I’ll admit it. I learned about using images the hard way. I first used a computer when I was 35-years-old to write my first book. I’m considered a “digital immigrant.” I still stand by that. Computers are a foreign language to me.
“Right Click” Doesn’t Mean “Free”
When I worked with Laura Christiansen1 (Blogging Bistro) who created my first webpage, From Diapers to Diamonds, I was so proud of all the graphics I found on endless websites. When she discovered these graphics she asked, “Are all these images free and available to be copied?”
“Of course, I copied them from the websites.” It was then that I discovered, just because I can “right-click” on an image and “copy” it, doesn’t mean it is a free source. I can’t tell you how long it took me to search for actual free images and change them.
Graphic Sites for Pay
A decade later, I’m still using predominantly free images. Why don’t I subscribe to a graphics company where I pay monthly and have unlimited access? I’ve explored some of these. I found that many of the images I liked were marked “premium” which meant an additional fee to use it. When I worked with Kimberly Eddy2 who created my Gateway to Restorative Practices webpage, I had access to images. Even then, I couldn’t always find the “right” image. As of writing this blog, some sites limit the number of free images as a trial before you must pay.
Free Go-to Websites for Graphics
I’m very picky about graphics being cited correctly and giving credit to the excellent designers who graciously grant free access. When my colleagues include graphics in PowerPoints, they cite the sources. That makes my job easier for handouts.
What are my go-to websites for free graphics? I start with a Google search for the image I want, click on images, then tools, then usage rights, and finally Creative Commons licenses. This generally eliminates most, but not all, images that are for pay. I’ve purchased some select images, but I use enough images that free is my “go-to” option. I was disappointed to discover a few websites that were free are now charging.
Favorite Graphic Site #1: Pixabay Images at https://pixabay.com
My first go-to is Pixabay. When I’m viewing graphics on a topic and one is from Pixabay, I usually choose Pixabay because it is user friendly. Their webpage says,
“5 million + stunning free images to use anywhere.”
Their website is not confusing because all the graphics are free. There’s not a random upgrade fee. The creator of the one I considered today notes,
“Coffee donations received go towards my random acts of kindness where money is shared to various good causes.”
That’s a pretty creative incentive to make a donation.
Here’s one of my favorite images from Pixabay. I use this image frequently on handouts for activities where participants practice a new skill. Source: practice-emoji-words-mindfulness-615657 [Pixabay.com]
Favorite Graphic Site #2: Free Public Domain CCO Images at https://free-images.com/
The Free Public Domain website says, “Get free picture, templates, mockups and graphic resources.” I like that they offer a variety of graphic styles, such as photos, vectors, clip art, and icons.
When I viewed a number of my graphic topics to see where they came from, many came from Free-Images.com.
One of the graphics I use on handouts for a pair share or discussion is “let us talk.” Source: let-us-talk [free-images.com]
Favorite Graphic Site #3: Pexels Images at https://www.pexels.com/
I’m drawn to the Pexels Images webpage that states,
“Legal Simplicity.”
Photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.
Their website also says,
“Free stock photos and videos you can use everywhere. Browse millions of high-quality royalty free stock images and copyright free pictures.”
It does have limits because this site doesn’t offer photos in categories I need. When I want to use a vector or clip art, I use go-to option #2, Free Public Domain.
Here’s a favorite graphic from Pexels. This one is for promoting the all-day seminar RP 201: From ACEs to PACEs: Building Restorative Relationships that debuted 2023-2024. Source: hands-forming-a-star-6146696 [pexels.com]
Restorative Practices Graphics
Finding Restorative Practices graphics can be challenging. A search for “Restorative Practices” brings up yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation graphics. Restorative Justice displays mostly legal related images. To find a Restorative Practices graphic, I must be more specific. For example, I can search for power struggles, restorative questions, apologies, circles, students, environment, parenting, leaders, school climate, and communication just to name a few.
These go-to free graphics websites typically provide what I need for handouts, PowerPoints, and other endeavors. If you want more ideas on free and low-cost stock photos online, check out Laura Christianson’s1 article link below.
Sources
- Laura Christianson at Blogging Bistro
https://bloggingbistro.com/
Article Link. https://bloggingbistro.com/best-places-to-find-free-and-low-cost-stock-photos-online/ - Kimberly Eddy at Thoughts & Designs
https://thoughtsanddesigns.studio/
https://linqapp.com/kimberly_eddy?r=link
Editors note: in particular, you want to look for “Royalty Free” graphics and images. Royalty free means you don’t have to pay royalties per view, per print, or per use. – KE