@hanoak/unsplash-mcp-server

List Unsplash Photos

unsplash_list_photos

Read-only

Retrieve featured Unsplash photos in paginated batches, with ready-to-use attribution and image URLs. Append imgix parameters to raw URLs for custom sizing, or use pre-sized variants.

Instructions

List the latest featured Unsplash photos (paginated). Returns compact photo objects with URLs and ready-to-use attribution. Read-only. Each photo includes a raw imgix base URL — append params for a custom size/format, e.g. ?w=800&h=600&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop — plus fixed full/regular/small/thumb sizes.

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "unsplash_list_photos"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`page`	No	Page number, 1-based.
`per_page`	No	Items per page (clamped to a max of 30).

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Addedv1.2.1Aug 24, 2026

TDQS

A4.5/5.0

Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Discloses pagination, compact response objects, 'ready-to-use attribution', a raw imgix URL with query-param customization, and fixed sizes — valuable behavior beyond the readOnlyHint. The 'Read-only' statement aligns with the annotations, and the extra return-shape detail carries meaningful weight.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three focused sentences: purpose first, then compact response shape and attribution, then the practical imgix URL customization hint. Every sentence earns its place and the most important information is front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

There is no output schema, so the description must carry return-shape details — and it does, including the raw/full/regular/small/thumb variants. Combined with schema-documented parameters, an agent has enough to select this tool and interpret its result correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already documents both page and per_page, including defaults and clamping behavior. The description only reinforces 'paginated' without adding new semantic detail, so a baseline 3 is appropriate at 100% schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Opens with 'List the latest featured Unsplash photos (paginated)' — a specific verb, resource, and scope. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like unsplash_random_photo, unsplash_search_photos, and unsplash_user_photos without needing to inspect their schemas.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The phrase 'latest featured photos (paginated)' gives a clear context for when to use this tool: browsing the curated Unsplash feed page by page. It does not explicitly name when-not-to-use it or direct users to a sibling tool, so it misses the top bar.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.