perfectly align with your brand's aesthetic and story. However, to fill in the gaps, there are plenty of fantastic online resources for stock imagery that can help take your brand to the next level.

What is Stock Imagery?

Stock images are photographs and illustrations created and licensed for anyone to use. Stock photography has many benefits, but the main ones are its ease of accessibility and the variety of styles to choose from. While some images might come with a fee, many are budget-friendly, making it a quicker and more affordable option compared to hiring a photographer.

The key to finding the best stock imagery is using a reliable platform that offers high-quality images. Below, we have compiled a list of top stock image resources, ranging from free options to premium collections, to help you find the perfect match for your brand’s visual design. 

Free Platforms

You may notice Google and Pinterest are not on this list, and that is for a good reason. Although great, these platforms are not Free Image Libraries and should not be used for your business, as they can lead to copyright claims! Instead, try out the platforms below!

• Unsplash

  Best for: Modern photography

  (Unsplash+ is a great way to get higher-quality images at a yearly affordable price point)

• Pexels

  Best for: Video content and high quality photography

• Kaboom Pics

  Best for: Consistent colour palettes

• Life of Pix

  Best for: High-resolution photographs 

• Reshot

  Best for: Curated image packs 

Public Domain (Free!)

• New Old Stock

  Best for: Vintage photos

• RawPixel Public Domain

  Best for: Historical Imagery

• Biodiversity Heritage Library on Flickr

  Best for: Nature-themed illustrations and scientific visuals

• The Public Domain Review on Flickr

  Best for: Quirky historical pictures

• British Library on Flickr

  Best for: Historical illustrations, manuscripts, and maps

Paid Platforms

• Haute Stock

  Best for: Stylish imagery

  Price: Membership Plans starting $149 USD

• Editorial Stock Images

  Best for: Informal and candid photos

  Price: Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly Membership plans starting at $49 USD

• Death to Stock

  Best for: Artistic photography

  Price: $19 USD/month or $69 USD/year for premium membership

• Sourced Co

  Best for: Event-related imagery 

  Price: Lifetime purchase of $365 USD

The following pricing was sourced in November 2024 and may not be up to date with current pricing on each platform.

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✿ Written By Tori Warkentin

Hey there! I’m Tori, the in-house writer at Cedar + Mint Co.! With a deep love for words and a passion for storytelling, I specialize in crafting engaging, insightful content that resonates with readers.