Are you a photographer, AdSense publisher, content creator, or designer? If so, this piece of writing really needs your attention. No doubt, the internet is a big game these days. But we still need some precautions while we’re online.
Sharing, tagging, commenting, or downloading photos from social sites is a very common activity on the internet. But we can’t simply use a random photo for commercial use. Especially when we intend to generate some profit from that work, like Google AdSense or Affiliate Marketing, etc.
No doubt people are habitual in sharing photos, music, and videos (All thanks to social media). This is a common habit that can’t be denied. (We all do that on many occasions!)
Our little carelessness may disturb our life to a greater extent than we can’t imagine. But we need to be a little careful while using anything for commercial purposes. Then be it an image, music, or any kind of documentary we’re going to use in our project.
Benefits of Using Images By Following this Guideline:
- You can make yourself safe from legal difficulties
- Best for Search Engine Optimization
- You can get your blog or website approved form Google AdSense and other ads network
- And of course peace of mind !!!
You Must Be Thinking: But why can’t I use any random image?
Many of you might think that it’s stupid. If we can access something, then why can’t we use it? It doesn’t matter, right? Actually, it’s not that simple. Let’s understand this concept first why can’t you use any image randomly?
Suppose if someone stops by and starts eating your pizza (I like vegetables BTW) so how would you react? Definitely, you’ll be upset! Or, your class fellow demonstrated that he prepared the assignment when it was yours. Most probably you’ll use harsh words to show your aggression.
Or if you’re like me then you’ll expect the other person to take your permission at least. I mean, if anyone asks to use any of our stuff for a while so we may think about it (or maybe we let them use it). But if someone deliberately uses our stuff, and takes benefit of our hard work without our consent then it’s not acceptable to anyone.
So how can we assume that if we use anyone else’s material either online or offline then it’s okay? We should respect other people’s sentiments. And how can we do something if we don’t want that thing to happen to us right?
If you’re still thinking that ‘It’s not a that big deal’ then you should think again. You should understand that using someone else’s stuff or in other words, copyrighted material may cost you a huge amount, sometimes imprisonment as well. In The USA, if someone is found guilty in the such scenario then he may be fined around $30,000/-. This is not it as this amount may go up to $150,000/-. So the decision is yours from this point on!
Few Words About Images Licenses:
The world doesn’t stop here so don’t worry! Just give credit to the real owners and you may use that particular image you think is relevant to your project. But first, let’s see which image can be used and which you can’t use. With every image you find online, there’s a special kind of license that tells you if it’s usable or not.
Creative Commons has defined licenses very briefly. But for your ease, we’ve presented it shortly.
- CC BY: Photos under this license can be used for commercial or personal use until or unless you give proper credit to the real owner/creator.
- CC BY-SA: Images under this license let you enhance ‘the real owner’s work and use commercially or otherwise until you use the same license after altering or enhancing the image.
- CC BY-ND: Images under this license can be used commercially only if you do not make any changes to them.
- CC BY-NC: Under this license, you may use the image but for personal use only (no commercial use sorry!).
- CC BY-NC-SA: Under this license, you may alter the image and use it for personal stuff. Do not use such images for commercial purposes.
- CC BY-NC-ND: Images under this license can be downloaded but the user can’t make any commercial use or even alter the image whatsoever.
Right Way To Use Images For Commercial Purposes:
After when we’ve learned about licenses, it’s time to talk about some more things. I mean, we talked about selecting the right image to use based on the license type right? So let’s discuss what’s the right way to use an image in your work or for a blog that fully complies with Google AdSense policy. It’s not very technical at all. Just see these examples below and that’s it.
Photo from Flickr:
The photo above is from Flickr (the social website). And you can see a ‘blue’ line hyperlink underneath this photo. This is one way to link back to the real owner or creator if we use someone’s work. Note that this image was under a Creative Commons license otherwise we would not use any copyrighted image.
Image from Pixabay:
Here’s another example of how you should give credit to real creators. Just take these measures and save yourself from any complications.
Case Studies: See How Copyright Infringement Destroys ‘Good Days’
Below are some case studies that will demonstrate how people (particularly artists and photographers) got affected by ‘Copyright Infringement’.
- The first case that we have to show you is about the known micro photographer ‘Andrew Paul Leonard’. His images showing bone marrow stem cells were used by SemTech Health Inc without his permission.
Andrew sued the company which resulted in his favor and the other party paid him a hefty amount. According to petapixel, SemTech Health Inc paid around $1.6M for infringing Andrew’s work without his permission.
- Another case study tells us how Fairey (the artist who designed President Obama’s poster during the 2008 elections) got into trouble due to copyright infringement. According to 99Designs, this street artist used a photograph to get inspiration and make the poster.
Unfortunately, the photograph he took was one of AP’s freelancer name, Mannie Garcia. This whole scenario ended up when Fairey agreed to share the profit with Mannie (the freelance photographer) of the original image. Luckily they resolved the matter without any official interference but Fairey had to lose half the money made during that election campaign.
- If you think that big organizations are exempted from this law then you’re wrong. During Haiti Earthquake, a journalist name, Daniel Morel posted some photos relating to this incident on his social account.
As the photo started rolling out on the social website ‘Twitter’, AFP took one of his photos for commercial purposes (but without his permission). It resulted in Morel suing AFP for stealing his work (as per Morel’s view) and the court found AFP guilty. AFP paid around $1.2M to Morel in terms of statutory damages. (PhotoShelter)
30+ Sites To Get Free Public Domain and Stock Images:
I can understand how difficult it is to find an image that is under the Creative Commons attribute and relevant to your work. But it’s not really difficult to find such an image every time you need one. For your ease, we at Pakearning, have tried our best to keyouelf has hassle-free
Below are some websites that are filled with public domain images. Just find the image you want and see if it’s under Creative Commons attribute? That’s it!
#1 Unsplash:
The first on our list of Public Domain Images is ‘Unsplashed’ where you’ll find high-resolution images serving your need. They upload 10 new photos after every 10 days. Navigate through their website or search through keywords (the choice is yours).
The best part is, you don’t need to give any attributes for any photo (that’s what they say at least!). Public Domain images can be used on blogs or websites which use Google Adsense.
Gratisography is weekly updated to give you high-resolution images without any Creative Commons restrictions. You may find any relevant image either by searching through categories or scrolling down your monitor screen. These images are free to use but you may donate by your will to honor the photographer’s efforts.
Although it’s a bit sad to write the site owner ‘Nic’ has died 2 years ago. But still thi,s site has so many images that are high resolution as well as listed under Creative Commons attribute. You may subscribe to this site and get hi-res photos in your mailbox or you may scroll down the screen to search yourself.
#4 Superfamous:
This is another great website to get high-resolution images for your needs. Basically, this website is run by Dutch designer Folkert Gorter and caters enough to give your content, design, or anything much more meaning. Wait! If you’re going to use any photo from this site then you need to give credit to the real creator.
#5 Life of Pix:
If you need images based on nature and landscape then you may check this website. Here you’ll find enough photos that reflect what you may want to show through your work.
And the best part is, no CC is required! Plus, you get to see new photos every week. (Have fun!)
If you’re looking for startup-related photos to represent your content, idea or presentation then use this website. Startup Stock focuses on images that show startups and their struggles. You may find the right picture here if you’re in search of something like that. In fact, if you have a tech-related website then you will surely love this stock images site. (I bet!)
#7 MMT:
Jeffrey Betts has another great option for you in the shape of (MMT). Here you may find high-resolution images every week for commercial purposes. Sounds fair enough? You may find the right photo by searching through keywords. Or as an alternative way, you may navigate through the site to find the right photo as per your need.
#8 Pexels:
Pexels are another great option to find the right image for your commercial uses. Here you may find the right photo in the huge image collections these guys have. Search through keywords or navigate through the site (the decision is yours!). They add 5 new photos routine-wise and you get to see images in different categories like abstract, tech, nature or outdoor, etc.
#9 Magdeleine:
You get to see hi-res photos in shape of Magdeleine. This website has another huge archive of high-resolution photos for commercial use. You may search for the right photo as per your needs. Different photographers submit their work to this website. So you get to receive photos in a different genre that caters to your needs well.
#10 Jay Mantri:
This website has images based on nature and outdoor locations. You may search through the site to see if any photo matches your requirement and has what you’re looking for. This is another reliable website to get stock images for commercial use. Just navigate through the site and discover beautiful high-res photos.
#11 Stock Snap:
Stock Snap has the most advanced system to search through piles of hi-res images. You’ll love the features on their website and you get to see images in different categories as well.
They count download views that may help you choose the most popular yet beautiful photo without making much effort. (Oh! You don’t need any attributions.)
#12 Re:splashed:
This website has an awesome feature to search images based on filters and keywords. Just insert the relevant keyword and you’ll see the most relevant image for your use. At the moment, they have more than 600 images for your usage. And of course, all these photos are free for commercial use so enjoy. them
#13 Picography:
Picography is another great site to search for free stock images for commercial purposes. All they ask is to give them credits and that’s it. You may find the right image you’re looking for here. Nature, wildlife, outdoor, or whatever your search is, you find a huge collection of images here.
#14 ISO Republic:
ISO Republic is another great place to look for free stock images for your commercial usage. Just navigate through the website and find the right image you’re looking for either by keyword search or through categories. Have fun!
#15 StokPic:
StokPic has one of the huge archives of free images for commercial purposes. However, they provide premium photos but they also have a huge collection of free images. Just download the image and give credits (if you could). But do not redistribute the image as per their usage policy.
#16 Wefunction:
WeFuction basically is a designer website having a section for free stock images. You may find the right photo if your search is based on tech-related or office-related things. You may also find some outdoor locations in their free photo collections.
#17 Raumrot:
Raumrot can be a nice place to find a high-res photo for your project. All you need to do is give them credit and use the image the way you want.
Nothing much is required from your side after you credit their work.
#18 FoodiesFeed:
As you may have guessed by its name – Foodies feed. This website focuses on free stock images based on food items and dishes. So if you’re having a website in the food niche then here’s the site to look for the right photo.
#19 Bucketlistly:
OK, so the next site we’ve on board is about travel blogs and websites. So if you’re looking for something related to try traveling so then here’s the site. Search through the site and find the right photo for your content, presentation, or project whatsoever.
#20 Cupcake:
CupCake is another great website to look for landscapes and outdoor locations for your commercial usage. You may find the right photo by navigating through the website or using the archives if you’re in a rush. However, images are under creative commons license but it’s a good practice to credit and appreciates the owner’s efforts.
#21 Getrefe:
Get refer is another option to find the right free stock image for your project. You may navigate through the site to find the image if you’re looking for something related to travel or real-life photos.
#22 SplitShire:
If you’re looking for abstract, portrait, or real-life photos then Split Shire is the right place for you. Search through categories or you may even use the search bar to narrow your search criterion. They have a nice collection of images for commercial usage.
#23 Negative Space:
Another great place to look for commercial use images is ‘Negative Space’. They add new photos every week so you get to see the new addition. All photos uploaded there are under a CC0 license so you don’t need to worry about copyright infringement or so.
Death to Stock Photos is another great option to find hi-res professional images. But things work here a little differently. You need to sign up at their website and they’ll send 10 new photos every week in your inbox.
However, numbers are limited here but photos may interest you to use in your work as a free user. But, you may go premium if you want access to all the images right away.
#25 Picjumbo:
Picjumbo has more than 10 categories for you to search for free stock images. You may choose the category from the sidebar or use the keyword search. They have hi-res images for your commercial usage and you get to have professional photos to use in your work.
#26 IM Free:
IM Free is another great place to find free stock images for your project. You may choose the category or search through keywords. Here you’ll find high-resolution images all under commercial use license. They add up images on daily basis. But make sure that you check for a license before choosing the image as some may need attribution. Rest don’t require any attribution!
#27 New Old Stock:
If you’re doing something that needs old photographs (or, vintage touch) then here’s another site for you. New Old Stock has so many images under CC0 license that you may use for your project or so. Enjoy!
Lock and Stock's Photos are alworksrk of known photographer AJ Montpetit. You may benefit from his beautiful collection of photos all under CC BY-SA license. Search through keywords or navigate through the site and find the right image for your needs.
#29 Snapwire Snaps:
One of the beautiful image collections related to nature, outdoor locations, and landscapes are here for you. You get to see 7 new photos every week here on Snapwire Snaps. If you find a relevant image for your work then you use it without any problem as all photos are under a CC0 license there.
#30 Tookapic Stock:
Tookapic Stock is basically a marketplace for photographers. But you may find free photos under a CC0 license by filtering your search for free images only. They have a huge collection which is enough to find the right image for your project for free. Or, if you can afford then you may go premium. The choice is yours on how you use this great site!
#31 MorgueFile:
MorgueFile is one of the reliable sources to find free stock images under a CC0 license. But the only issue is that the images there are not well organized so you may have a little hard time while searching. But still, you can use this site to find a safe image for your commercial usage.
#32 Pixabay:
Here on this site, you’ll find tons of free images under a CC0 license. They have a very nice way to filter your search and make it easier as compared to some other free stock images site. Just search through your keyword and get what you’re looking for. It works like 1, 2, 3, and boom! (Boom doesn’t represent any explosion hehe!)
#33 Tinyography:
Tinyography basically focuses on photos showing gadgets, outdoor locations, and indoor places.
So you may find the right image you’re looking for in your project. All the photos are under a CC0 license so you don’t need any attribution but it’s always nice to check for an r license before you finally select an image. They have categorized their photos well but the only problem is that they don’t have a search bar at the moment.
So these were a few (lot of) websites to get you started. But don’t think that it stops here. There are a lot more websites offering public domain/free stock images under an r CC0 license. Use this l t s a reference or search more.
But let us know through the comment section below if a site that you know is ononin this list. Your voice matters so are positive and help others!
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