Commercial Photography on a Budget: Free Image Options

Did you know that some of the world’s most iconic advertisements use stock images for commercial use? For example, AlamapBBDO, a Brazilian ad agency, used stock photos from Getty Images to create their Endless Possibilities campaign in 2016. The advertising campaign combined photos of random people’s faces to recreate portraits of famous people such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.

Most creative agencies prefer altering stock images in most of their work. This is because it allows them to create campaigns for different companies much faster at affordable costs. Keep reading to find out how to get free images for commercial use in your next project.

Part 1: Download images in loyalty-free sites

Several sites offer free images for commercial use as part of their services. In addition, you do not need to register an account to download the images. The sites typically rely on user contributions and content teams to ensure their databases are fresh and maintain consistent quality. Furthermore, all creative assets they offer fall under the creative commons zero license or a variation of it. Here are some of the sites that offer you images for commercial use for free.

1. Pexels

Pexels.com is a free-to-use provider of high-resolution photos and videos for aspiring creators. The German-based website was started in 2014 by two brothers and has been under the Canva umbrella since 2018.

Currently, the website hosts over 3.2 million images and videos from over 250,000 active contributors. In addition, all the material you find in its library is under the Pexels license, which slightly varies from the creative commons zero license model. Some of the restrictions it enforces include:

You can only use pexels images for commercial use after making alterations to the original image. For example, you can use part of an image to create a collage for your commercial branding.
Furthermore, you cannot use any of the website’s content to promote political ideologies and explicit content, especially if the images contain identifiable subjects.

Pexels is available through the following channels:

Your web browser by typing the URL pexels.com.
The Android and iOS app.
A plugin for other content creation software such as Google Slides and MS Office.
An extension on your Chrome browser.
You can also access the database using the official Canva app.

2. Unsplash

Another website that offers free images for commercial use is Unsplash, a subsidiary of Getty Images since 2021. The website is a favorite among creators boasting over 16 billion photo impressions monthly. In addition, the database consists of over 3.48 million photos from more than 265,000 unique contributors, all under the Unsplash license.

The Unsplash license restricts the sale of its creative assets without incorporating new creative elements, including using them in print media and physical goods such as mugs and caps.

You can access Unsplash from your web browser or request API integration for your application from the site’s owners. In addition, the site also hosts photo walks across different cities, where Unsplash guides show you the best photo locations around the city and the best camera techniques for your work. Some cities to host the event include Boston, Montreal, Tokyo, and Toronto.

3. Freerange

Freerange Stock is an online resource for photos, illustrations, and textures you can download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Since 2007, the site has continued to provide high-quality images to its community of over 800,000 registered users.

Unlike the previous examples, all content on Freerange falls under the website’s Equalicense. It grants you broad commercial rights of its stock images while allowing the contributors to retain control of their copyright, image resale, and distribution. As such, you cannot use the images for bulk distribution or print-on-demand works.

Freerange Stock maintains its steady supply of images for commercial use via the following methods:

It has an in-house team of professional photographers who upload images across the different categories on the website.
Freerange Stock also purchases image rights or directly commissions photos from independent creators.
You can also contribute to the website’s library by voluntarily submitting your work to the platform. Kindly note that you will need a verified account to enable this function.
The website also works directly with photographers through a licensing and distribution model, providing them extra exposure on the site.
Finally, Freerange stock aggregates public domain images from other sources, including similar sites and government institutions. It does so by acknowledging the image owner and sometimes lists the image source when the owner is unknown.

Freerange Stock is accessible through your web browser or as an API integration on your app.

4. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an extensive online library of free stock images for commercial use. Some of the site’s highlight features include the following:

A best-in-class search engine that incorporates multiple filters to ensure your results are extremely accurate. For example, you can sort images by color, style, number of people, and age of the subjects, something other free stock websites do not provide.
All images, videos, and vector illustrations are free for personal and commercial uses. It does so through a property sign and release model with its extensive network of contributors, which protects users from any legal liabilities.
Finally, it employs a content team that manually reviews each photo submission to ensure consistent quality standards for its offerings.

In addition, you can also purchase design resource bundles by subscribing to its Vecteezy pro for as little as $9 monthly. Some of the resources available include the Ultimate Text Effects Layer Styles Bundle for Photoshop, which costs $39 stand-alone or $4.50 when you subscribe to pro.

Part 2: Buy from stock providers

Another way to get images for commercial use is by buying them from stock providers. Some of the benefits of buying images from stock providers include:

You get a wide selection of unique photos from top-tier photographers. Stock providers always seek collaborations with the industry’s finest to edge out the competition.
You receive exemplary customer service with your purchase. Selecting the right image can be confusing for amateur creators. As such, stock image providers have customer support channels to help you throughout your creative process.
Stock images reduce your delivery times significantly. Buying images from a stock provider eliminates the need to invest in photography equipment and the time you need for post-production. As such, you can deliver projects in a fast and cost-effective way.

Despite the above positive, here are some challenges that buying stock images may present:

Not all stock image providers will have the creative assets you need.
Image overuse is likely since every creator will rush for the most popular contributor.

Below are some of the stock image providers you should consider.

1. iStock

iStockphoto.com is an online database of creative resources, including royalty-free photos, videos, audio, illustrations, and clip art you can use in your creations. The website is a Getty Images subsidiary based in Calgary, Canada. In addition, contributors earn royalties depending on how often users download their content.

2. Alamy.com

Alamy.com is a British-owned stock image provider with contributions from photographers and agencies in 173 countries. It compensates its contributors by offering higher than average payouts every time users download their creations. Some popular brands to use Alamy’s services include M&C Saatchi, Microsoft, and The Economist.

Part 3: Shot a Photo by yourself or create one with editing tools

Alternatively, you can get images for commercial use by shooting them yourself or creating them with editing tools such as Figma and Wondershare’s Filmstock. Here are some benefits of using this method:

You get exactly what you want, provided you have the required skills and equipment. Sometimes, getting the right image for your commercial purpose can be challenging. As such, shooting an original photo may be the only option.
You have full ownership of the image.

Unlike obtaining images from stock photography websites, you are free to use the image in whatever capacity you please without any restrictions. For example, sites such as Unsplash do not allow you to use their images in political statements, a restriction you can bypass when using your own creations.

However, you should also consider the following factors when using this method.

It requires a substantial investment

Getting high-quality images for commercial purposes requires specialist equipment. For example, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 camera, which has 4K resolution capability, costs $2,197 on Amazon. This makes it extremely expensive for amateur creators.

There is a steep learning curve

Becoming a professional photographer takes time and effort. Unless you are creating as a hobby, it will be a while before you can start generating income from your creations.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Do you need a contributor account to get images for commercial use?

Not necessarily. Stock image sites like pexels.com allow you to download images from their website without creating an account. You will only need one if you want to showcase your work on the platform.

2. Can you use your smartphone to get images for commercial use?

Yes. Most stock image providers have device-specific apps that allow you to access their databases from your mobile device. For example, UnsplashPhotoPicker allows you access to the Unsplash library from your Android device.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Elevate Your WhatsApp Status: Top Creative Apps Revealed

Since the advent of social media, videos and photos have been exchanged on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and everybody has become hooked to sharing their status in the form of images and videos for multiple reasons such as expressing their sentiments, impressing others, and so on. All you need to create an incredible video status is a phone and a WhatsApp Status Maker App to edit the video.

After that, your status is ready to share. In the past, statuses were only made for significant occasions in people’s lives, such as weddings, birthday parties, and other events. We wanted professional videos or photographs for it as well. However, making a video is no longer a difficult task; all of this can be done with a single swipe of your smartphone.

Part 1: Best Apps for WhatsApp Status

If you would like to create a great video status, you can download the applications listed below. In this list of best apps for WhatsApp status video makers, you will learn about status video editing apps, all of which you will undoubtedly enjoy, and the best part is that they are all available for free in the Google Play Store.

1. ShareChat - Videos & Status

Available with: iOS and Android

With the use of video filters, emoticon stickers, and face filters, ShareChat is a made-in-India social networking software that allows you to make, download, and share amusing short videos, jokes, gifs, and more in one spot.

You may also make friends in the app’s chatrooms, which support 15 different regional dialects. The application has over 100 million downloads and a 4.3-star user rating.

Features of ShareChat

You may generate or download the newest jokes, photographs, videos, and quotations with ShareChat and share them on your social networking networks with a single tap.
In the ShareChat application, you can create funny WhatsApp stickers with any picture you choose.
The ShareChat app is a video-based platform for showcasing your ability and gaining fans to become a superstar.
You may obtain daily health and fitness suggestions on how to heal yourself with various Homemade cures in the ShareChat app.
Using the chatroom, you may form friendships in your locality’s 15 regional languages.

2. Snack Video Status Maker

Available with: Android

Snack Video Status Maker - VidStatus is an application that allows you to download hot status videos and make an original and innovative video status. It allows you to post whatever you’ve downloaded to your WhatsApp status.

This software has been downloaded over 50 million times and has 4.5-star user reviews. This is why it remains at the top of the best status video maker apps list.

Features of Snack Video Status Maker

You may make a wonderful video status with your photograph by using various outstanding filters, themes, and effects. All you have to do now is choose a theme, submit an image, and select music. The fantastic status video is now available to share.
You may download and upload Moj and ShareChat movies straight to your WhatsApp Status with Snack Video Status Maker.
Using the application’s dashboard to produce fantastic status videos with some nice effects is effortless. There are several fantastic effects here, like AI face change, lyric templates, and more.
A sophisticated video editing tool is included in the program, which allows you to trim, crop, copy, and combine videos and add animated messages, themes, and soundtracks. It allows you to edit and make an amazing video all in one spot.
It supports a total of 15 Indian regional languages.

3. Roposo Live Video Shopping App

Available with: iOS and Android

You may receive status as well as create status with this application. You may make great updates with your favorite music and photographs because there are many options. After that, you may publish your newly produced status on social networking networks like Whatsapp, Facebook, and others.

Feature of Roposo

Add music to your statuses
Create status from different templates and themes.
Plenty of editing options to choose from

4. mAst: Music Status Video Maker App

Available with: iOS and Android

The fourth status creator software on our list is mAst: Music Status Video Maker App, which has a ton of themes to choose from, such as lyrics, beats, attitude, sunsets, family, and love, to generate cool status videos.

You may also use this program to create popular short status videos for WhatsApp, such as Lyrical Video Status, Festival Video Status, Magical Video Status, Anniversary Photo Status, and so on.

Features of mAst

The nicest part about this software is how frequently the templates are refreshed.
This application’s user interface is straightforward to use.
This program also allows you to generate Lyrical Video Status.

5. MBit Music: Particle.ly Video Status Maker and Editor

Available with: Android

Particle.ly Video Status Creation is a completely customizable photo-to-status video maker software by Mbit Music. It offers a wide range of tracks and movies with Spectrum, Visualizer, Equalizer, Wave Music, DJ Flash, and Beat Wise Particle effects.

With the aid of this software, you can make cool-looking Status Videos and publish them on WhatsApp and other social networking sites. It’s the latest and greatest Status Video Maker App, with over 10 million downloads and a 4.5-star user rating.

Features of Practical.ly Video Status Maker

Mbit Music App allows you to make a status video with completely customizable effects based on the music you choose.
This program has a large collection of the most recent free ringtones, such as Love, Sadness, and Friendship, and festival tones in Indian local languages.
ly Video Status Maker software delivers 1000+ HD 4K wallpapers that you can download and use for free on Mbit Music.

6. Lyrical.ly Video Status Maker

Available with: iOS and Android

Lyrical.ly - Lyrical Video Status Maker is an interactive status video maker tool that allows you to produce a visually appealing video with animated effects. You may create beautiful-looking status videos with your photographs or movies.

It includes a wide music selection from which to choose for your images and videos, making it a one-of-a-kind Status Video Maker App. Lyrical.ly has over 10 million downloads and a 4.3-star user rating.

Features of Lyrical.ly

A dashboard that is simple to use.
A large number of video tracks are available.
The filters and effects of using on the video are fantastic.
Video quality is excellent despite the small file size.

7. Vido: Lyrical Video Status Maker

Available with: Android

Vido is a video maker for lyrical status and a photo creator for particle status. Vido may be used to create special lyrical picture statuses, surprise video statuses, anniversary video statuses, and many more fantastic videos.

It’s a great lyrical status video creation software with music that you can download and share on social media. This Status Video Maker software has over 10 million installations and a user rating of 4.3 stars.

Features of Vido

It aids in creating a fantastic lyrical status video using the most recent hot tunes of your choice. For a cool-looking video, Vido uses many visual effects such as musical waves, beat-wise particles, spectrum, equalization, and so on.
Because the download length of a video on the Vido app is minimal, it saves internet data.
Vido has a status downloader that allows you to save WhatsApp status photos, GIFs, and videos.

8. Boo – Video Status Maker

Available with: Android

Boo – Video Status Maker is a time-saving program that allows you to turn your photos into beautiful videos in a matter of seconds. You can quickly make wonderful Status Videos of your choosing with Boo, such as Birthday Video Statuses, Anniversary Video Statuses, Lyrical Video Statuses, and more, and impress your friends.

The software allows you to effortlessly post the prepared status videos and photographs on any social networking site of your choosing. This freeware Status Video Maker app has over 10 million installations and a 4.4-star user rating on the Google Play Store.

Features of Boo

Boo comes with a fantastic template library that will assist you in creating a fantastic status video.
To make lyrical or other forms of status video, you may add your photographs.
With just a single tap, you may alter a picture or video and post it on your social networking applications.

9. Beely: Black BG Lyrical Video Status and Slideshow

Available with: Android

Beely is the first smartphone program that allows you to make a Black Screen Lyrical Video Status with the song. On a blank screen, you may make a poetic video status in seconds and broadcast it on WhatsApp and other social networking platforms.

You may also make a picture slideshow using your favorite photographs and music. This Status Video Maker App has been downloaded over 1 million times and has a 4.5-star user rating.

Features of Beely

Make a slideshow using your photos and music.
There are about 50 different lyric transition styles.
WhatsApp status saver is built-in.
Instagram Stories Downloader is built-in.
It’s simple to use.

10. Lyrical Photo Status

Available with: Android

The last application in our Status Maker Apps list is this one. Because videos are more popular than photographs these days, I’ve included this app in my list of status creator applications. You may make incredible lyrical statuses with your favorite photographs with this app.

You’ll also find a hundred video themes in this program, which you can use to make fantastic Lyrical status videos. You may also build superb lyrical status with your favorite photographs by browsing your favorite video songs.

Features of Lyrical Photo Status

Depending on your emotions, you can look for poetic status.
You may also go through your favorite video music.
You may also get lyrical video status by downloading it.
You’ll find the Quick Share option here, allowing you to share those videos on social networks quickly.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – the best WhatsApp Status Maker App that would make editing status much easier for you. We have reviewed these apps based on their popularity and benefits. They are free to use and offer great value in their overall performance and usability. You can rest assured trust in our review for these apps!

Features of ShareChat

You may generate or download the newest jokes, photographs, videos, and quotations with ShareChat and share them on your social networking networks with a single tap.
In the ShareChat application, you can create funny WhatsApp stickers with any picture you choose.
The ShareChat app is a video-based platform for showcasing your ability and gaining fans to become a superstar.
You may obtain daily health and fitness suggestions on how to heal yourself with various Homemade cures in the ShareChat app.
Using the chatroom, you may form friendships in your locality’s 15 regional languages.