One of the biggest problems I’ve faced in my main years writing blog posts has been finding good images to use. Sometimes it’s simply a case of struggling to think of the right idea, but more often it’s wading through the hundreds of cheesy stock photos or settling for a, at best, loosely connected image that comes from one of the free image providers. Over time I’ve manage to find a variety of solution including free sites which offer great images and premium offerings like Lightstock. However, one of the best solutions I’ve come up with is to take my own photos.
Admittedly, when I started taking these photos they were absolutely terrible, but over time I’ve improved and learned more about what makes a good image for blog posts and announcements as well as general graphics. Elements such as leading lines, negative space, the rule of thirds, the level of contrast in the image, and more. This has helped me improved my photos a lot (not that I couldn’t improve more).
Since I’ve become a Staff Writer for ChurchMag, it has made me ask the question more:
“How can I help the readers of ChurchMag and equip the church?”
Well, this is my latest answer. I’m giving my photos away with ChurchMag for you to use as you like (under CC0 1.0) for two reasons.
- To equip the church and Christians.
- To drive me to hone my skill.
For the second part, I’d request your feedback on these images (you can contact me on Twitter and elsewhere) and I’d love your requests for other images that you would find useful to use in your church, blog, social media account etc.
How to Get These Free Photos?
As I assemble these photo sets, they will be given away to weekly and monthly ChurchMag newsletter subscribers. In fact, the first set goes out this weekend!
Simply sign up here so you don’t miss out:
Again, these will be given away in the Weekly and Monthly Capsules, or we can discuss solo licensing and speedy delivery options if you are looking for that, too.
What types of photo sets would you like to see released in an upcoming ChurchMag newsletter?
[Image via Chris Wilson for ChurchMag]
Laurie Neumann says
Thanks so much for sharing your photos. You are so right – finding good affordable images can be a challenge. But photos really add so much to a blog post. I’m looking forward to seeing your work. Thanks again!
Chris Wilson says
Thanks Laurie,
I completely agree, a blog posts with a well chosen image really shines! If you have any requests then just hit me up and I’ll see what I can do [no promises]
Chris Huff says
Thanks for doing this. It can be extremely difficult and time consuming to find a good image for each and every blog post. I actually wrote a WordPress plugin so that I wouldn’t have to do this anymore. Regarding your question, a wide diversity of images would be most helpful, I think.
Chris Wilson says
Thanks Chris,
What plugin did you make? I know I used to use one that search through creative commons images. We’re releasing sets along themes at the moment but we may do some random ones later. I think there are enough walking through forest type images from unsplash et al so I think I’m going to avoid that sort of thing.
Thanks for the positive feedback Chris.
Chris Huff says
It’s called “Auto Featured Image from Title.” It takes a base image which the user can select (or have randomly selected) and then writes the post title on top if it. Nice for those who just want to write a post and be done with it. Certainly not for everyone, and I don’t even use it on all of my blogs (yet), so I thank you for offering quality photos to be used.
Eric Dye says
So. Exciting. 😀
Chris Wilson says
We-we-we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today
Sean Leacy (@GeekAthair) says
That’s great! I’ve found a few sites that give me quality free stock photos but have the blessing of having a professional photographer as a wife. That said, her business has grown and it’s more appropriate to add a water mark on any photos she provides now. Not being a big fan of water marks on images for blog posts I’ve gone the route of getting back in to photography myself. I get to use her lenses for the time being but need pick up a few of my own for my 40D.
I’ll definitely subscribe.
Gangai wrote a post for you guys about 7 Websites to Get Free High Quality Images which lead me to Eric’s post on Pexels and it has become my go-to for images. They feel more "photography" than "stock".
Chris Wilson says
So personally I dislike pexels because frankly it feels like it is sticking to the letter of the law with Creative Commons but not the spirit. The point of Pexels is to hoard other sources of free images which others have created and then make money via adverts, upsale or donations. The service they offer is a search engine basically. But they don’t direct the users on to the original sources (yes there is a link but they offer an onsite download). This means that if the creator has a monetization plan to help support their service, Pexels kills it and makes it much harder for that creator to succeed. Yes, they are offering a unique service, yes they are sticking to the terms and rules of the legal agreement but they are harming all their sources and could ultimately lead to them closing.