Best Stock Photo Sites

And . .  .we're back as a part of the Indie E-Con! Okay, today we’re talking about . . . publishing! And more specifically, I’m talking about places to find good stock photos.

Stock photos are wonderful for everything from blog posts to book covers, but with so many sites it can be hard to figure out which ones are good to use, and which free ones are actually legal. So. I’ve compiled a list stock photo sites that either I have personally used, of sites that people I personally know have used and can be recommended.

Free Sites:

Pixabay.

I’ve used pixabay for nearly two years now. They have a nice selection of royalty free photos, and you don’t need to have an account with them in order to download pictures. Be sure to read through their terms, though. They do have some limitations when it comes to photos with identifiable people. ;)

Wikimedia. 

So far, this is the sight I’ve used for my Questions of War series covers. I’d especially recommend this site for black and white images from the 1900s. They have a wonderful selection, and I may be known to spend hours simply looking through historical images.

Morguefile

I’ve only personally used this site once, I think, but I know others who use it quite a bit! They seem to have less selection than pixabay, but they still have a good variety.

Unsplash

This is a site I have never personally used, but my cover designer told me she has used it and has been able to find some amazing photos.

Pexels

Yet another site I haven’t personally used! However, I’ve heard many good things about it, and from my quick look over the site, they seem to have an amazing selection!

Paid Subscription Sites:

Dreamstime

Dreamstime has a wide selection of photos, as well as a small selection of free ones. Their pricing plans are very reasonable, and they really have some amazing images. I’d definitely recommend them if you’re looking for more professional photos.

iStock

Their prices tend to be a bit more on the expensive side, but they also have some amazing photos I haven’t been able to find in other sites, especially if you’re looking for full color historical images. (They have some amazing WWII ones! ;))

Shutterstock

Their prices are about the same as Dreamstime’s, and they have a decent selection. (Especially if you're looking for images of swords! ;)) I haven’t used it all too much, though. :)

What are your favorite stock photo sites? 

Have you used any of these? 

Oh! And as a part of the conference, there is some book awards going on, and two of my books were nominated.(A Question of Honor and Beyond the Horizon)  I'd love it if you would head over here and vote for them if you've read and enjoyed them! (http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/p/2017-indie-e-con-book-awards.html)