How to get cheap stock photos?

Finding cheap stock photos has always been every marketer’s dream. As creatives, the beginning of microstock has already been a blessing, reducing the price per photo from hundreds of dollars to sometimes just a few cents. But just because you found the cheapest stock photo site, it might not mean that it’s worth paying for. Why? The cheapest options often come with worse pricing, sometimes dubious acquisition methods, and overall lower photo quality and variety. As someone who has been on a tight budget before, here are the best sites for getting cheap stock photos.

Let me explain each pick. Shutterstock is the father of subscriptions in stock photography, introducing the first one in 2009. So, it comes as no shock that it’s the best stock photo subscription even today. Shutterstock recently rebranded its subscription plans to FLEX, which now enables you to download images, videos, and audio tracks under a single plan, making it extremely versatile. It also harbors the largest collection of stock images at 434 million—of all the stock photo sites I’ve used (and I’ve used a lot), it’s the easiest for me to find a good photo here. If you’re just warming up to the idea of using Shutterstock, I recommend you start with the 30-day free trial or a 15% discount if you’re ready to buy.

Just because I like Shutterstock, it doesn’t mean it will suit you. If Shutterstock is too expensive for you, consider picking a budget pick like Envato Elements. It has a smaller collection of stock images (434 million), but you get unlimited downloads for a small monthly fee of $16.50. Alternatively, you can get our in-house discount of 70% off for the first month.

On the other hand, if you’re a graphic designer or someone already invested in the Adobe ecosystem, Adobe Stock should be your go-to option. It’s a close second to Shutterstock in terms of image quality, but it’s natively integrated into Adobe’s Creative Cloud. This means you can access all its photos from your favorite programs, like Photoshop and Illustrator. Give it a go with the 30-day free trial of stock photos and a complimentary 7 days free of the entire Creative Cloud suite.

It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another while sifting through stock photo libraries, particularly when we stumble upon a single image with a price tag that would make even a seasoned marketer raise an eyebrow: Why are stock photos so darn expensive? To the untrained eye, these are just pictures, right? Well, to unravel the mystery, it’s important to dive a bit deeper into the intricate world of stock photography.

First and foremost, you should understand that behind every stock photo is a complex web of professionals, equipment, and logistics. The photographers who produce these images are often highly skilled, with years of experience and costly gear in their toolkits. Capturing a high-quality, unique image isn’t as simple as snapping a photo on a smartphone. Lighting, composition, and post-production editing play pivotal roles. So, when you’re purchasing a stock photo, you’re not just buying an image; you’re compensating the photographer for their expertise, the time they spent, and the equipment they used.

Moreover, the subjects of these photos often require investment. Think about those perfectly poised models, the picturesque locations, the props, and sometimes even animals. Each of these elements can come with its own set of costs, from model fees to location permits. Photographers or agencies might also have to obtain releases or permissions, ensuring that everyone and everything in the photograph is legally cleared for commercial use. This legal safety net is another key reason why these images fetch a higher price.

But what about the stock photo agencies themselves? These platforms serve as intermediaries between photographers and buyers, providing a searchable database, a payment system, customer support, and marketing efforts. The infrastructure and technology necessary to smoothly run these platforms, along with the staff to maintain them, add another layer to the final price of a stock photo.

Now, consider the exclusivity factor. Some premium stock photos are priced higher because they offer exclusive rights or limited usage, ensuring that the image won’t be seen on a competitor’s billboard or website. In the cutthroat world of advertising and branding, exclusivity is a prized commodity.

Lastly, we should acknowledge the value of time saved. Searching for and securing the rights to images independently can be a daunting task. Stock photo platforms streamline this process, offering many options at your fingertips. For businesses, convenience and speed can justify the cost, especially when weighed against potential legal troubles or the effort of producing original content.

So, the next time you come across a seemingly overpriced stock photo, remember: what you’re seeing is the tip of a very intricate iceberg. Beneath that price tag lies a world of expertise, effort, logistics, and the peace of mind that you’re obtaining a quality, legally secured asset for your project.

While the costs behind premium stock photos are justified, it’s understandable that not everyone has the budget to splash out on high-end imagery. Especially if you’re a budding entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply working on a personal project, every penny counts. But don’t fret; there are ways to navigate the expansive realm of stock photography without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s explore some savvy tactics to find those wallet-friendly gems.

Because we wanted to be thorough, we covered both topics, despite how similar they may seem. The main difference is that the cheapest stock photo sites are ranked purely based on increasing pricing.

In contrast, we ranked the best cheap stock photo sites (the current post) based on the quality of service measured with our ratings. However, we listed only the sites we deemed affordable, meaning those within reach also for users on a tight budget.