Good quality stock images can make a huge difference to a blog or website. They can attract attention, illustrate a point, and add a professional polish to your text. If you post several times a week, the cost of purchasing professional stock can soon add up. Here is a quick tip on sourcing free quality stock images.
SXC.HU
The quality of the majority of these images falls into the ‘amateur’ category, but since all are free it is worth doing a quick search before checking paid stock image sites. I have found some nice vector based graphics as well as editorial stock there.
[alert_blue]Many of the better images require attribution, or permission, so check the usage requirements before using.[/alert_blue]
Sxc.hu is now owned by iStockPhoto, who display results from their site alongside your search, so if you can’t find what you are looking for on sxc.hu at least you can jump straight to relevant images on the premium site.
iStockPhoto
Did you know that iStockPhoto offers one free stock image download each week? The images are from their huge range of high quality, professional stock images and cover a variety of topics.
The images are available in a range of formats to suit your final usage needs.
[alert_blue]You can download the image in pretty large dimensions, so think outside the box – even if the full image doesn’t fit your needs, perhaps a section could be cropped and used.[/alert_blue]
PhotoDune 
The latest web design offering from the Envato team, they are following the trend of offering regular free stock photos each month. Worth checking each week to see if the images suit your needs.
Got a teeny tech stone in your shoe? Ask your question and we’ll try to solve as many as possible in future Teeny Tech Tip posts.
I have purchased from iStockPhoto before. Luckily I still have 13 credits and found some very cool items today!