As a small business owner, getting your website looking and functioning its best is of utmost importance. Honestly, having the right imagery can make or break your website. I recommend using professional, high-quality images either through your own product and/or personal branding photography or with the use of stock photos. If you haven’t read about the pros and cons of personal branding photography vs. stock photos, you can read about it in this post. In a nutshell, both personal branding photography and stock photos serve the same overarching purpose: to increase engagement and/or drive conversion. However, they do this in different ways and have their own unique pros and cons. I’m a huge advocate for personal branding photography. But I also know that 1) it is not always in peoples’ budgets, and 2) depending on your small business goals, it’s not necessarily required. If you are a small business owner who is considering using stock images but aren’t sure where to start, this post is for you! I will explain the advantages of using stock images and will also help you find the best stock photo websites.

First, Why Use Stock Images?

Whether you’re working on a website refresh or redesign or are starting your website from scratch, stock images may be just what you need. Here are some benefits of using stock photos.

Stock Photos are Cost-Effective

Hiring a professional branding photographer is great, and I highly recommend it if it is within your budget. However, custom images is an added, up-front expense that not all small businesses may be ready for just yet. Using stock images is an affordable way to have access to high-quality website images if you’re not quite ready to invest in personal branding photography.

Using Stock Photos Can Save Time for Last-Minute Needs

Suddenly needing an image for a post that is scheduled to publish in the next couple of hours? Stock photos to the rescue! If you need high-quality visuals fast but don’t have the time or ability to plan a professional photo shoot, stock photos can do the trick. Stock libraries allow you to find what you need using search capabilities with the click of a mouse. This can, in turn, save you valuable time during the initial stages of your website project and help you tackle last-minute projects.

High-Quality Stock Photos Can Create a Professional Look

Well-chosen stock images can elevate your website’s appearance, ensuring a polished, professional first impression. If you don’t have a photographic eye and aren’t sure how to achieve a professional look through photography, then using stock images would be really beneficial.

Stock Websites Are Vast & Versatile

Using stock photo websites, you’ll find options for virtually any niche or industry. These vast image libraries use keyword search and filters to help you find images that match what you’re looking for. This makes it easy to find visuals that align with your brand’s message while also allowing you to tap into a huge range of specific visual subjects.

The Best Stock Photo Websites

Free Stock Photo Websites

1. Unsplash

Unsplash has become a go-to resource for high-resolution images that can elevate any project. It has a massive library that spans a wide range of categories, from nature to business and technology. Unsplash offers images that are not only visually stunning but also free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The quality of images on Unsplash is consistently impressive, making it an excellent choice for those looking for professional-grade photography. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or designer, Unsplash provides beautiful visuals that can help set the tone for your brand or project.

2. Pexels

Pexels provides a vast collection of free images and videos, making it an ideal resource for creators on a budget. One of the standout features of Pexels is that all of its content can be used without the need for attribution. This gives users complete flexibility. The website is known for its diverse library, which covers everything from lifestyle and travel to business and wellness. This makes it easy to find high-quality images or videos for any project.

3. PxHere

PxHere offers an extensive collection of images that are completely free to use. All pictures are released under the Creative Commons CC0 license. This means they can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes without any attribution required. The site is an excellent option for those looking for a wide variety of images, from nature scenes to abstract art. Because all of the images are in the public domain, PxHere allows for maximum creative freedom. This makes it a valuable resource for designers, marketers, and anyone needing high-quality, royalty-free images.

4. Pixabay

Pixabay is home to a massive library of free photos, illustrations, vector graphics, videos and even music. Offering over 1.7 million free media files, it’s a versatile resource for any project. Pixabay’s content is free for commercial and non-commercial use. No attribution required, which makes it a great option for businesses and marketers. The platform is well-known for its broad range of categories, from professional business imagery to creative and artistic visuals.

5. Burst by Shopify

Burst by Shopify is a fantastic resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs who need high-quality images for e-commerce and branding. With a library focused on business-related themes such as product shots, storefronts, and lifestyle imagery, Burst offers curated collections designed to help businesses improve their online presence. The site’s easy-to-navigate interface and the ability to filter images based on industry and theme make it a valuable tool for those looking to create a professional and cohesive brand image. All photos on Burst are free to use for commercial purposes, making it a great choice for entrepreneurs.

6. Gratisography

Gratisography offers quirky, creative, and high-quality images for brands and individuals who want something unique and different. The site’s collection stands out for its offbeat, humorous, and visually striking content. It is an excellent choice for businesses and creatives who want to break the mold and make a bold statement. With a focus on fun, expressive images that aren’t commonly found on other stock photo websites, Gratisography allows brands to inject personality into their visuals. The images are free to use for both commercial and personal projects, with no attribution required.

Paid Stock Photo Websites

1. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the most well-known stock photo platforms, offering millions of high-quality images, videos, and music tracks. Its advanced search tools allow users to filter results by category, style, color, and even image orientation, making it easier than ever to find exactly what you need. Shutterstock is a great choice for businesses and creators who require diverse, professional visuals for their projects. While it operates on a paid subscription or credit-based system, the extensive library and high-resolution options make it a worthwhile investment for top-notch visuals.

2. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is a go-to resource for designers and creatives, thanks to its seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. This integration allows users to search, preview, and license images directly within their design software, saving time and ensuring a smooth workflow. Adobe Stock offers a vast collection of premium images, videos, and templates, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize convenience and quality. The subscription plans cater to a variety of budgets, with options for individuals, teams, and enterprises.

3. iStock by Getty Images

iStock by Getty Images combines premium-quality visuals with affordable pricing, offering a wide selection of photos, illustrations, and videos for commercial and personal use. Its flexible subscription plans and credit packs make it accessible for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations. iStock is known for its unique “Essentials” and “Signature” collections, which offer varying levels of exclusivity and quality to suit different project needs. Whether you’re creating marketing materials, social media content, or website graphics, iStock provides a wealth of options at a reasonable price.

4. Depositphotos

Depositphotos is a cost-effective platform that provides a diverse range of high-quality images, videos, and vector graphics. Known for its flexible pricing, the site offers both credit-based purchases and subscription plans. These options make it an excellent choice for businesses on a budget. Depositphotos also features a user-friendly interface and robust search functionality, ensuring that users can quickly find the visuals they need. With its competitive pricing and extensive library, it’s a practical option for startups, freelancers, and small businesses looking for professional-grade content.

5. Dreamstime

Dreamstime offers a blend of free and paid stock images, making it a versatile choice for users with varying budgets. The platform is renowned for its flexible licensing options. These options ensure that users can find appropriate visuals for commercial, editorial, and personal projects. Dreamstime’s library includes millions of images, illustrations, and video clips, catering to a wide range of industries and themes. Its competitive pricing and frequent discounts make it an attractive option for small businesses seeking high-quality visuals without overspending.

6. Élevae

Élevae is a premier styled stock image membership platform tailored for female entrepreneurs and content creators. It offers an extensive library of over 8,000 high-resolution images and 600 videos. Additionally, they add new visuals weekly, ensuring fresh and on-trend content. The platform’s curated collections span various themes, including coffee shop settings, summer lifestyles, and neutral tones. This helps meet diverse branding needs. By utilizing Élevae’s high-quality visuals, small business owners can enhance their online presence, making their websites, social media, and marketing materials more engaging and professional.

7. Haute Stock

Haute Stock is a premium stock photo platform designed specifically for female entrepreneurs, creatives, and lifestyle brands. It offers a carefully curated collection of chic, feminine images. These images that cater to a range of industries such as wellness, fashion, and small business marketing. With its exclusive membership model, users gain access to a library of cohesive, styled collections. These pre-curated collections make branding and content creation effortless. They also offer custom branding help through their Couture Curation® services at no additional cost to members. Haute Stock stands out for its focus on aesthetics and quality, making it a popular choice for those who want to elevate their visual presence with a polished, cohesive look.

How Stock Images Can Strengthen Your Website

Incorporating high-quality website images into your website build or refresh can help in so many ways, including:

1. Enhancing User Experience: Eye-catching visuals draw attention to key areas of your site, making it easier for visitors to navigate.
2. Boosting SEO: Search engines favor websites with optimized, high-quality images.
3. Strengthening Branding: Consistent, on-brand visuals help create a professional and cohesive look and feel.
4. Increasing Engagement: Professional imagery can encourage visitors to stay on your site longer and take desired actions.

Ready for a New Website in 2025?

I hope this list of stock photo websites help you get excited about your new website! Using stock photos is a great way to get started right away and still have professional, high-quality imagery.

If you’re considering a website redesign or need help integrating high-quality images into your blog or website, Desert Rose Design & Photo Co. can help. Desert Rose specializes in crafting functional and aesthetic websites that reflect your brand’s unique story. Let’s work together to create a website that not only looks great but drives results for your small business in the New Year! Fill out the contact form or schedule a free initial consultation call!