Keeping your blog fresh and fun is as easy as using unique stock art. Try to consider that in the world of web 2.0 you may ant to refrain from the use of clip art images we all used 15 years ago which will give your blog a ‘dated’ look.

Most bloggers aren’t huge corporations or newspapers with the money to purchase the rights to large volume royalty art. There are some affordable and even free solutions online.

One of my first suggestions is to use sources like flicker. When you find an image you would like to use you will need to CONTACT the photos or images owner and ask for permission to use their image. explain where you will use it, and how, with an offer to provide a link back to them. Of course you will then have to wait for their reply (which may never come as not everyone actively checks their in messages at flicker.

There are a few services online allowing you to use images without needing to pay royalties or one-time publishing rights.

My favourite is DreamsTime. The allow you to search their ‘free images’. Though you will need to check the royalty usages and requirements of each image (some require that you insert an html code on your site giving credit to the artist).

I just discovered Snappixel. On of our blogger members is a photographer and he informed me it is where he lists his photos.

Here are some more:

Pixmac: – find photos for your blog – and earn revenue offering your own photos for others to use.

Stock Exchange: – offers a great selection of photos for your blog.

PD Photo:

IStock Photo: I love their Dollar Bin full of great images for your blog.

ShutterStock:  Thousands of photos for your blog and the ability to earn revenue with your own photos.

Good luck and please feel free to comment and share some of your favourite royalty free photo and image services.