Morguefile is a free photo archive “for creatives, by creatives.” Founded by Michael Connors in the early Internet days of 1996, the site was created to serve as a free image exchange for creative professionals and teachers to use in their work. This same mission remains true today: they are a community-based free photo site, and all photos found in the Morguefile archive are free for you to download and re-use in your work, be it commercial or not. The photos have been contributed by a wide range of creatives from around the world, ranging from amateur photo hobbyists to professionals.

Why is it called Morguefile? A morgue file is a place to keep post-production materials for use of reference — an inactive job file. This term was popular with newspapers to describe the file that held past issues flats. Although it has also been used by illustrators, comic book artists, designers, and teachers as well. It has evolved and in modern usage, its scope has expanded to cover many post-production materials for use of reference.

They hope you enjoy the images you discover. They encourage you to register on the site so that you can join their mobile app, photo #Quest, and challenge yourself on fun and exciting photo assignments, taking your Morguefile experience to the next level. And, in the spirit of creative exchange, please upload images you’ve taken, as a form of giving back to fellow site visitors whose images you’ve downloaded and enjoyed.

Feel free to contact them with any questions or feedback on Morguefile at admin(at)morguefile.com. They love hearing from you!