We get asked a lot about stock photography, free graphics, and other items. Someday we dream of creative a stock photography site specifically for Catholic stock photos and graphics, but until then here are some resources that many of us in the group use a lot. So, whether you're a professional graphic designer or a volunteer learning on the fly, we all can use a little help & inspiration.
FIRST: Putting it All Together
While being inspired & having great photos is important. BEFORE you set off on a spirit quest to find all these resources, take time to familiarize yourself with basic communications principles. There is no better place to do that for church communications than through Brady Shearer at Pro Church Tools. There's an incredible website, podcast, social media presence and more you need to familiarize yourself with:
One Secret Mission is the Unsplash for Catholic stock photography. It's royalty free, artistic Catholic stock photography. It's amazing. Use it.
Unsplash
http://unsplash.com/
Royalty Free artistic photography. They have single handily made the internet more beautiful.
Lightstock
www.lightstock.com
Sign up to receive a free photo of the week
Super high quality real-life images
Freely
www.freelyphotos.com
High quality, categorized photos
eCatholic Churches Stock Photos
http://photos.ecatholic.com/gallery/freestockphotos/
Solid generic photos for Catholic Church imagery
Inspiration:
Likable Art
http://www.likableart.com/
Cory is a fantastic Catholic graphic designer. He can assist you with your project, or you can check out his work to inspire your own.
Church Marketing Sucks Blog
http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/
Great place for inspiration and ideas on how churches are upping their communications game.
Church Marketing Lab
https://www.flickr.com/groups/cfcc
Samples of other churches' work. Utilize the search feature to find inspiration for your designs "Advent" "Youth Ministry", etc. NOTE: Although this group has no longer been moderated, there is a huge archive of designs for you to draw inspiration from!
7ulio.com
http://7ulio.com/
Amazing graphic designer who offers some sweet freebies!
Your favorites?
What are a few of your favorite resources to use for inspiration? Comment below!