Five Resources for Free Images

Finding the right image to use in your video production or motion graphics animation can be challenging, especially if you face budget and time constraints. Copyright issues, licensing requirements or lack of quality can make your search for imagery tedious and unproductive. Check out these online resources which provide free, high-resolution images taken by both professional and amateur photographers. Each site is unique in its subject matter and licensing, so be sure to read the terms agreement and always credit the source!

1. Creative Commons

The Creative Commons website allows you to search for free images on several third-party sites, including Wikimedia Commons, Flickr and Pixabay. Please note that search.creativecommons.org is not a search engine, but rather offers convenient access to search services provided by other independent organizations. You should always verify that the work is actually under a CC license by following the link.

2. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

The Library of Congress Prints and Photographs online catalog contains over 1 million digital images representing a rich cross-section of subject matter. The Prints and Photographs Division provides known information about the rights to images, but does not grant or deny permission for use. Rights assessment is the user’s responsibility. Images are offered in a variety of formats (jpeg and tiff) and resolutions.

3. Pixabay

A repository for public domain images, Pixlebay offers over 310,000 free photos, vectors and illustrations. You can copy, modify, distribute and use the images without written permission or licensing fees. However, some content may be protected by trademarks, publicity or privacy rights. A free account is required to use this service.

4. Flickr

Flickr is the world’s largest online photo management and sharing application, hosting billions of images. Flickr allows users to upload, organize and share personal photographs, but the service is also widely used by producers researching images for their media products.

5. MorqueFile

MorgueFile provides free high resolution digital stock photography for either corporate or public use. The MorgueFile license allows you to copy, distribute, transmit the work and to adapt the work, without attribution. Stand alone use of any free images is prohibited.

Summary
When you need high-resolution images for your production work, begin your search with the free online resources listed above. These sites provide professional images, vectors and illustrations to help you enhance your video or build your animation.

Written by Kate Lee
Senior Media Producer
Smith College

 

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