A freelance writer knows how much time and effort they put into your writing. Therefore, you wouldn’t want someone to take strong>your or your client’s entire blog post or article without permission, would you? Artists that upload stock photography probably feel the same way. They would appreciate credit and a link when applicable. After all, they took the time to create a perfect photo that ties your blog or article together.
When you purchase stock photography from sites such as iStockphoto, Dreamstimes, Getty Images, or some other site, you own the right to use the photo. Of course, it’s best to read the license agreement twice in order to understand your rights to the photo. Since you own the photo you may not consider giving credit to the artist but it would be nice if you did. It’s a great way to acknowledge their work and say “thank you.”
FYI: Some artists require you to give them credit along with a link to their website. They’ll also request that you send them a link to your work so they can see how you used their photo.
Give credit the artist to avoid copywriting issues. Freelance writers that use Stock Exchange may be shocked to know that some artists do require you to give them a link to your site so they can see how you used their photo. You won’t know this if you don’t click on their profile. Most people who download photos probably don’t click on the profiles. The next time you download photos from Stock Exchange, make sure you click on the artist’s profile.
You can find images on Google but this isn’t recommended for many reasons. The photos are usually low res and won’t look good next to your post. The obvious reason is copywriting issues. You may not have the right to use the photos. Contact the owner of the photo to make sure you can use it.
Another alternative for freelance writers is to purchase Art Explosion. This art CD is available in 300,000, 600,000, or 800,000. You’ll receive vector and photo images. Some of the photos have been updated while others have not. If you’re looking for modern pictures this may not be the CD for you. Some of the pictures look like they’re from the late 1980s and the 1990s. Cell phones aren’t as gigantic as they used to be!
Before you use photos, make sure you have the right to do so — due diligence goes a long way. Freelance writers who know graphic artists may be able to get customized photos for a great price. Whatever you do, credit the artist and appreciate how their photo enhances your blog or article.
Rebecca
Where do you get your photos? Share.
I use Stock Exchange a lot http://www.sxc.hu/ and credit all the time… it’s easy.
I use them a lot as well. I’ve been emailing the artists (if requested) links to my blog posts where I use their photos.
There is some misinformation here. In the latter part of your second paragraph, you state: “Since you own the photo you may not consider giving credit to the artist but it would be nice if you did.” First, the ‘purchaser’ of the image does not “own” the photo at all. He has LICENSED the image for a particular purpose, usually for one-time non-exclusive use. It is indeed very important to read the license agreement. Second, the licensing of an image in this manner usually requires the credit line for the photographer/agency to be used, as stated in the license agreement.
Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for the comment. Reading and rereading the license agreement is a must. I believe iStockphoto offers an ‘Extended License Agreement’ for some of the photos. I’ve ‘chatted’ with people from various stock photography sites to make sure I understand the license agreement. When I use photos from Stock Exchange (no charge for photos), I contact the artist (some request this). The artists like to know where their photos are being used.