You've just finished an amazing blog post or article for your website. Maybe you were raving all about your favorite restaurant. Now that the content is solid, you realize that what you really need is a visual punch to set it off.

Browsing the web, you notice an amazing picture of sushi that would be just the thing. So, you right click the image and copy it to your computer. But, wait just a minute. Photos are protected under copyright law and what you've just started to do is to steal pictures. If you don't own the picture yourself, using it is a possible violation of copyright law. However, how are you supposed to know what applies and how to obtain great photos ethically?

Don't Use Anything That You Don't Have Permission to Use

As we all know, the legal system moves painfully slow, while technology jumps ahead at lightning speed. For this reason, much of the law hasn't caught up with copyright issues, especially on the Internet. This leave the issue of image copyright murky, at best.

Even so, it's always better to err on the side of caution and just plain avoid having to steal pictures. While it may seem that there's a plethora of questionable content being used, you don't have to jump with the crowd. Don't use anything that you don't have permission to use, either by having purchased it or obtained permission by the actual photographer.

Hundreds of Websites Offer Free Stock Photos

You may also want to take advantage of one of the many websites that offer free stock photos. If you regularly comment on a photograph itself, there is one interesting loophole. It is commonly considered fair use to critique a picture itself as long as you aren't creating a profit by doing so.

There are hundreds of websites out there that offer free stock photographs. There is content available in almost any imaginable subject area, so finding what you need should be easy. The terms of use are different for each place you visit, so read carefully. Specifications are often even listed on a per photo basis, so make sure you read and agree to the artist's request before using the picture.

Online Resources For Free Stock Photos

Some popular sites in which to begin your search include TurboPhoto, Stockvault, Studio 25, Free Photographs Network and PD Photography. By just taking a few minutes to get your photo legally, you shouldn't need to even consider whether you'll steal pictures. While these ideas should get you started, there are many more sites to explore.

While good writing definitely will set apart your website or blog, having a great photo to accompany each post will keep your readers engaged and interested. However, don't give in to the temptation to steal pictures. With so many websites out there that can help you get good pictures, there's really no need to at all.

Even if you don't fully understand the laws and ethics surrounding the issue, you can make sure that all the content on your site is legal and above board.

Author:
David Husnian
The Shameless (but Ethical) Marketer
http://www.FromTheDeskOfDavid.com
David, the creator of the "3 Pillar of (Guaranteed) Success", is a successful marketer who provides a unique perspective on marketing, Web traffic and copywriting topics.
You can get more great information, free products and a free online Web traffic course from http://www.StreetGuideToWebTraffic.com