So we are all guilty of a little copyright when it comes to images, especially when we first start out. Lets start at the source. Google™ Images IS NOT FREE USE OR PUBLIC DOMAIN; the images are compiled for reference only. So what do you do when you need images that won’t leave you in a lawsuit? Well there’s IStockPhoto, and Getty Images but what if your budget doesn’t lend it self to sometimes pricey stock photography. Instead I got a solution, Stockxchange is a free stock photography web site with a large selection of various types of photos. SXC has been around for a while and is known by a lot of people, because of this they continue to offer a extensive library of images.
Here’s their Terms of Us:
You may use the Image
- In digital format on websites, multimedia presentations, broadcast film and video, cell phones.
- In printed promotional materials, magazines, newspapers, books, brochures, flyers, CD/DVD covers, etc.
- Along with your corporate identity on business cards, letterhead, etc.
- To decorate your home, your office or any public place.
You may not use the Image
- For pornographic, unlawful or other immoral purposes, for spreading hate or discrimination, or to defame or victimise other people, sociteties, cultures.
- To endorse products and services if it depicts a person.
- In a way that can give a bad name to SXC or the person(s) depicted on the Image.
- As part of a trademark, service mark or logo.
- SELLING AND REDISTRIBUTION OF THE IMAGE (INDIVIDUALLY OR ALONG WITH OTHER IMAGES) IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN! DO NOT SHARE THE IMAGE WITH OTHERS!
Always ask permission from the photographer if you want to use the Image
- In website templates that You intend to sell or distribute.
- For creating printed reproductions that You intend to sell.
- On “print on demand” items such as t-shirts, postcards, mouse pads, mugs (e.g. on sites like Cafepress), or on any similar mass produced item that would contain the Image in a dominant way.