A lot of people assume that if they find an image on the internet, it's free to use in their posts. When I was new to blogging, I assumed the same.
Not so.
What if you give credit and maybe even link back to the owner's site?
Still, not a good idea unless you know for sure what the terms of use are.
Images are copyrighted. Be super careful when using images. If you're a blogger and use images that aren't your own, it behooves you to know the laws surrounding image use.
Sara from Saving For Someday wrote an excellent guest post recently on Social Media Examiner about using images on your blog and how to avoid breaking the law in the process. It's a great to-the-point reference about image use. The bottom line is:
Just because you provide attribution and/or a link back to the original doesn’t mean you’re free and clear.
Read the full post here: Copyright Fair Use and How it Works for Online Images. And then read my post, How to Find Free Images to Use in Your Posts. It's a video tutorial explaining how to find free images to use legally.
Photo by Paul (dex).
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I was JUST wondering about this! As a new blogger, I have a slew of 'things to look into' and using images is on the list! So far I've taken all the photos on my blog…but I know there will be a time when I'll want an image — it will be great to know what I can and can't do!
Similarly, when I wanted some graphics for the header I designed for my site, I found http://www.istockphoto.com to be really useful. I searched "illustrations" and was able to find some graphics for my header. I paid for them, then made the background transparent and tweaked them a bit in Photoshop Elements. Your payment is for the rights and there are a couple of different options. For me, it was worth it to spend the money on my blog–but if I wanted to do something with the graphic in print, I'd have to upgrade my usage rights.
What about pintrest? I've noticed a lot of bloggers using their pins as images.
Great question! I would love to know the answer to that to. I see people posting pins everywhere!
I was thinking the same thing! Pinterest is blurring lines everywhere. I love that site…don't get me wrong…but can we use the images legally?
I've used Pinterest because I saw other bloggers (some high-profile successful ones who I assume would be on the up-and-up) using their photos and I note code is supplied right on Pinterest, but now I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong?
I always check flickr first, and if I can't find anything good there, I go to Pinterest. Only very rarely do I use my own images because 1. I'm not the best photographer and 2. I can't begin to know what images to take that are relevant to my blog. I have created my own graphs though.
I would be so disappointed if I found out I was doing something wrong. Not only would I have to take some images down, I find many of the images on Pinterest are better than flickr.
Using images from Pinterest is such a great question. I know they have the "embed" code, but I've never used it. I'm leary of it and my thought is that if it's just to enhance your post, it'd be a copyright violation. Anyone else know for sure??
I have wondered that about Pinterest too! I don't see how you can legally put a pin on your blog that belongs to someone else without permission. If I do it, I email the originator and ask first. A site I like is called http://www.morguefile.com. Pics are all free (attribution optional) per the license.
What about bloggers who post a photo from another blog saying how inspired they were by that craft or DIY project and link to the original post?
I thought that I am doing the right thing , I borrow the pictures but will mention to my post where the sources came from.
Thanks for posting this. I'll check out flickr for my images.
Hmm…I'm seeing attribution for a photo in this post, but no actual photo!
I take most of my own photos for my blog, and on the occasions when I don't, I'm always reminded of how much easier it is to do it myself. Finding legal, free images and doing the attribution work is much more of a pain than just using my own.
This is a HUGE issue. When I worked as a media specialist in the school district, I spent a lot of time teaching kids about creative commons use. It's a really tricky area.
Ok, I have a question. Is it ok to purchase a royalty image from Dreamstime.com and use it in my blogger header, as a facebook picture, button tab, etc? What are the rules on that? Also if I choose to make money on my blog, are there any rules to that?
Here are my sites you can look at: http://hotsavinmama.com. I currently have the picture in my header. My facebook page is: hotsavinmama.com I added the name and authors name on picture below but, really don't want it on there. Just wasn't sure if I could add the name of my blog below it without the link backs. I would love your view. By the way I love your blog and would love to post your button on it , if you have one.
Check it out. I have a social media blog that I think your button also would be great on.
Make sure you know the terms of use for the image. Many times an image like that can't be included in a logo, etc.
I have buttons on my About page. Thanks.
Thanks so much, this is great info!
This post is EXACTLY what I needed right now in my blogging adventure! Thanks!
Just starting a wedding website – this is perfect timing!
Thank you so much for all of your pointers! What about finding and using images and graphics – ones that are not photos? Any sites you recommend for that, and do you go about attributing them the same way? Also, for all those coupon/deal sites out there, if you write a post about Target's deals, can you include Target's logo in your post? My understanding is yes, but I want to make sure. Thank you!
I'd say the same rules apply to any images, graphics, icons, etc. And Sara mentioned in her post, using a Target logo to post Target deals would probably fall under "fair use" and would therefore be OK.