Every startup founder or marketer knows visuals are non-negotiable for branding, marketing, and online presence. But with bootstrap budgets tighter than your morning coffee budget, where do you source high-quality stock photos without breaking the bank?
Good news, this guide has your back! We’ve rounded up the 10 best sites to snag exceptional stock-photo deals whether you’re looking to pay, go free, or cleverly stack coupons to stretch those dollars further. From mainstream platforms to hidden gems, this article gives you the scoop on maximizing your startup’s visual game without maxing out your credit card.
Ready? Let’s dive in and discover the best photo deals around!
1. Alamy
Alamy offers one of the largest and most diverse libraries in the stock photo industry, ideal for startups seeking unique, editorial-style images not found elsewhere. Quality, variety, and an enormous collection of exclusive content are Alamy’s strong suits.
Plus, save more with an Alamy discount code on Shopper.com, one of the best coupon platforms for creative tools.
Typical Pricing: $19.99 per image, flexible plans available.
Savings Tips: Check Shopper.com regularly for coupon stacking and seasonal discounts.
Best for:
- Editorial and niche-specific images
- Authentic, non-stocky visuals
2. Shutterstock
Shutterstock remains a staple for startups needing high-quality stock-photo deals fast. Known for versatility, its extensive library covers nearly every niche imaginable, from tech startups to lifestyle brands.
Typical Pricing: $29/month for 10 images.
Savings Tips: Bundle monthly plans and stack coupon codes via Shopper.com for up to 25% off.
Best for:
- Rapidly scaling startups
- Bulk photo needs
3. Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, making workflow a breeze for creative startups. It excels in graphic elements, templates, and HD visuals.
Typical Pricing: $29.99/month for 10 assets.
Savings Tips: Combine Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions with coupon stacking through Shopper.com for up to 30% off.
Best for:
- Creative agencies
- Integrated workflows
4. Depositphotos
Depositphotos provides millions of royalty-free visuals, known for affordability and variety. Especially startup-friendly with frequent discounts and flexible plans.
Typical Pricing: $9.99/month for 10 images.
Savings Tips: Use Shopper.com regularly for coupon stacking; seasonal deals often give up to 40% off.
Best for:
- Budget-sensitive startups
- Frequent promotions
5. Envato Elements
Envato Elements is perfect for startups seeking comprehensive creative assets: photos, graphics, templates, and videos under a single subscription.
Typical Pricing: $16.50/month unlimited downloads.
Savings Tips: Look out for annual deals and Shopper.com coupon stacking for additional 10–20% off.
Best for:
- Versatile creative needs
- High-volume asset use
6. Stocksy
Stocksy specializes in authentic, high-quality lifestyle imagery ideal for startups wanting an original aesthetic. Images here feel custom, not stock.
Typical Pricing: $15–$125 per photo.
Savings Tips: Use Shopper.com discount codes to save up to 20% during special sales.
Best for:
- Premium, authentic visuals
- Lifestyle and branding images
7. Unsplash+
Unsplash+ elevates Unsplash’s free library with premium paid offerings, featuring exclusive visuals from top photographers perfect for startups.
Typical Pricing: $4/month (billed annually).
Savings Tips: Stack limited-time coupons via Shopper.com for additional savings.
Best for:
- Minimalist, modern startups
- Exclusivity at low cost
8. Pexels
Pexels offers thousands of free, high-quality visuals suitable for general startup needs, with optional premium features enhancing search and discovery.
Typical Pricing: Free (premium features extra).
Savings Tips: Combine premium upgrades with coupon stacking via Shopper.com.
Best for:
- Free high-quality images
- General visual needs
9. Pixabay
Pixabay provides free-to-use images across numerous categories, excellent for bootstrapped startups needing broad, versatile content.
Typical Pricing: Completely free.
Savings Tips: Complement free images with paid assets using Shopper.com coupons for more niche visuals.
Best for:
- Totally free image sourcing
- Broad subject coverage
10. Moose
Moose specializes in playful, customizable stock photos ideal for tech, SaaS, and creative startups looking to stand out visually.
Typical Pricing: Free basic library, $14.90/month premium.
Savings Tips: Stack premium account discounts with coupon codes via Shopper.com.
Best for:
- Unique, customizable visuals
- SaaS and creative branding
Coupon-Stacking 101
One underused strategy startups miss is coupon-stacking—combining lifetime deals from SaaSPirate with extra discounts via coupon platforms like Shopper.com. This powerful technique significantly stretches startup budgets.
Here’s how:
- Find lifetime deals on SaaSPirate.com.
- Search for additional coupons for the same platform on Shopper.com.
- Apply both deals simultaneously at checkout.
Doing this can slash costs by an extra 10–40% off regular LTD prices. Don’t forget—bookmark Shopper.com for daily updates on deals.
Free-Image Sources Worth Bookmarking
For truly zero-cost stock photos, bookmark these:
- Unsplash
- Pexels
- Pixabay
- Burst by Shopify
While free resources help, always verify licenses carefully. For crucial branding or commercial use, paying for licensed images ensures legal safety and exclusivity.
License Types Decoded
- Royalty-Free: Unlimited use, no extra fees.
- Editorial: Newsworthy but restricted commercial use.
- Extended: Broader commercial rights.
Legal tip: Always double-check licenses to prevent costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Saving cash while boosting your startup’s visual appeal is entirely achievable. Smart founders compare plans, use free resources, strategically stack coupons, and keep an eye on lifetime deals. By leveraging platforms like Shopper.com and SaaSPirate.com, you can stretch every startup dollar further.
Found any smart hacks or platforms we missed? Share your favorite stock-photo deals or coupon stacking tips in the comments below!
