Offsite Resources – Free Stock Images – Site List

In creating either 2D or 3D CGI artwork, one must collect a number of resources images in which to reference the real world. If you want to paint or model say Machu Picchu, you are going to need to know what it looks like.

These are the free sites I use for finding reference photos. Not image textures per-say but photos to use as inspiration on a starting point.

——————–

Google Image – Get imaginative with your keywords that you use in your search, the whole world is out there.

Deviant Art – This will take you to their Stock Images section, use the subcategories or the search option.
*Note: Using Deviant Art’s search option will only show up to 1,000 results, maximum. (no way around this, not even with a paid membership).

Flickr – Awesomely huge searchable database but as with all these sites, do mind any copyright wishes the photographers request.

Freerange – Free stock image site, requires free registration (worth it).

Stockvault – Free stock image site, requires free registration (worth it).

Stock.chng – Free stock image site, requires free registration (worth it).

——————–

This list is a preliminary one, as I remember more useful sites or run across any new ones I will come back to this post and add them on.

If you have any suggestions, feel free to email them to me at kirkdunne@yahoo.com