Where To Find Diverse Stock Images

As a Black woman, a couple of years into my business, I decided that I wanted to stop hiding behind classic white-washed stock images or generic flat lays. I stopped being afraid that I wouldn't get clients because of the color of my skin. That's just one of those things that we worry about as business owners.

When I started truly showing up on social media and blogging, finding Black people or people of color in stock images was very difficult. It was sometimes impossible.

I'm happy to report that this is no longer the case. Free sites like Unsplash and Pexels are doing better when it comes to including people of color. But here's a list of Black-owned and diverse businesses you should support that provide inclusive stock images.

1. CreateHer Stock

I have had a membership with this website for YEARS. At the time, I didn't have any branding images and just needed to at least find flat lays, lifestyle, or candid images with Black hands. Neosha Gardner has provided beautiful images for Black women for 10 years now. Go check her out! It's worth the monthly subscription! It's so important that stock image websites have pictures and/or mockups available with people of all shades to make sure that all people feel seen and catered to.

2. j.a.c. & Honey (formerly Honey Social)

It's one of the stock image services I use and love so much! In addition to frequent fresh, new images, Jendayi Jackson also provides stock video for vertical video platforms. With social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok favoring vertical video formats, having access to diverse video content is crucial. On top of the service j.a.c. & Honey provides, you'll also become part of a great community. Check them out today!

3. TONL

This company offers a very culturally diverse collection of premium stock images. Several images not only show people of color in everyday situations or in high-fashion editorial style, but also other cultures internationally. The founders of Nigerian and Ghanaian descent say that "Photography and storytelling can help humanize and hopefully diminish the stereotypes and prejudice against black and brown people." I love that. As people of color, we're tired of the white-washed image of us being perpetuated through imagery. TONL is dedicated to displaying images of diverse people and their stories from around the world.

4. Nappy

They provide ‘beautiful, high-res photos of black and brown people to startups, brands, agencies, and everyone else.’ And that’s exactly what I needed when I was starting out over a decade ago. Nappy makes it easy for companies to be purposeful about representation in their designs, presentations, and advertisements.

5. Disabled and Here

While not exclusively a stock photo site, this platform offers powerful images of disabled people of color living their lives authentically. Some images are available for commercial use, making it a valuable resource for truly inclusive marketing.

6. The Gender Spectrum Collection

Created by Vice and Broadly, this free collection features images of trans and non-binary people. It's an important resource for brands committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

In this day and age, we must be more authentic and inclusive in reaching 'our people' online. Using diverse stock imagery isn't just about representation—it's about connection. When your audience sees themselves reflected in your content, they're more likely to trust you, engage with you, and ultimately become clients.

Your website shouldn't just look pretty—it should make your ideal clients feel seen and understood. That starts with the imagery you choose.

I'm happy that I can use stock imagery that reflects me and my community. Check out these stock websites for amazing collections that feature people of color for your website, social media, and lead magnets. Because representation isn't just nice to have—it's necessary for building an authentic brand that truly connects.

Quick tip: Don't just use diverse images as token gestures. Make sure your actual messaging, services, and business practices are inclusive too. Authenticity always wins over performative diversity.