Squarespace lends itself to photo driven websites. Good imagery can make or break a Squarespace site.
However, using images from the internet can be a legal minefield. The best way to source photos online without running into any problems is to use stock image websites. In this blog we've picked out our top 5 where you can grab a wide range of stunning images for FREE!
Note: make the most of your images on Squarespace with our gallery plugins.
DEATH TO STOCK PHOTO
The watermark has died! And from it’s ashes Death To Stock Photo has risen. Fancy free, HD images via email every month? With source code font types and archaic drop shadow backgrounds, it’s primitive blanket design is complimented by a diverse portfolio of indie cultured photographs, displayed in a project-based tile format and carefree to navigate through. Project content is politely available in pdf and illustrator formats and just one click away from a download. At times, content description is heavily lethargic and graphically inconsistent, although it’s wording is helpful and friendly.
Creative Design: 6
Function & Navigation: 7
Content: 8
Total Score: 21/30
PEXELS
Pexels is beautiful, and not just visually. A smooth, infinite scrolling home screen filled with a plethora of tiled images itching to be downloaded comes in the highest definition. What’s not to like? An unmissable search bar allows the user to search for literally anything, and unless it’s on the dark side of the moon, they’ll probably find it. A remarkably broad variety of photographic categories awaits the undecided user, all with a vastly dense database of content. Navigating around Pexels is nothing short of a luxury, all the links work, all the images are free, all the time.
Creative Design: 8
Function & Navigation: 8
Content: 8
Total Score: 24/30
PIXABAY
Pixabay is a hidden treasure chest of precious illustration free to be raided by any imaginative pirate. It’s an honest ocean that a dog could navigate, seriously. It features a search bar that has no spell check and allows the user to surf for simply anything. What sets Pixabay apart is it’s charitable inventory of videos, graphics and illustrations, as well as typical stock photo material; all of which come in 4k definition. However, lethargic hyperlinks and tedious download procedures suggest a domain with very low self-esteem.
Creative Design: 7
Function & Navigation: 7
Content: 9
Total Score: 23/30
STOCKSNAP
Stocksnap truly is for the designer. Although its lack in content wouldn’t have you staring forever, the quality of it certainly would. Crystalline land and cityscapes flushed with seasonal hipster filters perfectly capture the look and feel of 21st century design. An infinite scrolling home screen with navigational arrows are a generous touch, as is the steadfast side-menu in case one get’s lost. Curved font types and natural colour schemes help the user feel welcome and this is the websites greatest characteristic; It feels like a genuine host, a friend that wants to make things easier for you. And it does.
Creative Design: 8
Function & Navigation: 8
Content: 9
Total Score: 25/30
UNSPLASH
Unsplash is all about fun; though it may not be instantly apparent. Ignore the binary logo and font type, scroll down and get ambushed by simply jaw dropping images composited of every skittles colour in the bag. The angles and ideas behind some of their photographs are quite extraordinary and leave you wondering if these are truly free? Well they are, and they are viewable in full screen or tile mode, and instantly shareable on almost every social media platform. You can like, or love them, download, or edit them. ‘Staring then sharing’ would be a great way to some up the users experience on what i would rather call ‘funsplash’
Creative Design: 8
Function & Navigation: 8
Content: 10
Total Score: 26/30