How Do I Find All Those Beautiful Photos? My Workflow and Trusted Sources

I am often asked how I manage to gather such beautiful images for my blogs, reviews, and fashion-related articles. For many bloggers—especially in fashion—it can be quite a challenge to find high-quality, copyright-free photos. I am pleased to share my personal workflow, along with the resources I rely on with confidence.

My Own Photos and Archive

More than half of the photos I use come directly from my own archive. As a 50+ model, I have participated in numerous TFP (Time for Print) shoots over the years. During these collaborations, I always make clear agreements with the photographer regarding how the photos may be used. This is essential for both parties and is always done respectfully and transparently.

In addition, I take many of my photos myself. In my experience, self-made images remain the very best option for blogs and websites. They are unique, authentic, and do not appear anywhere else online. Search engines appreciate this originality and often reward it with better visibility. And let us be honest: everyone hopes their website can be found easily—very few people ever look beyond the second page of Google.

Common creatives
Whenever I need additional images, I often search through Google Images using the Usage Rights filter in the Advanced Search. Selecting Creative Commons licenses allows me to find photos that may legally be used—and in many cases, even adapted.
If you need further clarification on the meaning of the different CC symbols, I recommend consulting the official Creative Commons website. It provides clear explanations for every license type.
I also share some of my own photos under Creative Commons. As long as the images are not used commercially, I generally have no objection to sharing.

Free Image Databases
Several free image platforms are part of my regular toolkit. My preferred sources are:

• Pixabay
• Pexels
• Unsplash
• PicJumbo

These databases offer high-quality photos that work beautifully for blogs. For commercial use, however, it remains important to read the terms of each platform carefully. In some cases, purchasing a photo is the safest choice.

Sewing Pattern Covers and Book Covers

When reviewing sewing patterns or books, I sometimes use images of pattern envelopes or covers. Although I cannot offer legal advice, I personally operate under the assumption that such use falls within citation rights, as long as the image directly supports the review and is not used for commercial promotion.

For a solid overview of the rules, I recommend consulting Charlotte’s Law.

Contacting Brands and Companies
When I write about new products or innovative materials—such as H&M’s LOOOP recycling system or Mylo, the vegan leather alternative—I often contact the company directly. Many brands happily provide press material, including images and additional information for editorial use. This ensures clarity and professionalism, while avoiding copyright issues.

Generating Custom Images with ChatGPT: A Modern Supplement

In addition to traditional photography, I now also make use of a modern tool: AI-generated images created by ChatGPT. This offers a practical solution when I need a specific image that may not be readily available elsewhere.

How It WorksI simply provide ChatGPT with a description such as:
“Create a minimalistic image of sewing tools arranged on a wooden table in soft, natural tones.”

ChatGPT then generates one or more unique images based on that instruction.

Advantages of AI-Generated Images

• Always unique: Each image is created from scratch, tailored to the assignment.
• No copyright concerns: Because the image is newly generated, there is no existing owner.
• Highly adaptable: I can request changes in style, composition, colors, or atmosphere.
• Ideal for concepts: Perfect for technical explanations, mood boards, sketches, or abstract ideas.

Disadvantages to Keep in Mind

• Not always realistic: Details—especially in fashion, hands, or fabric textures—may occasionally look slightly imperfect.
• Not suitable for misleading contexts: When an image must represent an actual product, person, or official brand material, AI should be used with great caution.
• No substitute for authentic photography: Unique personal photos, sewing results, and realistic model images remain indispensable for credibility and search engine value.

Even so, AI-generated images have become a wonderful addition to my creative toolkit, especially for conceptual and illustrative blog content.

Real authentic pictures:

ChatGPT image:

Conclusion

Finding high-quality, legally usable images for a blog or website is not always easy. Fortunately, there are many responsible solutions: your own photography, Creative Commons, free image databases, press kits from companies, and—nowadays—custom AI-generated visuals through ChatGPT.

Still, my own photos remain the most precious. They do not need to be perfect; in the sewing community especially, clarity and practicality are far more appreciated than polished editorial imagery. With thoughtful and respectful image choices, a blog becomes visually engaging, trustworthy, and true to its message—qualities I strive for in everything I create.