Looking for free, authentic images for your digital scrapbooking projects? Morguefile.com is a valuable resource, similar to Pixabay, but with a different emphasis. It's a treasure trove for those seeking less "stock-photo" styled pictures, offering a more candid and real-world aesthetic.
What is Morguefile?
Morguefile was originally created as a resource for creatives like designers, artists, and teachers who needed free images for their projects. Unlike traditional stock photo sites, Morguefile offers a more raw, natural, and candid collection. The site features a mix of user-uploaded photos that don’t always have the polished, commercial look of stock photography—making them perfect for scrapbookers who want something more organic and personal. It's a place where you can find images that feel lived-in and authentic.
How Digital Scrapbookers Can Use Morguefile
Morguefile offers a variety of images perfect for digital scrapbooking. Many images can be used as backgrounds and textures, adding depth and interest to your layouts.
You can also extract elements from photos, isolating objects to use as embellishments.
The images are also fantastic for photo manipulation; experiment with blending multiple photos together for unique artistic effects. Morguefile images are free for both personal and commercial use. To be sure, the licensing information for each image is available at the point of download. You just need to have a free account to access those photos.
Something to be aware
When you get to the site, you will see tabs for Videos, Vectors, and Templates. However, those resources will immediately direct you to Shutterstock, a different site that requires you to pay to access them. This means that Morguefile ONLY offers photos.
Morguefile and Other Free Image Sites
Compared to Pixabay, Morguefile offers more candid and real-world photos, while Pixabay leans towards more "professional" stock photos. Unlike Unsplash, which focuses on high-resolution, artistic photography, Morguefile includes a broader variety, from everyday snapshots to more experimental shots. While some images on Morguefile might be lower in resolution than those found on other sites, this is often perfectly acceptable for digital scrapbooking and other online uses.
Conclusion
Explore Morguefile and experiment with its diverse collection of images in your digital scrapbooking and other creative projects. It’s a great resource for finding less “staged” photos that can add a touch of authenticity to your work. Although it might not offer everything you need, keep it in your list of possible resources to visit.
