What Images Can I Use on My Website for Free? To make your OKC web design as engaging and visually appealing as possible, it is important to use the right images. While we always recommend using professional photos featuring your own business and team, there may be times when you have to go online to source photos for your website. Remember that just because a photo is free to view online, that does not make it free for you to use. This includes images that you find on social media and in search engine results. Before you put any new images on your website, or even on other digital platforms like your social media or newsletters, it is essential to determine if you can legally use them. Because they are a product of a photographer’s creativity, Oklahoma photography is intellectual property. The image’s creator is also its copyright owner, giving them the legal right to determine how the photographs are reproduced, altered, and distributed. Oklahoma photography Before you share an image on your OKC web design or anywhere else online, you need to understand the photo type and its usage rights. We also recommend learning a little bit about image licensing. Most photos you find online will fit into one of four categories: rights-managed, royalty-free, common free license, or public domain.
Understanding the Types of Oklahoma Photography. Please note that the information we share regarding Oklahoma photography rights is not legal advice. This information is intended to share general information that can help you decide what content is best to share online (whether on your website, digital newsletters, or social media accounts). To determine whether you have the right to use an image, it is important to conduct research and, if necessary, obtain advice from your attorney.
RIGHTS-MANAGED PHOTOS If a photograph is “rights-managed” or “rights-protected,” you must purchase it under a copyright license to use it. Depending on the specific image and where you buy it from, the photo may be used once or for a restricted amount of time. Often, these images must be used for a specific purpose; for example, an image listed as “editorial use only” can be put in a newspaper, but not on your website’s homepage. Before purchasing a rights-managed photo, it is essential to carefully review the purchase agreement so you can use the image for your intended purpose. Additionally, these images can be expensive, so it is best to be entirely sure about them before buying any.
ROYALTY-FREE IMAGES Similar to rights-managed images, you must purchase royalty-free photos to use them. However, these photos involve a one-time fee that covers multiple uses without additional charges. Before purchasing royalty-free photographs to use on your OKC web design or any other digital platform, carefully review the licensing agreement so you fully understand the allowed usage and restrictions.