How to Download Free Photos from Shutterstock in 2018?

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If you’re a creative soul, a blogger, or just someone who loves stunning visuals, you’ve probably heard of Shutterstock. It’s one of the biggest stock photo platforms out there, offering millions of images for various needs. But what if you’re on a budget and want to access high-quality photos without paying? In 2018, Shutterstock provided ways for users to get free images legally, making it easier for everyone to enhance their projects without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll walk through how you can find and download free photos from

Understanding Shutterstock’s Free Photo Offerings in 2018

Back in 2018, Shutterstock made a conscious effort to attract new users and showcase the quality of their vast image library by offering free photos regularly. These free offerings weren’t just accidental freebies—they were part of specific promotions, campaigns, and sometimes included as a way to test out their platform. Here’s what you needed to know about their free photo options that year:

• Free Image Collections: Shutterstock periodically released curated collections of free images on their website, especially during special events or holidays. These collections included popular, high-quality photos that you could download without any cost.
• Limited-Time Promotions: From time to time, Shutterstock ran campaigns giving away a certain number of free images to new users or during promotional periods. These were often tied to signing up for an account or subscribing to their newsletter.
• Free Trial Credits: Shutterstock offered free trial periods where new users could download a set number of images for free. These credits could be used within the trial period, giving users a chance to test out the platform without immediate payment.
• Contributor Free Photos: Shutterstock contributors sometimes uploaded images that were available for free as part of promotional efforts or contests, giving users access to unique content at no cost.

It’s important to note that Shutterstock’s free photos in 2018 often came with specific usage rights. While they could be used for personal projects or certain commercial purposes, some restrictions applied—so always check the license details before using the image. Additionally, accessing these free images typically required creating an account, which was a quick and simple process.

Overall, Shutterstock‘s free offerings in 2018 were a great way for users to experiment with high-quality visuals without investing money upfront. Whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or just someone who loves beautiful photos, understanding their free options opened up a world of possibilities. Now, let’s dive into how you could actually get these images in 2018—stay tuned!

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Download Free Photos from Shutterstock

So, you’re eager to get some stunning photos from Shutterstock without spending a dime? Great! While Shutterstock is mainly known for its premium images, there are ways to access free photos, especially if you follow the right steps. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:

1. Create a Free Shutterstock Account: Head over to Shutterstock’s website and sign up for a free account. Just click on the “Sign Up” button and fill in your details. Having an account unlocks access to free resources and helps you keep track of your downloads.
2. Explore the Free Section: Once logged in, look for the “Free Photos” section. You can usually find this on the homepage or under the “Discover” menu. Shutterstock regularly updates this section with high-quality images available for free download.
3. Use the Search Bar: If you’re looking for something specific, type your keywords into the search bar. To filter results to only show free images, use filters if available, or select the “Free” option in the categories.
4. Select Your Photo: Browse through the thumbnails and click on the image you like. You’ll be taken to the image’s detail page where you can see its resolution, licensing info, and download options.
5. Download the Image: Look for the “Download” button. For free images, you might need to click a button labeled “Free Download” or similar. Sometimes, Shutterstock may require you to complete a quick CAPTCHA or agree to certain terms before downloading.
6. Save the Photo: Once downloaded, save the image to your device. Make sure to note any licensing restrictions, though most free images on Shutterstock are available for personal and commercial use without attribution.

And that’s it! Just a few clicks, and you’re ready to enhance your projects with high-quality free photos from Shutterstock. Remember, while Shutterstock offers great free images, always double-check the licensing details to ensure you’re using the images appropriately.

4. Tips for Finding High-Quality Free Photos on Shutterstock

Looking for the best free photos that really stand out? It’s all about knowing where to look and how to search effectively. Here are some inside tips to help you find those high-quality images that will make your project shine:

• Use Specific Keywords: The more precise your keywords, the better your search results. Instead of just searching for “nature,” try “sunset over mountains” or “wildflowers in spring.” This narrows down the options and helps you find exactly what you need.
• Apply Filters Wisely: Shutterstock offers filters such as orientation (horizontal or vertical), color, image type, and more. Use these to refine your search and get closer to your ideal photo.
• Check Image Resolution and Quality: Always look at the image resolution details. High-resolution images are sharper and more versatile, especially if you plan to print or use the photos in larger formats.
• Favor Recent Uploads: Shutterstock’s free section is updated regularly. Sorting by “Newest” can help you discover fresh, trending images that are less likely to be overused.
• Follow Collections and Curated Galleries: Some photographers or curators create collections of free images. Browsing these curated galleries can lead you to high-quality, professionally shot photos that are not only free but also very appealing.
• Leverage the Shutterstock Mobile App: If you prefer searching on your phone, the Shutterstock app can be a handy tool. It often provides easier navigation and quick access to free image sections.
• Review Licensing Details Carefully: Even for free images, licensing can vary. Make sure the images you select are marked as free for commercial use if needed, and always respect the licensing terms to avoid any legal issues.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to discovering high-quality, free photos that elevate your projects—whether it’s a blog, presentation, or social media content. Happy hunting!

5. Legal Considerations and Usage Rights for Shutterstock Free Photos

When it comes to using free photos from Shutterstock, understanding the legal landscape is super important. Even if the photos are labeled as “free,” there are still rules you need to follow to stay on the right side of copyright laws. Let’s break down what you need to keep in mind.

First off, most free photos on Shutterstock are provided under specific licensing agreements. These licenses specify how you can use the images—whether for personal projects, commercial use, or something else. It’s crucial to read the license details carefully because misuse can lead to legal trouble.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Usage Restrictions: Some free photos may be limited to non-commercial use only. Always check if commercial use is permitted before using the image in advertisements, products, or services.
• Attribution: While many Shutterstock images do not require attribution, some licenses might ask you to credit the photographer or Shutterstock. If attribution is needed, make sure to include it as specified.
• Model and Property Releases: Be cautious if the photo features recognizable people or private property. Some images may have releases that allow commercial use, but others might not. When in doubt, check the image details or avoid using such photos for sensitive or commercial purposes.
• Modifications: Most licenses allow you to edit or modify the images to suit your needs. However, avoid creating defamatory or inappropriate content that could harm the rights holders or subjects.

To stay safe, always:

1. Read the license terms accompanying each free photo.
2. Keep a record of where and when you downloaded the image, along with any license information.
3. Use images responsibly—if you’re unsure about rights or restrictions, consult a legal expert or opt for images with clearer licensing.

Remember, respecting copyright not only keeps you legally protected but also supports photographers and artists who create stunning visuals. So, always double-check those licensing details and use images ethically!

6. Alternative Resources for Free Stock Photos in 2018

If you’re looking for more options beyond Shutterstock for free stock photos, you’re in luck! There are plenty of other fantastic websites that offer high-quality images without cost. Whether you’re working on a blog, a presentation, or a personal project, these resources can help you find the perfect visuals without breaking the bank.

Here are some popular alternatives to Shutterstock for free stock photos in 2018:

Using these resources is pretty straightforward. Most sites allow you to search by keyword, filter by orientation or color, and download images in various sizes. They’re a fantastic way to supplement your Shutterstock downloads or find visuals if Shutterstock’s options don’t quite fit your style or budget.

Remember, even when using free resources, always double-check the licensing terms. While most of these sites provide images under very permissive licenses, it’s good practice to verify if attribution is needed or if there are any restrictions on use. This way, you can confidently incorporate stunning visuals into your projects without worries.

In summary, whether you’re on a tight budget or just love exploring different sources, these alternative free stock photo sites are excellent tools to enhance your creative work in 2018 and beyond!

Conclusion and Best Practices for Using Free Photos from Shutterstock

Downloading free photos from Shutterstock can enhance your projects without breaking the bank, but it’s essential to use these images responsibly. Always verify the licensing terms associated with each free photo to ensure proper usage rights. While Shutterstock offers a variety of free images, not all are free for commercial use—so pay close attention to the license details before incorporating them into your work.

Here are some best practices for using free photos effectively and ethically:

• Check licensing restrictions: Confirm whether the image is suitable for personal, commercial, or editorial purposes.
• Attribute when required: Some free images may require attribution; always give credit if specified.
• Avoid overused images: To make your content stand out, select unique or less common photos rather than popular, widely-used images.
• Optimize image quality: Download high-resolution images to maintain visual clarity in your projects.
• Respect model and property rights: Be cautious with images that include identifiable individuals or private property—ensure proper permissions are obtained if necessary.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can make the most of free Shutterstock photos while respecting copyright laws and maintaining the integrity of your work. Remember, responsible usage not only protects you legally but also supports ethical content creation practices.