Where to Get Images for Your Blog

As a blogger, I’ve learned that images are absolutely crucial to creating great content. I can’t stress enough how much the right visuals can transform a post, making it more engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how high-quality images not only capture readers’ attention but also boost SEO, helping my blog reach a wider audience. I’ve experimented with everything from stock photos to custom graphics and my own photography, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you.

In this post, I’ll guide you through my favorite methods for finding and creating stunning visuals for your blog. I’m excited to show you how you can elevate your content with images that truly resonate with your readers. Let’s dive in and explore some fantastic ways to get those perfect pictures that will make your blog shine.

Types of images you can use

First off, let’s cover all the different types of images you can use:

Stock photos

Stock photos are ready-made, professional images you can find online, both for free and for a fee. They cover just about any topic you can think of – from stunning landscapes to everyday moments.

They’re perfect when you need a high-quality image fast and don’t have the time to take your own photos. Stock photos can make your blog look polished and professional without much effort. However, the downside is that they also don’t have much of a personal feel, and some audiences will not appreciate them.

Custom graphics and illustrations

Creating your own graphics and illustrations adds that personal touch to your blog. Think about logos, icons, or any visual elements that match your brand’s vibe.

Tools like Canva and Adobe Express are user-friendly and make it easy to design your own graphics, even if you’re not a design whiz (more on them later). Custom visuals can help your blog stand out and be instantly recognizable to your readers.

Infographics

Infographics are fantastic for turning complex information into something visually appealing and easy to understand. They mix text and images to explain ideas, show data, or tell a story in a compact way.

Infographics are especially useful for educational content, as they can break down detailed information into bite-sized pieces. Tools like Piktochart, Venngage, or, again, Canva can help you create sleek and informative infographics with minimal effort.

Here’s an infographic I made for another post:

Screenshots

Screenshots are super handy for tutorials and how-to guides. They let you show exactly what you’re talking about, making it easier for your readers to follow along.

You can even annotate your screenshots with arrows, text, or highlights to make things crystal clear. Tools like Lightshot have those features built in. This way, your audience can easily grasp each step of your instructions.

AI-created images

Thanks to advancements in technology, AI-created images are becoming a cool new option for bloggers.

These images are generated by AI tools that create visuals based on your inputs, resulting in unique and customized content. Tools like DALL-E can produce amazing and original images that fit your blog’s style perfectly. Using AI-created images can give your blog a fresh and innovative look while saving you time. However, keep in mind that not everyone will appreciate this style of images, so it all depends on your blog audience.

Free stock photo websites

Finding the right images for your blog doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free stock photo websites that offer high-quality images. Here are some of the best ones:

Unsplash

Unsplash is one of the most popular free stock photo sites out there.

It offers a massive library of beautiful, high-resolution images submitted by photographers from around the world.

The best part? You can use these photos for free, without worrying about copyright issues. Simply search for the type of image you need, and you’ll find a variety of stunning options to choose from. Unsplash is perfect for finding unique and artistic photos that can add a lot of visual appeal to your blog.

Pexels

Pexels is another excellent resource for free stock photos. It has a wide selection of high-quality images that are free to use, even for some commercial purposes (consult the license).

Pexels also includes a collection of free videos, which can be great for adding multimedia elements to your blog. The search functionality is user-friendly, making it easy to find just the right image.

Pixabay

Pixabay offers a vast collection of free stock photos, illustrations, and even vector graphics. All images on Pixabay are released under a simplified Pixabay License, which means you can use them freely for both personal and commercial projects without needing to give credit.

Pixabay’s library is diverse, providing everything from abstract images to specific niche topics. This makes it a versatile resource for finding the perfect visual to complement your blog content.

Paid stock photo websites

While free stock photo sites are great, sometimes you might need something more exclusive or specific for your blog. That’s where paid stock photo websites come in. Here are some of the best paid options:

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is a well-known name in the world of stock photography. It offers a vast library of millions of images, videos, and music tracks. The quality of the photos is top-notch, and you can find images on almost any topic imaginable.

Shutterstock operates on a subscription or on-demand model, allowing you to purchase individual images or sign up for a monthly plan. This flexibility is great for bloggers who need a steady stream of fresh visuals.

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it an excellent choice if you’re already using these tools.

It offers a huge selection of high-quality photos, graphics, and videos. Adobe Stock’s search functionality is robust, helping you find the perfect image quickly. Pricing options include both subscription plans and credit packs, giving you flexibility depending on your budget and needs.

Getty Images is renowned for its vast collection of premium images, including editorial photos, illustrations, and video clips. It’s a go-to source for high-resolution, professional-grade visuals. Getty Images operates on a licensing model, so you pay for the rights to use each image based on how you intend to use it. This can get pricey, but the quality and exclusivity of the content can be well worth the investment, especially for important blog posts that require standout visuals.

Creating your own images and graphics

Creating custom visuals doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and it can significantly enhance the authenticity of your content.

There are several user-friendly tools available that make creating custom graphics a breeze, even if you’re not a design expert.

Canva

Canva is a versatile design tool that offers a wide range of templates for everything from social media posts to infographics, logos, and even videos. It’s incredibly easy to use, with drag-and-drop functionality and a vast library of images, icons, and fonts. Whether you’re creating a blog header or a custom illustration, Canva can help you produce professional-looking graphics quickly.

Adobe Express

Adobe Express is another excellent tool for creating custom graphics, web pages, and video stories. It’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, but it’s designed to be accessible to users at all skill levels. Adobe Express provides templates and themes that make it easy to create eye-catching visuals for your blog. The mobile app is really good and has a friendly UI that’s easy to grasp.

Piktochart

Piktochart is a user-friendly platform that offers a variety of templates specific for infographics, reports, and presentations. It allows you to customize colors, fonts, and layouts, making it easy to create professional-looking visuals.

Infographics are ideal for breaking down intricate topics into digestible pieces. They combine visuals with text, making information more engaging and easier to follow than plain text alone. They help simplify complex data by highlighting key points and presenting them in a visually organized way. This is particularly useful for statistics, processes, or timelines.

Use screenshots!

Screenshots are incredibly useful for creating tutorials and how-to guides on your blog. They allow you to visually demonstrate steps, making it easier for readers to follow along.

Screenshot example:

Here’s how to effectively use screenshots in your content:

• Use the right tools: Different tools offer various features for taking screenshots. Tools like Lightshot are great options since they come with lots of additional features, like the possibility to annotate your images or upload them to the cloud for free, so that they can be shared with others.
• Focus on clarity: Ensure your screenshots are clear and easy to understand. Avoid capturing too much unnecessary information by zooming in on the relevant part of the screen.
• Consistent size and style: Maintain a consistent size and style for all your screenshots to give your content a cohesive look.

Annotating screenshots for clarity

Annotations can enhance your screenshots by highlighting key areas and adding explanations.

First off, use arrows, circles, or rectangles to draw attention to specific parts of the screenshot. This helps guide the reader’s eye to the important elements.

Adding text to your screenshots can also provide additional context or instructions. Use highlighting to emphasize important sections of your screenshot, too. Most screenshot tools come with these features.

AI-created images

AI-generated images can add a fresh, innovative touch to your content, making your blog stand out. There are several AI-powered tools available that make creating custom images simple and accessible. However, I’m just going to list the main, most popular one here:

DALL-E

Developed by OpenAI, DALL-E generates images from textual descriptions. You can describe the scene or object you need, and DALL-E will create a unique image based on your input. This is perfect for generating creative and specific visuals that might be hard to find elsewhere.

The great part is that you can also use DALL-E straight through the main ChatGPT interface. Just tell it what you need.

How to use AI-generated images on your blog

Here are some ideas on how to use them:

• Use AI to create custom illustrations that complement your blog posts. These can be tailored to fit the theme and tone of your content, providing a cohesive visual experience for your readers.
• Generate unique backgrounds and header images that give your blog a distinctive look.
• Add a creative touch to your blog with AI-generated abstract and artistic elements. These can be used to break up text, highlight important sections, or simply add visual interest.

Best practices for using AI-created images

To make the most of AI-generated images, follow these best practices:

• Make sure the AI-generated images are relevant to your content and enhance the reader’s understanding or enjoyment of your blog post.
• Always review the AI-generated images to ensure they meet your quality standards. Sometimes AI tools can produce unexpected results, so it’s important to check for any inconsistencies or errors.

Use your own photos!

Using your own photos on your blog can add a personal touch and authenticity that stock images can’t always match.

Your photos reflect your unique perspective and experiences, helping to build a stronger connection with your readers. They can establish and reinforce your brand identity, making your blog instantly recognizable through a consistent style, whether it’s the subjects you choose or the way you edit them.

Here’s a photo of mine from a post about standing desks:

Taking high-quality photos doesn’t require professional equipment. Good lighting, especially natural light, is key. Shoot near windows or outdoors during the golden hours for the best results. Pay attention to composition, using the rule of thirds to create balanced shots.

Many successful blogs leverage their own photos to create a unique visual identity. For instance, lifestyle bloggers like Cup of Jo, cooking blogs like Iowa Girl Eats, or travel bloggers like Nomadic Matt use personal images to share authentic stories and experiences, making their content more engaging and relatable. There’s no reason you couldn’t do the same.

Pro tip; I particularly love to use photos of hand-drawn charts or illustrations I made. It’s super easy to execute, and the effect is great. Here’s an example from another post:

Wrapping it all up: your blog’s visual journey

After years of blogging, I can’t emphasize enough how crucial great images are to creating content that truly connects. It’s not just about making things look pretty – the right visuals can skyrocket engagement, bring your stories to life, and make your brand unforgettable.

I’ve tried it all – from stock photos to custom graphics, AI-generated images, and my own photography. Each approach has its strengths. Sites like Unsplash have been lifesavers when I need high-quality images in a pinch. But when I want something uniquely “me,” I turn to tools like Canva to create custom graphics. And let me tell you, learning some basic photography skills has been a game-changer for creating original content.

Here’s my advice: experiment with these different tools and techniques. Find what works for you and your blog’s personality. Trust me, when you nail your visual strategy, you’ll see the difference. Your content will pop, your readers will be more engaged, and your blog will stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

So go ahead, dive in and start playing with visuals. I’m excited to see how you’ll bring your blog to life with images that not only look great but also truly resonate with your audience. Remember, every picture you choose is telling your blog’s unique story. Make it count!