Free stock photography refers to digital photographs offered for free download and use from various websites. The number of websites offering free stock photos is growing at an exponential rate, so it is important to understand some of the restrictions and limitations associated with free stock images.

Free isn't necessarily free-for-all
The term "free stock photos" is a bit misleading as it implies the photos can be used for any purpose. However, this is not always the case. Most free stock images are provided with certain limitations.

Restrictions similar to royalty free
Many times the restrictions for use of free stock photographs are similar to the royalty free licensing model. You are not permitted to resell, distribute, or transfer licensing, you may not use the pictures in adult, illegal, or defamatory ways, or to promote products or services (if the image depicts a person), and you cannot use the pictures or illustrations on print-on-demand products (clothing, mugs, calendars, etc).

For Personal Use Only
Some free stock photos are made available for commercial use, others are not.

Giving Credit
Some sites require that you display photographer/source credits any time you use their free stock images. Photos are also often watermarked with the site URL or name.

Copyright Issues
As with any created item, stock photographs are protected by copyright. Copyright is automatically assigned to the photographer, and is NOT transferred when you download free photos.

Model Releases
If the photograph you want to use has a person in it, you must be sure that person signed a model release. A model release is a legal form that is used to grant permission to use a person's likeness. Most free stock photo sites, especially those that allow user submitted photos, do not require model releases.

Quality
Because of the low cost of digital cameras, an increasing number of amateur photographers, and the fact that the images are offered for free, is a recipe for poor quality photographs.

Free stock photos do have their uses. If you are creating a personal project, or if you have little or no budget, using free images can be a viable option. Just be sure to follow any usage restrictions.

Free Stock Photo Sites
freedigitalphotos.net
free-stockphotos.com
stock.xchng
royalty-free-stock-images.com

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