12 Amazing Vintage Public Domain Free Stock Photo Websites
A while back i shared 16 Stock photo websites that you can sell your digital photography or graphic design skills . But sometimes you need graphics for your projects . Below is a list of some of useful free stock photo sites that I have found and bookmarked over the years.
Public Domain Archive Free Stock Photo
An interesting collection of stock photo images though the site doesn’t have a large database of images but they do post a weekly free image for download. The site has a Vintage images section right from the home page , a Weekly free image link and modern images link.
The British Library on Flickr
The British Library on Flickr has released thousands of stock photo images into the public domain . There are lots of useful decorative accents and elements for digital collage or such . The sizes are various they can be easily incorporated into your artworks as parts of a one whole artwork. Can be used for adaptive and derivative works.
usa.gov stock photo images
Here you can get linked to all the photo archives of different US government organizations like NASA, US Fish and Wildlife, and the Library of Congress. It’s a lot to go through and find something perfect for your need as lot of redundant images are posted but it’s going to be one of the more reliable sources out there for finding public domain images
Some of these photos are in the public domain or U.S. government works and may be used without permission or fee. However, some images may be protected by license or copyright. You should read the disclaimers on each site before using these images.
Flickr Common
A big library of public domain images the site shares hidden treasures from the world’s public photography archives. some of these valuable archives are by public libraries and museums . The images are there as they have expired and fall into public domain. Again you might need some time out to browse the site . Good idea would be to create your own sets of images while you browse.
Public Domain Pictures
A useful repository of free public domain images , free download high quality HD photos you can even share your own and become part of the community. For Commercial Use , please be aware that some photos do require a model or property release .
PD Photos
PDPhoto.org is a repository for free public domain photos. Unless something is clearly marked as being copyrighted, you can assume it is free to use. But if you intend to use an image you find here for commercial use, please be aware that standards for such use are higher. Specifically, you should assume no model release was obtained. And pictures featuring products or property should be used with care. The photos are here to be used, but I don’t want you to get either of us in trouble over it.
Old Book Illustrations
This site is dedicated to providing our visitors with a wide range of illustrations scanned from old books. Most of these vintage pictures are originally wood engravings or woodcuts, fewer are etchings or metal engravings; if you are looking for nineteenth century or victorian clipart, you might just find it here.
Some bonus Links that are equally image rich!
- http://www.pdclipart.org/
- http://www.1millionfreepictures.com/
- http://www.picdrome.com/
- http://www.mypublicdomainpictures.com/
- http://publicdomainreview.org/
- http://www.public-domain-photos.com/
Important lincesing info :
All Images provided on Public Domain Archive are bound to Creative Commons Deed CC0. You are free to adapt and use the Images for commercial purposes without attributing the original author or source.
Generally, works in the public domain, including images, can be used without restriction. However, determining if a work or image is in fact in the public domain can be challenging, there is always the possibility, however small, that an image on this site is in fact not in the public domain and has been erroneously included in their collections. So make sure if you are using an image for commercial purpose you do your homework on the image still.
