On your website you can’t just use images. Only images without copyright can be placed legally (and safely) on your website. In this article we will tell you everything about using images without copyright. Where can you find these images, for example? And how do you get images with copyright?
Copyright
A website without images is actually not a website. The images let your website speak and also improve the appearance of your website. But how do you get these images? The most important thing to take into account is copyright.
You can think of the copyright on a photo as an intellectual property right. The photographer of the photo determines how, where and when the photo is made public. The photographer also determines how the photo may be simplified.
Does the photographer decide that the photo cannot simply be simplified or shared? Then there is a copyright on the photo. This means that you may not /can not place the photo on your website without permission. How do you get this permission? You can do this, for example, by taking out a subscription with Shutterstock. The photos that you can download via that service only have permission in the field of copyright.
Would you rather not take out a paid subscription? Then you can use services where you can download images without copyright. These are photos that are more or less ‘made available for free’ by the photographer.
Please note: for some photos without copyright, you must place a name mention. This is clearly stated when downloading the photo.
Also note: you can use such a photo on your own website, but you may not just resell it. What is also allowed in many cases is to adjust the photo.
Non-copyrighted images vs. copyrighted images
As you have already read above, there are major differences between the images. Another difference can be found in the field of quality. The best photographers always leave the copyright on their work, since they can earn money with it.
However, amateur photographers often like to make their work available. For many photographers this is a hobby, where they also like that others can use their photos.
Another difference can be found in the price tag. You may only use the copyrighted photos if you have permission to do so. In many cases, you have to pay money for this permission, which means that the photographer earns money from the photos taken. In the case of images without copyright, this is not the case; these images are made available free of charge.
Websites with images without copyright
Would you like to use images without copyright on your website? Then you can currently choose between multiple websites. Certainly in recent years, several providers have started to focus on these images without copyright.
But – which websites are these? And which website should you choose? We have listed some of the best websites for you:
- PikWizard: if you’re looking for free photos without copyright, PikWizard is the place to be. The photos are often of a great quality, while the offer is also very wide. You can choose from over 1 million stock photos and videos.
- Unsplash: If you are looking for the slightly more unique photos, Unsplash is the designated website. The photos on this website are just a bit more unique, are just a bit more creative and are therefore ideal for a website. As far as we are concerned, the Unsplash website is also one of the most user-friendly websites.
- Pixabay: if you want to have a lot of choice, Pixabay is the best option. The offer on this website is very extensive and you can download the photos in multiple formats. The diversity within the offer is also quite striking.
- Pexels: another website that we are very enthusiastic about is Pexels. The offer on this website is very diverse, while you can also search within the offer. Pexels has added all kinds of filters to its website for this.
- Reshot: are you looking for more than images without copyright? Then Reshot might be a great option for you. On this website you will find a diverse range of photos, but also of video templates, music and sound effects.
- Burst: the offer on the website Burst is also more than fine. This is partly due to burst’s parent company; Shopify. Many of the photos that you can download from this website are therefore suitable for e-commerce purposes.
- Free Images: with this website you can choose from more than 300,000 images. These photos are of excellent quality and are easy to download. With this website it is also possible to search by author or photographer – useful if you are a big fan of a specific photographer.
- Foca: are you mainly looking for photos of nature or workspaces? Then Foca may be the best option for you. This website was founded by Jeffrey Bets; a specialist in the world of nature photos.
What is the best website for non-copyrighted images for you? That mainly depends on your own preferences. In any case, it is wise to make a good comparison between the above websites. Pay attention to the offer, to the quality of the photos, to the user-friendliness and to the convenience.
Also check carefully whether you are obliged to create an account. Tip from our side: with many websites it is always useful to create an account. After you have created an account, downloading the photos is even faster.
Conclusion
Is it advisable to use images without copyright? Yes, it certainly is. In any case, we advise you not to use images that you cannot legally make. There is a very good chance that you will receive a hefty fine for this.
Could you use help or support with images? We are happy to assist you. We can provide you with professional advice, but we can also help you with the best photos. Feel free to contact us to discuss all the possibilities!