If you know me, you have most likely heard me say that I am not artistic and I would even say that I am “artistically challenged!”
Fortunately, there are many very talented people who have made publically available content and tools, allowing even people like me, an opportunity to create meaningful graphics to support ministry.
Below is a list of sites where you can find free graphics, photos, backdrops, and more. Be sure to check the license agreement listed for each site as they are regularly updated and may be different from the information I am sharing in this article.
I am just scratching the surface of sites that provide free graphics in this article. Even sites that charge for graphics will often have a “free photos” section. You may be able to find the perfect photo on other locations beyond what are listed here.
That being said, if you are searching for a photo and use something you find in “Google images” or another search tool, MANY TIMES there are fees associated with using these graphics. Be mindful of this. Some people make their living creating beautiful content and not only is it ILLEGAL to use it (often illegal even if you credit the source), but it is just wrong. Please always check the licensing and copyright restrictions.
The websites listed below offer photos that are free from copyright restrictions however, some photos may require attribution. Remember to give credit to licensed photos.
This list is in alphabetical order.
1) Canva
Canva is an online tool loaded with enough easy-to-use features and functionality allowing anyone to create a variety of graphics, images, and engaging content. It is also loaded with free graphics for your use.
Click here to watch a video I recorded sharing a little more about Canva and how it works.
(The “Work Version” is also Free for Non-Profits. Just complete this application.)
2) CreationSwap®
CreationSwap serves as a creative hub where churches everywhere can access high quality visual and audio content ready to be utilized for any purpose.
3) Dreamstime
Dreamstime is a leader in stock photography and a reliable supplier of high quality digital images at affordable prices. Online since 2000 as a Royalty-Free stock photography website, Dreamstime has evolved into a powerful and active community-based site.
Please be sure to use the Free Photos or set up an account and purchase their premium photos.
4) For Ministry Resources
Thousands of graphics. Images are all “your’s to use” — no credit needed. No watermark. No fine print.
5) Free Bible Images
Free sets of Bible story images for teaching use in PowerPoint, PDF, Keynote, or JPEG formats.
6) Free Nature Stock
You are free to use the photos however you want, even in commercial work, without the need for permission or attribution. In short: do whatever you want.
7) Freely Photos | Free Christian Stock Photos
High-quality Christian stock photography available for free.
8) Goodstock Photos
Good Stock Photos is a project of SparkFlow that offers design and marketing services, as well as free resources, for small business and nonprofits.
9) Pixabay
Over 1.5 million royalty free stock photos and videos shared by their generous community.
10) Saltful
Like unsplash.com but for churches and ministries. Awesome pics, but no way to search for photos and it can be hard to find an image for your needs.
11) Visual Hunt
High quality free photos in one place. Free images from many online sources together in one spot. Most of photos are CC0 license (do whatever you want). Additionally offered is all Creative Commons and Public Domain photos from sources like Flickr.
12) Unsplash
Beautiful, free photos. Gifted by a generous community of photographers.
