The definition of urban has taken on many connotations over the years. From its basic definition: of, relating to, or designating a city or town; living in a city, or characteristic of or accustomed to cities (aka citified), to its more secondary meaning: dominated by a racial minority, there is a lot of confusion out there as to what exactly it means to be urban.
That said, there seems to be a more general consensus about what urban photography looks like and represents, though it is still difficult to pin down one concrete definition.
It can be summed up that urban photography, in its most basic form, “seeks to encapsulate not just people [in a city backdrop], but also objects, cityscapes, [and] the surreal.” To add to that, urban photography:
- Critically examines objects, subjects, and landscapes as a connect or disconnect from the city
- Visually represents an idea as it exists in a citified atmosphere
- Comments on contemporary everyday life in an ecological space
Still confused? Don’t worry, you are not the only one.
Urban imagery comes in many forms, has many meanings, and often has an industrious, gritty, and abstract feel. It goes beyond the perfect postcard image of a city’s famous skyline, takes in what happens in and around a beautifully constructed building, and tends to focus less on people and more on the city’s activity.
If this sounds like something you want to integrate into your website, whether it be a travel site, lifestyle blog, or business site with an office in the heart of the city, keep reading.
Today I will share some of the best free urban website backgrounds found online today. After all, urban images are perfect for those seeking to make a bold statement on their website, comment on the beauty that is life in the city, and express a creative vibe to those that visit.
1. Metro Subway by Raumrot
Raumrot offers users nothing but high-resolution urban photography that you can edit, modify, mash, and filter for your personal or professional creative projects.
Find image sets and single downloads, all claiming to be handpicked, non-stock, and truly unique. Aiming to allow the sharing of images worldwide, all the photographers at Raumrot ask is for image attribution.
2. Inner City Street Newcastle by FFCU
FCCU brings website owners authentic, high-resolution images that are perfect for use as background images.
Encouraging the sharing of images across multiple mediums, including websites, the creatives at FCCU include multiple categories, including the popular urban one. Altogether, all 1,020 images are copyright-free under a Creative Commons Zero license and are free for personal or commercial use.
3. Bird’s Eye View of Intersection by Pexels
Pexels is a popular image gallery that offers all images, even those under the urban category, under a CCO license meaning they are free for personal and professional use.
Modify, copy, and distribute any image found here, and never worry about having to attribute anything. In addition, you can upload your urban photos if you want to add them to the collection. Designed to help bloggers, designers, and photography lovers find great images for free, Pexels also has free videos for those seeking extra appeal.
4. Faded Glory by 500px
Faded Glory is a huge photography community boasting over 80 million free-to-use and premium images in a variety of searchable categories.
Download inspiring urban images to edit and share as your website’s background. Connect with other enthusiasts, upload your own photography to sell, and expose your creative works across a large platform. Plus, meet friends, colleagues, and mentors while you master your craft, learn new techniques, and take advantage of free images to be used in any way you can.
5. Glass Wall by DesignerPics.com
DesignerPics.com is a great resource for finding images to be used on websites, in presentations, on packaging, brochures, templates, and more.
Though not to be used for individual sale, each image found here does not require attribution. New images are added all the time by photographer Jeshu John. Altogether, with several helpful categories to help you narrow down the perfect urban image, this gallery has what you need to get a great background image.
6. Street in Paris by Epicantus
Epicantus has photography by Daria that comes in under Creative Commons Zero licenses so everyone can use the images as they please.
Wanting to help fellow visual and UX designers find high-quality images with a specific message, Daria lets you use all images in the gallery for personal or commercial use. In addition, you can make image requests. Ultimately, there is no need for attribution and plenty of images to scan through.
7. delfi de la Rua by FindA.Photo
FindA.Photo has thousands of free-to-use, copyright-free images that can easily be used as a background image for your website.
Search by category to find the ideal urban image, or browse by collections. For instance, collections include long-exposure, aerial, or technology, to name a few. In addition, you can browse by color scheme to match your website’s branding and personality seamlessly.
8. Urban Bike Bicycle by Foter
Foter brings over 335 million stock photos, so finding the one to match your urban desire is not a problem at all.
Search via category or keyword, and check for attribution requirements. Then, enjoy the sheer number of available images and add a background image that will slay all of your competition.
9. Urban by GetRefe
GetRefe is a small gallery of images with free, public domain images of both nature and urban landscapes.
Since there is no search or category function, you must skim through all available images unless you find the link to their download site by clicking on a thumbnail image’s link. You will find a search bar, several categories, and a free image section there.
10. Looking up at the towers in Atlanta, Georgia by GoodFreePhotos.com
GoodFreePhotos.com gives website owners access to free, public domain photos, clipart, and vectors while requiring zero attribution for images used.
There are lots of categories and locations to choose from and a way to search the gallery. In all, the images come from a traveling photographer/webmaster who takes scenic photos and shares them with you.
11. Umbrella and Stairs by Gratisography
Gratisography is a gallery resource we have used in the past, and we continue to mention it because it is so great.
Photographer Ryan McGuire shares his photography with all users and ensures all images are free of any copyright requirements. They are high-resolution and good for personal or commercial use. New photos are added weekly. Lastly, you can search categories or use the convenient search function to find the urban image you are seeking.
12. Barber Shop by ImageFinder.com
ImageFinder.com comes packed with over 35,000 images to choose from, making your pick of the urban ones a tough choice because there are so many cool ones.
Search for images via keywords, tags, featured images, or the newest. What started out as a search engine to find Creative Commons Flickr images is now a resource collecting images from all over the web.
13. City Phone by ISO Republic
ISO Republic has free stock images that professionals looking for high-quality images can use as background images on their websites.
Started in 2014 by designer and photographer Tom Eversley, the site now has over 1,500 available images. It is suitable for personal or commercial use, and you can also add your own photos.
Final Thoughts
Selecting your website’s perfect urban background image can enhance its visual appeal and resonate with your audience. Studies indicate that approximately 75% of users form an opinion about a company’s credibility based on its website design. By incorporating high-quality urban images, your website can make a solid first impression that reflects professionalism and attention to detail. With the abundance of free image resources available online, finding a stunning urban background that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic is more accessible than ever.
Urban images featuring elements such as bustling cityscapes, dynamic street scenes, and everyday objects and people uniquely connect with viewers by mirroring their daily lives and emotions. These visuals evoke energy, sophistication, and relatability, making your website more engaging and memorable. Utilizing such images attracts attention and helps convey your brand’s story and values effectively, setting your site apart from the competition and fostering a deeper connection with your audience.
Moreover, the strategic use of urban backgrounds can enhance user experience by guiding visitors’ attention to critical areas of your website. For example, overlaying call-to-action buttons on vibrant city scenes can draw users to essential actions like booking a service or exploring your offerings. By carefully selecting and customizing urban images, you create a cohesive and impactful online presence that speaks directly to your target audience, encouraging more extended visits and higher engagement rates.
Have you utilized any of the recommended image galleries to find the ideal urban background for your website? Is there a resource we missed that should be included? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below!
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