You’d probably never believe it (or maybe you would), but the U.S. Government provides some nifty photos that are basically free from copyright except, possibly, for commercial use - but only in some instances. Some sites also have print-quality resolutions available. As a bonus, I included another non-governmental link at the bottom that will blow your mind if you don’t know about it already.
Public Health Image Library (PHIL) from the Centre for Disease Control – Warning! Some images are unsuitable for children because they’re fairly graphic (seriously graphic). But you can find natural disaster, bioterrorism, and influenza photos, illustrations, and videos here for the asking.
CIA Publications Homepage – This undercover operation hands out free maps and flags from all over the world.
Library of Congress, American Memory – I learned about this one through my history courses in graduate school. Just start clicking and searching. You’ll be amazed at what you can uncover here. Some beautiful images, line drawings, photographs, and architectural renderings are available all at the click of a mouse.
National Park Service – This is the site where I copped that “burning marsh” image from in the How to Recognize Deceptive Photos article at DMXzone. You can find images of parks, yes – but you can also find many more images of natural objects, memorials, and – well, you name it. By the time you’re through browsing through this site, you’ll know what half of America looks like.
NASA – need I say more? I’m sure you already have this one saved on your “favourites.� But, this link takes you directly to the Image Exchange, where you can search for images by keywords. The only thing you cannot use is the NASA logo! But, read the copyright notice to make sure that you’re covered. The way that things are changing in the states these days, you might do the same with all the above sites as well.
Blue Vertigo – this is the mega-momma of all free resource sites. It takes a bit to get used to the volume, but once you get a handle on how to navigate this site you’ll discover a plethora of links to places you never knew existed before. You’ll find stock photo sites categorized by “free, cheap, commercial, specialist,” and vector clip art sites, font sites, sounds, and Photoshop brushes – all either free or commercial (scroll sideways to visit all the categories). Once you get here you might never leave! Subscribe to learn when new sites are added. Few if any dead links, and temporarily disconnected sites are noted with a “T.” An amazing tool.
