where does everyone get there photos from and how to avoid copyright??

1. 0

   markbennisposted 13 years ago

   Hello all, this might seem a stupid one but I still haven't figured it out yet.  What is the score with applying photos to your hub, I mean can you just scroll the web and copy any photo you like??  I'm confused.... 
   I understand the video aspect and that's cool embedded Url?? well it works anyway, just not sure with the photos?  Would appreciate the help, many thanks mark.

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      Hauntyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Mark,
      
      Just remember, you can almost always get your answers immediately by using the search tool.
      
      http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/23068

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      lawrettaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hmmmmmm... fotosearch

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      yogaproposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      you could use www.flickr.com. An excellent resource for great pictures. But please use only those pictures under creative commons license.

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      Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i always just use google images, then select the images that DON'T have a copyright tag on it.  so far that works out well for me.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         In that case, you're stealing.
         
         99% of copyrighted photos do not have any copyright tag on them. 
         
         All photos are copyright UNLESS it's specifically stated otherwise.
         
         The reality is you probably won't get caught, because there's no easy way for photographers to search for stolen content.  So it comes down to your conscience.  If you feel it's OK to steal the work of another creative artist, then I would be disgusted with you but that's your call.

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            Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            well to be perfectly honest.  i didn't know that was technically a form of stealing, as camlo just said I would never intentially steal anything if I knew about it.  however, i'll definitely try to be more aware of this in the future, and try to make the necessary steps in the future to avoid this on future hubs AND correct the problem on my current ones as well.  i can't promise it'll be right away, since I'm kind of too busy these days to go through almost over 200 hubs, but I will whenever I get the chance.  i didn't know it was wrong, as hubpages never once unpublished or flagged me for doing it, so i naturally assumed it wasn't a form of stealing.  however, from what you've just told me, I guess you can say i stand corrected.  thank you for pointing this out to me.

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               Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks Stevennix, I thought that might be the case. 
               
               HubPages doesn't check the copyright of anything, text or photos, unless the original owner complains - so you wouldn't be unpublished for using them. And HP can't flag copied photos because there isn't an easy way of finding duplicates for photos, unlike text.  So it does all come down to a matter of conscience. 
               
               If you want to use Google images, you need to use the Advanced Search and select "for commercial use".   But the selection usually isn't that great.

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                  Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  really?  how do you use advanced search?

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                     Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     never mind, i figured it out.

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            life-is-sweetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Hi,
            
            If I use google images and then cite the site the image came from, is that still stealing? Will I be in trouble if someone sees their image on my articles even though I link back to their site?

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               MyWebsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Using a copyrighted image without proper permission is still copyright infringement no matter if you give credit or not. You need to look for images that are licensed in such a way that allow commercial usage. Creative Commons and some Royalty Free images that allow commercial usage are what I would suggest you look for.
               
               The other day I found one of my hubs copy pasted word for word to their blog, with a link back to my hub. Do you think I'm any happier because they gave me a link while stealing my content??? Hell no I'm not happy about that link, I filled a DMCA dispute with Google! How is what your suggesting any different?

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            2. 85

               Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Yes it is still stealing and yes you could be in trouble. There's a special kind of licence called Creative Commons, which means the photographer is OK with you using the photo so long as you credit them back.  If the photo doesn't say it has that kind of licence, it's not OK.
               
               Oops - MyWebs beat me to it!

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   5. 63

      PhoenixVposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      http://copyrightfreephotos.blogspot.com/
      
      These are a fellow Hubber and friend Ocean. She made this blog with her own photos to share and use as you wish.

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         PhoenixVposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         PS She likes followers on that blog So if you have a Google account please follow!
         
         
         She made this blog especially for all your concerns and because of the difficulty the average person has in getting "real free photos"
         
         http://copyrightfreephotos.blogspot.com/

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   6. 51

      mailxpressposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi,
      A Hubber introduced me to Flickr.com.  I just started to use it.  Thousands of images and photos for us to use with permission to use.

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   Richieb799posted 13 years ago

   I find Flickr a great resource, Wiki media Commons is another one too and theres an option Google if you click the button the right which says advanced on Images, then you can search for images for commercial reuse

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3. 65

   2uesdayposted 13 years ago

   Not much help to you I suppose but evey photo on my hubs is one I have taken myself.

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   markbennisposted 13 years ago

   Ah OK and thanks to you all, I will go check out all that has been posted here, thanks for your reply.  Its well appreciated, all the best Mark.

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   brakel2posted 13 years ago

   Hi - I get most of my photos from morguefile.com. Read the license by the photo. I have found all mine to be free for commercial use.

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6. 78

   MyWebsposted 13 years ago

   sxc.hu has a great selection of royalty free images that are free to use.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Just be careful, there's a big difference between "royalty free photos" and photos that are free to use.
      
      A royalty free photo is a photo you buy, then you can use it multiple times without paying a further fee.
      
      If you download a photo with a watermark on it, you've just stolen the sample photo of a picture you're meant to pay for.
      
      What you want are either totally free to use photos, like Morguefile, or Creative Commons licensed photos, which you can use providing you credit the photographer.
      
      I use Flickr for almost everything - use the advanced search, click Creative Commons and For Commercial Use, and you're good to go.  Include a hyperlink to the photographer's photostream somewhere in your Hub (not in the caption - that's not a hyperlink).

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         MyWebsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Practically all sxc.hu images are both free to use for commercial purposes and royalty free. Rarely you will run into a picture there where you must ask permission to gain access to a picture. I just go to the next picture then instead of waiting for a response.
         
         A link or attribution isn't even required, but I link anyways just the same out of courtesy and leave the owner a link showing them where I used their image at.
         http://www.sxc.hu/help/7_2 explains the legal uses of sxc.hu images
         
         By the way sxc.hu is owned and operated by istockphoto.com which is the leader in for sale royalty free images.

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            logic,commonsenseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks for the added insight MW!

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      Hub Llamaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There is your answer. There are actually several websites like this. They are known as "stock photography" websites and they offer photos that can be used under various terms which are generally made clear on the site.
      
      Remember there is a difference between royalty free and free. Royalty free just means that you don't have to KEEP paying to use the photo, that does not mean that there is no one time fee.

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   Sally's Troveposted 13 years ago

   You bring up a good concern, Mark.
   
   So many participants in the Web just steal words and photos to use for their own gain. The people who do this have no long-term credibility, and that's the bottom line.
   
   It's tempting to just capture an image one finds on the Web somewhere and use it in a personal creative work.
   
   Where ever you find an image you want to use, you can also find the terms for using that image. I suggest that you take the time to read the terms of service, or privacy, or contact information on any website where you find an image you want to use. Your doing so is a protection for your not getting sued for copyright infringement.
   
   Some owners of copyrighted material will never pursue you for using their material without their consent, but some will.
   
   Play it safe and use only material you have explicit or implicit permission to use.
   
   Take a look at any of my Hubs (except "Hillary and Me"...there was no way to find an attribution for that photo of her, since it was all over the Web...maybe it was an AP photo, or God knows who else might have taken it...it was impossible to trace the source) to see how owners of images are credited.
   
   Others responding to your question have pointed you to royalty-free sites. sxc.hu is one of my favorites.

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   markbennisposted 13 years ago

   Thank You everybody for your help this has definitely helped me out for sure, going to check out the sites you suggested.  Thanks again to you all....

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   darksideposted 13 years ago

   An unlimited supply of copyright free images.

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      KeithTaxposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      LMAO You made me look, Darkside. But you are so very right.
      
      There is another source not mentioned. My 15 year old daughter is an art prodigy. She does not get it from me, but she really can do wonders. My 10 year old daughter has already programed her cheap little laptop to play a talking cat. How do these kids do it? A few of my hubs have pics my daughter took. Yes, they look professional.

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         earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Flamin kids! Always upstaging us. I agree it is best to use your own pics, but photobucket is a source I use along with a few others mentioned here. I don't always have the photo I need from a camera as some of the cars and other pictures on my hubs are of very hard to find items and or difficult to photograph.

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      Pcunixposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly.
      
      While I do often go looking for photos and drawings that allow reuse, I can sometimes find what I need right on my own computer or - gasp - pick up my camera and snap my own.

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      aguasilverposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Nice one, but cheeky!

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10. 61

    2patriciasposted 13 years ago

    Whenever possible we use our own photos.
    If we don't have an appropriate photo, we look on Flickr.  We always contact the photographer and ask permission - even if it is an 'open' photo.  We post our own photos on Flickr and know it means a lot to be asked.

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    gracenotesposted 13 years ago

    Well, be careful with Google Images.  I learned the hard way that their "Advanced Search" feature doesn't always work the way it should to filter the results.
    
    I haven't always been able to give attribution exactly the way a web site suggests, and when I can't, I figure out some way that works and shows that I made a good-faith effort.
    
    If you find an image that you are taken with, and that is copyrighted, see if you can find an email address for the photographer, and ask for permission to use the photo. I tried this a few times, with some success. However, sometimes it's difficult to locate a contact email, especially on a blog.  You're out of luck at that point.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       It seems to have improved lately - but yes,I've found their filters aren't always reliable.

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    shazwellynposted 13 years ago

    I love this article by Edweirdo:
    
    http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Legally- … -Your-Hubs
    
    How to legally use images from the web in your hubs.

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    camloposted 13 years ago

    When I put my own photos on the web, which I do, I'm quite aware that many people will consider them public property because I have done so.
    If I felt so strongly about them being 'stolen', I'd be very silly indeed to put them there in the first place.
    
    Marisa, it's good that you make people aware of what they are actually doing, but I do find 'If you feel it's OK to steal the work of another creative artist, then I would be disgusted with you but that's your call' a little strong. We're all adults here, and don't need to be literally admonished.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Camlo, it's quite possible Stevennix doesn't understand the copyright rules and has been using photos innocently, so it's not directed at him. 
       
       However I do feel strongly that anyone who consciously steals photographs in spite of knowing they shouldn't, deserves my disgust and I have every right to say so.

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          camloposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks for clarifying, Marisa.
          I couldn't imagine Stevennix consciously stealing anything, as you seemed to be accusing him of.

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    jackscarposted 13 years ago

    I know it's not always the most convenient, but personally I like to go out and snap photos myself. It's fun and it's by far the safest way to do it!

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       camloposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I take a lot of photos with my mobile phone, and some turn out to be good on my Hubs.

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    WildIrisposted 13 years ago

    I am so glad this question was asked. I was confused about using photos too. Thanks for the links to free images and Edweirdo's Hub--very helpful.

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    DYLAN CLEARFIELDposted 13 years ago

    One of the safest ways to post a photo is by searching sites that have public domain photos on them.  In many of these cases the creator of the photo is either hoping for publicity or is hoping to get feedback about his photo.

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    brettbposted 13 years ago

    I use my own photos. It's fun to go out and think of the good money making hubs I could make with the photos I've taken.

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    blackreign2012posted 13 years ago

    I google and free pics pop up.

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       Stevennix2001posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       well actually, those aren't legal.  even though i too am guilty of using google images to get my pics.  however, marissa just pointed out to me that it is a form of stealing, so it's not a great idea.  sorry.

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    Starfishfelixposted 13 years ago

    I use Clipart.com - its a pay site, but very well index and has a huge variety of clipart, photos, etc.  I also use my own photos if I want a photo of something that's available to me.

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    blackreign2012posted 13 years ago

    I didn't know that.. I thought they were free pics to use. Well I won't be using it again I don't wanna be ripping off someone's work. I wouldnt want anyone to do that to me. I'll be passing this info along for sure.

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    Starfishfelixposted 13 years ago

    If you use a fair amount, its not a bad deal - I think it's about $130 a year (they usually have some kind of a deal) - that's a couple dollars a week, and the images are much larger than the thumbnails (and don't have the watermark for the bigger ones).
    
    If you just use a couple now and then, I'd probably go with one of those 300,000 (or other large number) CD or DVD sets - you can find those pretty inexpensively at Frys, Office Max, etc. Sometimes eBay has some excellent deals too.
    
    The big advantage that an online source has is that you don't need to be constantly changing disks when you search, etc. (and they seem to be constantly adding stuff).

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Starfishfelix, what's the first part of your post replying to?  I'm curious what costs $130 a year!  By the way, the watermark is only on the sample photos on these sites.  Once you pay for the photo, you get a watermark-free version even on the smallest size.

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          Starfishfelixposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Sorry I didn't reply earlier!   Seeing as this post moved up to the top again though, thought I'd remedy this!
          
          The one we use is clipart.com (it used to be called arttoday.com).  The subscription is around $160, but they generally have specials that make it about $130 a year.  They have photos, clipart (vector type images), fonts and quite a bit more.  You're allowed to use the graphics for most purposes, including advertising, etc.  The main thing you can't do is distribute the images (for example, sell a CD of images you downloaded, set up a web site to distribute the images, and so forth).
          
          As mentioned by others, Flicker Creative Commons is a nice source for images (there are some variations in the licenses).   Wikimedia Commons is also a good site, although the content can be uneven.
          
          Many works of the Federal Government are considered public domain (stamps, coins, etc.) - my last couple hubs have been on old US stamps, so this is nice.  There are exceptions though, usually with copies that could be considered the real thing (for example, making a double sided dollar sized copy of a dollar should be avoided as it may get the Feds rather upset).

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    Hub Llamaposted 13 years ago

    By the way, if you have Office installed, click Start -> Programs -> Microsoft Office -> Tools and find Clip Art Manger. Then check it to search online and type in a search term. It has not just the usual clip art type drawings, but photographs too. All free.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I'm pretty sure I've read that Clip Art is for personal use, not for commercial use.  HubPages and monetized blogs are commercial use.

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    alexhd57posted 13 years ago

    freestockphotos are available from quite a wide range of sources. Even stock photo agencies in the business of licensing images can be a good source; the microstock agencies in particular all have free images available at any given time updated on a daily or weekly basis.

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    markbennisposted 13 years ago

    Hi everyone and thanks for all the suggestion's its great really helpful, I think I may have found a little gem.  At Photobucket, I have searched and searched and cant find anything that says you cant use these great photos.
    
    (Disclaimer Right Now!! Just incase I'm wrong! As my partner says it wont jump out at you, but I'm a man and well need I say anymore lol)   
    
    But they have a direct link to the image and it doesn't have a water mark, you can send it to Twitter, FB, My S.  Gotta be free right!??  its real simple to use and loads up in the capsule like lightning!! Yee Haaa
    
    Sorry if this seems a little over the top! But it has taken me nearly a dam! Week! Just to find some images for one Hub, Near to sucide I kid you not. 
    
    Any how thanks to all with all the suggestions, tips and help.  And if im wrong??  Dam! I guess I will have to loose my £3.75 in adsen Coz thats all I got and do some hard time, After the week I had?  Sounds Gooooooodddd!!

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       No, you won't find anything that says you can't use them.  What you will find is a condition which says you're only allowed to post photos you have a legal right to use.
       
       That condition is hidden in a document that's hard to find, and no one reads. Result - 90% of the people who put photos on Photobucket have stolen them.
       
       So, if you use a photo from Photobucket, it's like buying a stereo from a guy in a pub - you know it's been stolen, so is it still OK to take it?
       
       In my book, it's not.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  It's still a stolen photo, even though you don't know who it's been stolen from.

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25. 0

    markbennisposted 13 years ago

    Ahhhh Dam!  This is just becoming more and more complicated every day....  Thanks for the heads up Marisa. 

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    FloridaGulfVacatiposted 13 years ago

    Here is a site where you can find Royalty free photos, we often use this for our websites. Hope it helps
    http://www.2yi.net/free-stock-photos.html

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    Derek1posted 13 years ago

    I prefer Wikipedia Commons:
    http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
    
    Here it will tell you the license of each image you find. I generally just use images that have been released into the public domain. If you are really concerned about doing this, you might want to print the page with the image and license info, and save it for your records.

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    DzyMsLizzyposted 13 years ago

    Rather than trying to find a specific site, I just Google "Public Domain Pictures" for the specific subject matter in which I'm interested.  This is what I did for my hub 'Coasting,' since I did not have any photos I'd taken of roller coasters.

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    Shadesbreathposted 13 years ago

    I steal all my images from other hubbers.  If any of them are in violation, I blame you guys.

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    Tenerife Islanderposted 13 years ago

    I find plenty on Wikipedia that if you click on them say they are in the public domain or are covered by a Creative Commons license saying you must credit the photographer. I also use a lot of my own photos, which is probably the best way!

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    Spacey Graceyposted 13 years ago

    I like photos8.com - its not massive, but I like it.

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    JulieBMackposted 13 years ago

    If you want to give credit - where do you do that? Like a link to where you found the photo?  Thanks!

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    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    This could be an excellent day.
    
    I am feeling whimsical (but truthful); therefore I am willing to tell all where there are a million public domain photos out there. Not a joke. Not an exaggeration.
    
    Because of my current whimsical state of being, I propose the following:
    
    A.    IF YOU LIKE MY PROFILE, follow me.
    B.    I will then check your profile.
    C.    IF I LIKE YOU, I will tell you where those public domain images are.
    
    If you feel that I have fulfilled my promise, then stay followed and I will respond in kind; IF I LIKE YOUR PROFILE.
    
    Note: I have not read all the posts in this thread; for all I know, the info has already been posted.
    
    Sorry for the not-so-sporadic caps, it’s that whimsical thing.
    
    Good faith and ethical hubbers need only apply.
    
    My goal is 100, but only those of kindred spirits.

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    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    I made this post on a low-traffic-day for a reason…

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    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    bump.
    
    70.

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    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    And the winner is….
    
    I’ve always limited my image searches to the “.gov” domains. The good news is that there are the proverbial million pics to select from and they are all mostly public domain. Not to mention the fact that we have already paid for them. The bad news is that they certainly don’t always qualify as the best of the best, but they get the job done.
    
    For reference purposes here is a list of other domains that were listed in this thread. I have not personally checked them out though.
    
    Flickr
    Wiki media Commons
    Google search: “images for commercial reuse”.
    Fotosearch
    morguefile.com
    sxc.hu
    photos8.com
    photobucket
    Microsoft Office, both off and online. (disputed)
    Freestockphotos
    (www).2yi.net/free-stock-photos.html
    commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
    Google "Public Domain Pictures"

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    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    The "excellent day" offer is no longer in play.

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