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8 Awesome Stock Photo Websites (Paid and Free)

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In the age of the internet, visual content is essential. With attention spans getting shorter, readers prefer images and videos over reading words on a screen.  According to a study, 63% of businesses heavily rely on visual content in their marketing strategy.

The need for images and other visual media is constantly growing. In most cases, it is not feasible to hire a professional photographer due to cost constraints. And that is where stock photo websites come to the rescue. According to a survey, 40% of marketers said they use stock photos frequently.

Why Use Stock Photos?

Stock images are usually taken with the intent to sell through stock photo agencies. They’re not clicked for a specific project by the photographer.

Companies and individuals typically opt for stock images when they don’t have the resources to organize a photo shoot. They may also use these photos if taking original pictures is impractical.

Understanding Licenses

Some stock photography is permitted to be used for any purpose, while others come with restrictions. Each stock photo website has a license attached to its images.

You may have a limited time to utilize these images, may be restricted in types of use or how often you can utilize them. So it’s important to understand the license before using the photos to avoid legal issues later on.

Selecting the Best Stock Photo Websites

The best stock photography websites go beyond just selling stock photographs. Many are one-stop shops for a wide range of stock media, such as vectors, illustrations, fonts, music, video, and the like. It makes these stock photography web services a creative professional’s best friends.

Let’s dive in and have a look at some of the best stock photo websites out there.

1. Photocase (Paid)

 Photocase is a Berlin-based premium stock image website.

Their very close curation and strict audit principles make their collection somewhat small yet excellent.

Photocase offers diverse stock images that align with the reigning social mood in 2021. They also exceed niche-like concepts relevant today, such as positive disability images or senior stock images.

Photocase offers two types of pricing models, direct purchase and credit bundles. You can purchase images directly or buy cheap and convenient with a credit bundle.

Their direct purchase is ideal for occasional content requirements.

Price aware clients benefit from the attractive discounts of Credit packages to download their stock photos.

Best Features

  • Five free credits and a 10% discount
  • Features lightboxes an easy way to organize your photos by theme, project, or even client
  • Lowest prices with 20% discount for editorial use
  • Images can be used on social media handles like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. at no extra cost

2. Getty Images (Paid)

Getty Images is a very well-renowned stock photography agency.

It’s been around much before the advent of the Internet era. It evolved with changes and rapidly transformed into an online platform.

This stock photo agency has millions of exclusive images from all around the globe, in addition to an exceptionally massive collection of editorial content.

In Getty Images, you can purchase photographs under the Rights Managed license. This more conventional licensing model is tailored according to your specific needs and may include exclusive photo usage, among other perks.

They have a collection of Royalty-Free photos and editorial images that you can purchase in an Ultra pack upon request, with significant concessions for bulk buying.

Best Features

  • No daily or monthly download limitations
  • Available on Android and iOS platforms
  • Access to media manager
  • Supports multiple plugins and extensions
  • Offers creative insights

3. Stockphotos.com (Paid)

StockPhotos.com primarily focuses on small and medium-sized organizations. Created by a team of experts in the stock photography industry, it offers more than 7 million royalty-free pictures. They have flexible plans and also offer customized ones to suit your budget.

You can purchase images on demand with image packs, starting at 5 images for $39 and up to 100 images for $360.The well-known 99 club plan offers 200 downloads a year for $99.

Best Features

  • Quality royalty-free images for as low as 99 cents per image
  • Fre image upscaling tool
  • Supports multiple file formats and plugins
  • Provides special offers from renowned stock photo websites

4. Shutterstock (Paid)

Shutterstock is one of the most prominent stock photo destinations with an impressive collection of images and allied media.

With 190 million assets and counting, they have an endless variety of content. These images are very high quality as well.

You can purchase royalty-free stock pictures on-demand with picture packs, at five photographs for $49 or 25 for $229, coming about in the middle $9.16 and $9.80 per photograph. Yet, the best costs are those offered in their memberships.

You can now try their images and service quality for free with the new Shutterstock Free Trial that gives you ten free downloads for 30 days!

Best Features

  • Access to the free image resizer
  • Access to Shutterstock editor
  • Access to online file converter
  • Shutterstock is available on Android and iOS platforms

5. iStock (Paid)

iStock (formerly known as iStockphoto) was the pioneer organization in selling stock photographs online under a royalty-free license.

With 18 years in the business and sponsored by the esteemed Getty Images, the iStock website sells photographs on-demand with credit packs and memberships.

iStock is renowned for its exceptionally curated library with many photographs in two essential groups. However, you can likewise utilize the site’s search feature or browse pictures by category.

The larger the plan and the extended the commitment, the lower the price per image. You can put in from $29 up to $199 per month and get photographs for money-making purposes for as little as 21 cents. You can also get a fantastic discount on istock images with the help of a promo code.

Best Features

  • Access to iStock editor
  • Boards to organize and share
  • Supports multiple plugins
  • Supports Adobe Creative Cloud Applications

6. Canva (Free + Paid)

Canva is a famous picture-altering tool for people who aren’t design-savvy. They also offer Canva Pro, a membership-based service intended for business users.

This platform offers a comprehensive library with more than 60 million pictures, illustrations, icons, templates, and more. Their membership accompanies limitless downloads at no additional expense!

However, what separates Canva Pro isn’t only the available download cap. Canva Pro adds a Brand Kit component to the easy-to-use altering apparatus to effectively make marked visuals for various purposes.

Another essential function is a Publishing assistant to manage and send out designs to your multiple channels from one place. And that’s to name a small number.

This full-pack of simplified design costs only $9.95 a month (when you pay once a year upfront, or else it’s $13.95 monthly).

Best Features

  • Access to a free online image editor
  • Supports image editing and sharing on social media platforms
  • Offers various stock and social media related short-courses
  • Available on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows

7. Pixabay (Free)

Pixabay is a Germany-based free stock photography website. Pixabay provides pictures you can download and utilize for free that they crowdsourced from photographers.

They have a pool of over 1.4 million content and counting. The website also incorporates a blog and a community forum to guide its users on several areas of interest.

All images at Pixabay are licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license, and you can freely use them for individual and commercial projects.

Pixabay has dedicated staff that assesses the images’ quality and ensures that they are legal to use. This helps the users avoid any legal troubles later on.

Best Features

  • Massive collection of high-quality stock photos available for free
  • An advanced search engine with a safe search feature
  • You can utilize the content in individual and commercial projects
  • Supports sharing of content directly to social media handles

8. Unsplash (Free)

Unsplash is a free stock photo site owned by Crew – a platform that connects clients with freelance designers, web developers, and small studio services.

It was created five years ago as a humble Tumblr blog offering photographs from a custom photoshoot for free. Now it’s one of the most well-known free photo websites around, utilized by gigantic brands like Apple. Unsplash facilitates more than 500,000 free photographs from contributors.

Unsplash uses their custom license, which is essentially a Creative Commons Zero license.

On this website, all images are for free, without any catch. Their snapshots are high quality, modern, authentic, and they’re all available to download and use for free.

Best Features

  • Available on iOS platform
  • Supports multiple plugins
  • You can use the downloaded images without attribution freely
  • You can use pictures for commercial projects as well

The Bottom Line

The best stock photo websites maintain strict guidelines that filter out poor-quality or unprofessional content. Such strict quality guidelines ensure subscribers access to high-resolution, top-quality photos, videos, illustrations, vectors, and more.

Many stock photo websites offer free high-quality stock photos, illustrations, vector art, videos, etc. In contrast, some offer affordable monthly subscriptions and different licensing or pricing tiers. The different options enable designers, bloggers, marketers, and others to join a price point that suits them.

No single website can claim to be perfect. You can consider any of the sites mentioned above based on the kind of content that suits your particular needs and budget.

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Lifesytle

A Curry Odyssey – 10 Must-Visit Indian Restaurants Beyond the London Rush

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A Curry Odyssey - 10 Must-Visit Indian Restaurants Beyond the London Rush

London’s Indian food scene is legendary – a kaleidoscope of regional specialties, Michelin-starred marvels, and comforting neighborhood curry houses. But venture beyond the capital, and a whole new world of culinary delights awaits.

From the fragrant coastal curries of Kerala to the fiery vindaloos of the West Midlands, the UK boasts a vibrant tapestry of Indian flavors waiting to be explored.

This guide from CJ Digital whisks you on a journey across the country, showcasing 10 incredible Indian restaurants outside of London that deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list. So ditch the tube map, grab your appetite, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure.

The Chilli Pickle, Manchester: Nestled in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, The Chilli Pickle is a haven for inventive Indian cuisine. Chef Neil Howie puts a playful spin on classic dishes, incorporating seasonal British produce with fiery Indian spices.

Indulge in the decadent Lamb Rogan Josh with melt-in-your-mouth lamb and a rich tomato gravy or the Keralan-style Fish Curry, bursting with coconut milk, fresh herbs, and a touch of lime.

Their vibrant small plates, like the Crispy Cauliflower with Madras glaze and the Samosa Chaat, are perfect for sharing with friends. Wash it all down with a selection of craft beers or innovative cocktails that riff on Indian ingredients.

2. The Radhuni, Birmingham: Birmingham boasts a thriving Indian food scene, and The Radhuni stands out as a local favorite. This family-run restaurant champions authentic Bengali cuisine, offering a taste of home for many residents and a unique culinary experience for newcomers.

Their menu features dishes you won’t find everywhere, like the melt-in-your-mouth Aloo Posto (potatoes cooked in a poppy seed gravy) and the Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa fish in a mustard sauce).

Be sure to try the Luchi Poori, a fluffy deep-fried bread that’s perfect for scooping up the flavorful curries. The unpretentious setting and warm service only enhance the experience.

3. The Real Indian Kitchen, Edinburgh: This restaurant group boasts several locations across Scotland, but the Edinburgh outpost remains a standout. Their philosophy is simple: to serve high-quality, authentic Indian food using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu features a fantastic selection of regional specialties, from the creamy Makhani dishes of North India to the spicy Chettinad curries from the South.

Don’t miss their signature Thali platters, which showcase a variety of dishes on a single plate, allowing you to sample the breadth of Indian cuisine. The stylish yet relaxed ambiance makes it perfect for a casual lunch or a special occasion.

4. Mowgli Street Food, Various Locations: If you’re looking for a vibrant and casual Indian dining experience, look no further than Mowgli Street Food. With several locations across the UK, they offer a modern take on Indian street food, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Their open kitchens allow you to witness the culinary magic as chefs prepare dishes like the signature Mowgli Keema, a delicious minced lamb dish, and the innovative Yoghurt Lamb Curry with a tangy twist.

The small plates are ideal for sharing and trying a variety of flavors. Don’t forget to order their signature Roti breads – light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the delicious curries.

5. The Cinnamon Club, Brighton: Step into this award-winning restaurant, and you’ll be transported to a world of opulent Indian elegance. The Cinnamon Club offers a fine-dining experience with a focus on modern Indian cuisine.

Chef Iqbal Wahhab creates stunning dishes that showcase the best of Indian ingredients and techniques. Dive into the melt-in-your-mouth Malabar scallops cooked in a coconut curry or the succulent lamb shank slow-cooked with fragrant spices.

Their extensive wine list features impressive choices to complement every dish. The luxurious décor and attentive service create a truly memorable dining experience.

6. Tattva, Farnborough: Nestled in the heart of Farnborough, Tattva offers a unique and modern take on Indian cuisine. Chef Patron Ajoy Banerjee has carefully curated a menu that highlights regional specialties from across India.

Be sure to try the Keralan Fish Curry, brimming with fresh flavors, or the Goan Pork Vindaloo, a fiery delight for adventurous palates. You won’t find the usual suspects here – instead, Tattva focuses on showcasing the diversity and depth of Indian culinary traditions.

The stylish ambience with a contemporary Indian touch creates a comfortable and inviting space.

7. Asha’s, Birmingham: A Birmingham institution for over 30 years, Asha’s remains a popular choice for delicious and authentic Indian food. Their menu features a mix of classics and innovative dishes, catering to a wide range of palates.

Opt for the comforting Chicken Tikka Masala with its creamy tomato base or the fiery Lamb Vindaloo for a taste of the fiery side of Indian cuisine. Their Thali platters are a great way to sample a variety of flavors, and their extensive cocktail list features refreshing and flavorful options.

8. The Indian Ocean, Bristol: This family-run restaurant has been serving up authentic Indian cuisine in Bristol for over 30 years. The Indian Ocean is known for its traditional dishes, cooked using traditional methods and fresh ingredients.

Their menu features a wide range of regional specialties, from the creamy Makhani dishes of North India to the fiery Chettinad curries of the South. Don’t miss their signature Lamb Rogan Josh, a rich and flavorful curry that’s sure to satisfy. The friendly and attentive service makes you feel right at home.

9. The Tamarind Tree, York: Located in the historic city of York, The Tamarind Tree offers a fine-dining experience with a focus on modern Indian cuisine. Chef Ravinder Bhogal has created a menu that showcases the best of Indian ingredients and techniques.

Indulge in the delicate scallops cooked in a fragrant coconut curry or the succulent lamb shank slow-cooked with aromatic spices. Their extensive wine list features impressive choices to complement every dish. The luxurious décor and attentive service create a truly memorable dining experience.

10. The Spice Lounge, Leeds: This award-winning restaurant has been serving up delicious Indian food in Leeds for many years. The Spice Lounge offers a modern take on Indian cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Their menu features a wide range of dishes, from classic curries to innovative small plates.

Don’t miss their signature Lamb Chops marinated in a spicy tandoori paste or the flavorful Seafood Curry bursting with fresh flavors. The stylish décor and friendly atmosphere create a welcoming environment for diners.

As you embark on your culinary journey across the UK, these 10 Indian restaurants outside of London offer a diverse and unforgettable dining experience. From the vibrant street food of Mowgli to the fine-dining elegance of The Tamarind Tree, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

So pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready to explore the incredible world of Indian cuisine beyond the capital.

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What Zodiac Signs Fit Your Business Career Path?

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What Zodiac Signs Fit Your Business Career Path

Incredible business acumen is typically associated with a specific personality type. Good business acumen requires more than a good sales pitch; it’s a multifaceted complement of factors working in harmony to achieve strategic objectives.

Certain people have a predisposition toward business, and we can often gauge their suitability for career paths by Zodiac signs.

Provided the astrologer is sufficiently qualified to make the assessment, it is possible to ascertain the appropriate managerial and leadership requirements for success. There are 12 signs of the zodiac. Successful business people come from every sign, but the preponderance of evidence suggests that certain astrology signs favor specific career paths. Let’s see if we can unravel this conundrum, shall we?

Aries are typically considered natural-born leaders. As entrepreneurs, they are high-energy people, and their work ethic is certainly contagious. They excel in management roles and are fiercely competitive, independent, and driven. Many notable Aries business leaders, including Steve Madden, Larry Page, and McKenzie Scott, have made the headlines.

Taurus people, a.k.a. Taureans, are workhorses. They think before they act. This inherent ability bodes well for strategic decision-making. It’s a good thing that the obdurate Taurean is receptive to ideation, skills improvements, and introspection. Many notable Taureans have graced the highest ranks of the business world, including David Koch, Robert Oppenheimer, Mark Zuckerberg, and Nancy Walton. Taurus is the go-to star sign to get it done when tactical and strategic planning are required.

Gemini is unabashedly confident and pretty comfortable in any situation. Experts suggest that this star sign thrives under pressure, and they love deadlines. As far as their preferred vocation, Gemini is all about intellectually stimulating challenges. That includes complex interpersonal dynamics in the realms of social networking, travel and tourism, manufacturing design, and so forth. Jim Walton, Kirsten Rausing, and David Thompson are notable Geminis.

Cancer is all about financial security. This flexible store sign is sublime with organizational skills and interpersonal skills. These are essential when it comes to business success. No mega-corporation was built in disarray. Some of the world’s most notable Cancerians include the inimitable François Bettencourt, Sir Richard Branson, and the legendary Elon Musk. An important character trait of this zodiac sign is that they always follow projects through to completion. If you start it, you must finish it.  That’s how winning is done.

Leo is the mighty lion, and they are perceived as ferocious in business. Well, truthfully, Leos are well-liked. They are trustworthy, dependable, and likable. If the Leo business person is doing something, they want to see it become a success. As entrepreneurs, Leos love to be the focal point of operations, and they gush at the attention. As independent-minded people, Leos are based on high-profile, social vocations. Some famous Leos include Sergey Brin of Google, Martha Stewart, Whitney Houston, Napoleon, Coco Chanel, and Larry Ellison.

Virgo is all about fine-tuning the details. This star sign is associated with professionalism. They are also practical people but have an eye for attention to detail. Surprisingly, Virgo tends to accept constructive criticism, particularly from those they hold high regard. They will do their utmost to improve their performance in various careers, notably writing, teaching, editing, etc. FYI, two of the biggest business legends in the world over are Virgo, notably Jack Ma of Ali Baba, and Warren Buffett – the Oracle of Omaha

Libra is yet another hard-working star sign. Librans tend to be optimistic. They balance professionalism in the office and entertainment outside of it. As ambassadors, managers, leaders, and executives, the Libra star sign is the bees’ knees. Once again, this star sign thrives in people-oriented businesses. Some popular Librans include Denise Coates and Alice Walton.

Scorpios are target-oriented folks.  They make for superb leaders, and they are business-focused. They can be somewhat secretive about financial matters, but they are logical-minded and analytical. Any career with complex thought processes and intuitive thinking is a good fit for a Scorpio business professional. Bill Gates, Joe Biden, and King Charles are Scorpios.

Sagittarius is another exciting star sign in the business world. These high-energy folks love to ruffle feathers in a good way, and business development is their forte. There are extroverts by nature, and they love to achieve. Socializing is important to them, so interaction is necessary in their work environment. Diane Hendricks, Winston Churchill, Taylor Swift, Bruce Lee, Nicky Minaj, and Abigail Johnson fall under this Zodiac sign.

Capricorn is the star sign that bids farewell to the old year and ushers in the New Year. Capricorns are hard workers. They love to get things done promptly, with decisive plans in mind. They are natural-born businesspeople because they strategize. To be successful, Capricorns are patient and strategic. They know how to restructure business activities in such a way that they achieve desired outcomes. Jeff Bezos of Amazon is a Capricorn. Others include Elvis Presley, Al Capone, Martin Luther King, Mohammed Ali, Benjamin Franklin, Stan Lee, and Dolly Parton.

Aquarius businesspeople are adventurous by nature. They are analytical at times, but they are also enigmatic. They are all about social justice issues and tend to work in appropriate environments. As idealists, Aquarius people need to be around people where they can make a difference. So, you will likely find these entrepreneurs in the food and service industry, media, music, sports, design, and the like. Michael Bloomberg and Christy Walton are notable Aquarians. Other superstars include Cristiano Ronaldo, Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Shakira.

Pisces is the last Zodiac sign on our list, but certainly not the least. Steve Jobs, Rihanna, Albert Einstein, George Harrison, Kurt Cobain, Bruce Willis, Elizabeth Taylor, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Dell share this sign. Pisceans are plenty creative and love working alongside others to achieve grand objectives. They are talented, great communicators, and they put the interests of the team above their own. They make great doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and therapists.

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Fashion

Beyond the Surface: The Intricacies of Hidden Halo Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

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The landscape of engagement rings has transformed over time, embracing new alternatives that offer both beauty and uniqueness.

Lab created diamond engagement rings have emerged as a sought-after choice, presenting a stunning and sophisticated option. Among these, the hidden halo lab grown engagement ring has captured the attention of those seeking a distinctive symbol of love.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of hidden halo lab grown engagement rings, uncovering the craftsmanship and allure that makes them a choice beyond the surface.

Lab Created Diamonds- A Shimmering Revolution

Lab created diamonds have revolutionized the jewelry industry, offering a controlled and precise method of diamond creation. These diamonds are created in a laboratory, replicating the natural processes that occur within the Earth. The result is a breathtaking gemstone with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.

Engagement Rings Redefined

The traditional concept of an engagement ring has evolved, with modern couples seeking rings that reflect not only their love but also their personal style. Lab created diamond engagement rings have become a symbol of contemporary commitment, and within this category, the hidden halo variation stands out as an epitome of elegance and uniqueness.

Hidden Halo- A Subtle Brilliance

A hidden halo refers to a design where smaller diamonds encircle the center stone, discreetly tucked beneath it. This arrangement creates a subtle yet impactful brilliance, enhancing the overall sparkle of the ring. In the context of lab grown diamonds, the hidden halo takes on a special significance, as it complements the brilliance of the gemstone. The design not only captures the eye but also invites contemplation, allowing wearers to appreciate the intricacies of the craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship Behind the Hidden Halo

The creation of hidden halo lab grown engagement rings involves a meticulous process that requires skill and precision. Jewelers carefully select and place each diamond, ensuring that the hidden halo complements the center stone seamlessly. The result is a harmonious blend of artistry and technology, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation.

The Allure of Hidden Halo Rings

Hidden halo rings have gained popularity for the unique charm they bring to the table. The hidden halo adds an element of surprise and sophistication to the ring, capturing the imagination of those who appreciate subtlety and elegance. The smaller diamonds encircling the center stone create a visual effect that goes beyond the surface, inviting a closer look and deeper connection.

Personalization and Symbolism

Hidden halo lab grown engagement rings offer a canvas for personalization, allowing couples to choose a design that resonates with their unique style and story. The symbolism of the hidden halo, with its supportive circle of diamonds, can represent the enduring nature of love and commitment. It becomes more than just a piece of jewelry; it becomes a tangible expression of the bond shared between two individuals.

Culmination of Elegance- Hidden Halo Lab Grown Engagement Rings

In the ever-evolving landscape of engagement rings, hidden halo lab grown engagement rings stand out as a symbol of refined elegance. The combination of meticulous craftsmanship and the unique allure of the hidden halo design makes these rings a compelling choice for modern couples.

As we appreciate the beauty and sophistication of hidden halo lab grown engagement rings, we unveil a world of charm that goes beyond the surface, inviting wearers to indulge in the intricacies of timeless craftsmanship and enduring style.

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