If you’re like many content creators, bloggers, or small business owners, you probably love the idea of sprucing up your projects with high-quality images. Shutterstock is a goldmine for stunning visuals, but their images usually come with a price tag. So, you might be wondering, “Is there any way to get Shutterstock images for free in 2018?” Well, while
Understanding Shutterstock’s Licensing and Copyright Policies
Before diving into ways to get Shutterstock images for free, it’s crucial to understand their licensing and copyright policies. Shutterstock operates under strict licensing rules to protect the rights of photographers and artists who contribute their work. When you purchase or download an image legally from
There are mainly two types of licenses:
- Standard License: Suitable for most uses like websites, social media, presentations, and printed materials up to a certain print run. It generally doesn’t cover unlimited reproductions or large-scale commercial use.
- Extended License: Offers broader rights, such as unlimited reproductions, merchandise, or use in products for resale.
It’s important to note that downloading images without purchasing or proper licensing is a violation of Shutterstock’s copyright policies. Unauthorized use can lead to legal issues, fines, and damage to your reputation. Even if an image is freely shared elsewhere on the internet, that doesn’t mean it’s free to use legally. Always respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
In 2018, Shutterstock was particularly strict about enforcing their licensing policies. They regularly updated their terms to prevent unauthorized downloads and encourage users to purchase images legitimately. While there are some third-party websites claiming to offer free Shutterstock images, many of these sources are unreliable, potentially illegal, or could expose you to malware. So, the safest approach is to explore legitimate options, such as free image resources or
3. Legal Ways to Access Free Shutterstock Images
Let’s start by talking about how you can enjoy Shutterstock images without stepping into any legal gray areas. Shutterstock is a paid platform, but there are some legitimate ways to access their images for free. The key word here is legal — it’s important to respect copyright laws and Shutterstock’s terms of service to avoid any issues down the line.
One of the most straightforward methods is to take advantage of Shutterstock’s free image offerings. From time to time, Shutterstock releases free collections that you can download and use legally. These are usually curated collections, often centered around specific themes or seasons, and are available for a limited time.
How to Find Free Shutterstock Images
- Visit the Shutterstock Free Section: They have a dedicated free images page where you can browse all the current free downloads.
- Subscribe to Their Newsletter: Shutterstock often announces free image promotions and special offers via email. Subscribing keeps you in the loop.
- Follow Them on Social Media: Their social media channels sometimes feature free downloads or special campaigns.
Using Creative Commons Licensed Images
Another option is to look for images that are licensed under Creative Commons (CC). Shutterstock doesn’t primarily host CC images, but you can use platforms like Creative Commons Search to find images that are free to use, modify, and distribute. Just make sure to double-check the license details and attribution requirements.
Important Reminder
While searching for free images, always verify that the source is legitimate and that the image’s license allows for your intended use. Avoid downloading images from shady or unofficial sources, as they might infringe copyright laws and could cause legal trouble.
4. Using Free Trial Offers and Promotional Downloads
If you’re eager to access high-quality Shutterstock images without paying upfront, then taking advantage of free trial offers and promotional downloads is a smart move. Shutterstock often provides free trials to new users, giving you a limited window to download and use images legally.
How to Get Started with Shutterstock Free Trials
- Sign Up for a Free Trial: Visit Shutterstock’s website and look for their free trial offer—usually, it involves creating an account.
- Select Your Plan: During sign-up, you’ll often be presented with trial options, ranging from a few downloads to more extensive plans.
- Download Your Images: Once you’re signed up, you can browse and download images during the trial period. Be sure to check the trial’s expiration date so you don’t lose access.
Maximizing Your Free Trial
- Plan Your Downloads: Before the trial ends, make a list of the images you need most. This way, you can maximize your free downloads.
- Check the Licensing Terms: Even during the trial, ensure that the images you download are used within Shutterstock’s licensing guidelines.
- Cancel if Necessary: If you decide not to continue with a paid subscription, remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Special Promotions and Offers
Keep an eye out for Shutterstock’s seasonal promotions, holiday deals, or bundle offers. Sometimes they run limited-time campaigns where you can get free or heavily discounted images. Following their blog, social media channels, or signing up for newsletters can alert you to these opportunities.
In summary, while Shutterstock is primarily a paid resource, there are legal ways to access free images through their official free collections, creative commons sources, and trial offers. Always respect licensing rules and use images responsibly to stay within legal boundaries and support the creators behind these beautiful visuals.
5. Exploring Alternative Free Image Resources
If you’re on the hunt for stunning images without spending a dime, there’s a whole world of free resources out there beyond Shutterstock. While Shutterstock is fantastic, it’s not the only place to find high-quality visuals. So, let’s explore some popular alternatives that can help you find exactly what you need.
Firstly, Unsplash is a favorite among bloggers, designers, and marketers. It offers a vast library of high-resolution photos contributed by talented photographers from around the globe. The best part? All images are free to download and use for any purpose, even commercially, without attribution (though giving credit is always appreciated!).
Next up is Pexels—another excellent source for free stock photos and videos. Pexels curates its collection carefully, ensuring each image maintains a high standard of quality. Their user-friendly interface makes searching for specific themes or subjects simple.
Pixabay is a comprehensive resource that not only offers photos but also vectors, illustrations, and videos. It’s perfect if you’re looking for more diverse types of visuals. Like Unsplash and Pexels, all content is free for commercial and personal use.
Other noteworthy options include:
- Freepik: Great for vectors, PSD files, and illustrations—some resources require attribution.
- StockSnap.io: Offers a large collection of free high-res images, with new photos added weekly.
- Burst by Shopify: Focuses on business-related images, ideal for entrepreneurs and online stores.
While these platforms are fantastic, always double-check the licensing terms before using images, especially for commercial projects. Most of these sites offer images under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) licenses, meaning you can use them freely without attribution, but it’s good practice to credit photographers when possible.
In summary, exploring these alternative resources can vastly expand your options for free, high-quality images. Whether you’re designing a website, creating social media content, or working on a personal project, these sites are treasure troves waiting to be tapped into.
6. Tips for Finding High-Quality Free Images Similar to Shutterstock
Finding free images that match the quality and variety of Shutterstock can seem challenging, but with a few smart strategies, you can discover stunning visuals without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you on your quest:
1. Use Specific Search Terms
When searching on free image platforms, be as specific as possible. Instead of generic keywords like “business,” try “modern office workspace with laptops” or “creative team brainstorming.” Precise keywords help narrow down the results and increase the chances of finding images that suit your needs.
2. Leverage Filters and Sorting Options
Many sites like Unsplash and Pexels offer filters for orientation (landscape or portrait), color schemes, and even image size. Use these tools to find images that fit your project’s aesthetic and resolution requirements.
3. Look for Collections and Curated Galleries
Some platforms feature curated collections centered around themes like technology, nature, or business. Browsing these collections can quickly lead you to high-quality images that are cohesive and professionally curated.
4. Pay Attention to Image Resolution and Composition
High-quality images are usually sharp, well-composed, and have high resolution. Always check the image details and opt for the highest resolution available to ensure your visuals look professional across different devices and print sizes.
5. Follow Photographers and Contributors
Many free image sites allow you to follow top contributors or photographers. This way, you can stay updated with new high-quality uploads that match your preferred style.
6. Use Advanced Search Techniques
Some platforms support advanced search operators or filters, such as searching by color or orientation. Combining these techniques with your specific keywords can help you find images that look polished and professional.
7. Edit and Enhance Images
Lastly, don’t hesitate to do a little post-processing. Tools like Canva, Lightroom, or even simple edits in your favorite photo editor can enhance free images, making them look as polished as Shutterstock’s premium offerings.
Remember, patience and practice are key. The more you explore these resources and refine your search techniques, the better your chances of finding those perfect, high-quality images that elevate your project without costing a dime.
Conclusion and Best Practices for Image Usage
Downloading Shutterstock images for free might seem tempting, but it’s essential to approach this ethically and responsibly. Always remember that images are the intellectual property of their creators, and proper attribution or licensing ensures respect for their work. Using images without permission can lead to legal consequences and damage your reputation.
To ensure you’re adhering to best practices, consider the following tips:
- Use free or Creative Commons images when possible, which are legally available for public use.
- Always check the licensing terms on Shutterstock or any other platform before downloading images.
- Opt for subscription or purchase options if you frequently need high-quality images, which support the creators.
- Give proper attribution when required, including credit to the photographer or source.
- Maintain image quality and resolution suitable for your project to ensure professionalism.
Additionally, consider creating your own images or using royalty-free platforms to avoid copyright issues altogether. Respecting intellectual property rights not only keeps you compliant with legal standards but also fosters a fair creative environment. By following these best practices, you can enhance your content with stunning visuals while upholding ethical standards and supporting the creative community.