How to find usable images online
There are several ways to minimize your risk of using a copyrighted image accidentally.
Free Stock Photos
Free Specialty Photos
- Free Academic Images: a blog with various websites that provide free academic photos. *Be sure to read each site's information to ensure what you're using is copyright and royalty free
- Wikimedia Commons
Paid Stock Photos
Safer Search Techniques
- In a Google Images search, use the "Tools" option at the right of the All/Images/News etc. list
- Find the "Usage rights" option under the search field
- Select the down arrow and choose "Labeled for reuse with modification"
- Bing
- Search for an image you want
- Find the Filter icon at the far right of the page
- Find the "License" option below the search field
- Select the down arrow and choose "Free to modify, share, and use commercially"
- Yahoo
- In a Yahoo Images search, find the "Any License" option at the far right
- Select the down arrow and choose "Free to modify, share, and use commercially"
- Creative Commons
- Go to their website and select the options for image searching that you want to apply (Use for commercial purposes and Modify, adapt, or build upon) then search for an image
Ask Permission
If all else fails, you can always ask the copyright owner for permission to use their creation. Make sure to get it in writing and to be specific in your request. Many creators are happy to allow people to use their work if they just ask permission first!
While all of these options offer a good safety net, they are not all guaranteed. It is still your responsibility to ensure the images you're using are copyright and royalty free. If you have any doubt about the image, it's best to find a different one than risk using a copyrighted creation. If you have questions, or face a copyright issue, make sure to contact an attorney for legal advice.