How to pick perfect images for your website (+ my favorite places to find beautiful stock photography)

It’s a common misconception that design is everything when it comes to websites. And although it is very important, a beautiful and well-thought-out design wouldn’t be complete without beautiful imagery and strategically written copy.

Your images should be: 

• High res (pixelated images are an absolute no no)
• Professional looking (exit dark, cluttered images)
• Anything but cliché: if you can’t hire a professional photographer — which I would definitely recommend that you do — you don’t want to opt for cliché stock photography. It doesn’t appear authentic, doesn’t build trust, and doesn’t make you stand out. Choose wisely.
• Coming from one single collection or have been shot by the same artist. Pictures with similar tones, ideally tones that compliment your brand’s color palette, look better together.
• Different: It’s easy to fall for the beautiful and popular stock photography that’s all over Instagram. Even I, am guilty of that one! But guess what? We’ve all already seen those images everywhere and it just won’t make you stand out. Finding alternatives might involve more research, but it will be worth it.
• Showing diversity

NB: Not every picture is free to use for commercial purposes. Always check the license. Images found on Google or Pinterest are under copyright unless stated otherwise.

Now that you know what to look out for, I’ll give you a head start by sharing my favorite places to buy (or snap for free!) beautiful stock photography.

• Unsplash (free)
• Pexels (free)
• Burst (free)
• Moyo Studio (paid)
  Moyo Studio has the most beautiful range of stock photography AND mock-ups, for those needing to show off their designs, e-books, etc.
• Haute stock (paid)
  Beautiful, feminine and diverse stock photography.
• Élevae Visuals (formerly Social Squares) (paid)
  Similar style to Haute Stock. Ideal for the female entrepreneur.
• Pixistock (paid)
• Colorjoy Stock (paid)
  Stock photography for women of color.
• Death to Stock (paid)
  Stock photography for the cool kids.
• Creative Market* (paid + freebies weekly for members)
  Creative Market is actually my go-to for creative resources, not only stock photography! They are picky when it comes to which creators they accept as sellers, which is a good thing!
• Wellness Stock Shop (paid)
  Beautiful, professional stock photography for wellness businesses.

Do you have a go-to when it comes to stock photography? Tell me your favorites below!