Here is some great free advice for an aspiring graphic artist. Why pay for photos when you can get some for free.
I have been using sxc.hu for over 5 years now and its the first place I look to find the perfect photo a client or friend may need for their project. I personally have downloaded hundreds of high resolution photos from this site for my work. Have I always found what I was looking for? No, but it was always a great starting point to give me an idea of what I really needed.
Now pay attention to their Term of Use as some photographers who have contributed will ask that you acknowledge them in your work.

This is great. Thanks for sharing. Is that you in the photo?
thanks, no its just a free photo from the site that highlighted my point well