We all do it, it’s just so easy! You need an image for your presentation or Twitter post, you go to Google Images and type in your subject. Within half a second, thousands of photos are at your fingertips. What’s the worst that could happen! Most of us will have heard the stories of people being sued for copyright infringement after using an image they found on Google. But in reality, just how often does this happen and will it happen to you? Realistically, not likely. However it is not beyond the realms of possibility. Reuters and other image powerhouses have beefed up their internet dredging in recent times, making it easier for them to find the use of their copyrighted images without purchase or permission
Best practice
For starters, always assume the image is copyrighted! That way, you will always seek permission. Unless the image is listed under Copyright free of course. Find out how to do that here. If you see an image you like, you can find the original source by reverse searching it. Here’s how:
- Save a copy of the image in question
- Go to images.google.com
- Drag the copy of the image into the search bar.
- This will give you a list of websites the original image is likely to be found.
If wish to use an image, see if you can speak to the photographer and get their permission to use it. You should always link back to their website or give their details out too.
Free images
There are countless places to find free images. Here’s just a few: Pixabay Stock Free Images Photo Pin Flickr creative commons tagged images *Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only and is in no way considered to be legal advice*
