Finding Free Images and the Permission to Use Them

by1Rudy1

1.7K followers

Updated 3 years ago

Note: this image is most often used here....'Now Hear This' comes to mind.

OK, let's get started.

In regard to a recent post about the acquisition of Unsplash by Getty Images, here is the research I compiled.

First, to all of you who get their pictures from Unsplash:

In an article on muo.com, “Getty Images Acquires Unsplash, With Promise to Keep Free Content Model.” right below the main header is this:

“Unsplash will continue to operate as an independent brand, and its images will remain free-to-use.”

The article continues with this statement:

“The acquisition also changes nothing about photos uploaded to Unsplash—they are not owned by Getty Images, and they are still under the Unsplash license:

• Can be downloaded and used at no cost
• Can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes
• No permission or attribution needed Acquired Ap”

Yet, re permissions or attributions, “Unsplash shows a notice with every download encouraging you to do so.”

Cited Source:Jessibelle Garcia. “Getty Images Acquires Unsplash, With Promise to Keep Free Content Model.” MUO.com, https://www.makeuseof.com/getty-images-acquires-unsplash/. Accessed April 6, 2021.

Here is what the Unsplash CEO, Mikael Cho, says about this acquisition in his blog:

“In the last year, Unsplash passed two billion image downloads (and just passed three billion), Unsplash for Brands tripled in size, and we recently launched Unsplash Hire.

In partnership with Getty Images, we’ll be accelerating our plans on each of these. We’ve identified ways we can grow faster together, collaborate more with brands, and create many more opportunities for creative talent.”

Cited Source: Mikael Cho. “ Unsplash is being acquired by Getty Images.” Unsplash.com, https://unsplash.com/blog/unsplash-getty/. Accessed April 6, 2021.

I wonder about their development of Unsplash Hire. To hire photographers. Wait, Unsplash offers away free images. As a photographer, WHY would I (or any other photographer) want to ‘be hired’ UNLESS the pay is very lucrative.

OR, upcoming changes are coming at Unsplash.

Can we say, paid membership?

Here is why Unsplash is so popular:

Currently, here is what Unsplash states on their website’s LICENSE heading:

“Unsplash photos are made to be used freely. Our license reflects that.

• All photos can be downloaded and used for free
• Commercial and non-commercial purposes
• No permission needed (though attribution is appreciated!) Underlined by me,

Long version:

“Unsplash grants you an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide copyright license to download, copy, modify, distribute, perform, and use photos from Unsplash for free, including for commercial purposes, without permission from or attributing the photographer or Unsplash.”

Cited Source: Unsplash. “License”. unsplash.com. https://unsplash.com/license. Accessed April 6, 2021

Here is a screenshot of what you see when downloading an image from Unsplash:

As you can see, the image I clicked on to download. What you do not see is the download block asking to open or save the image. What you DO see is the little box that shows the name of the artist. Next to the artist's name is his link to his profile. Why is that important?

There is a widget block tip on the Unsplash 'License' page:

"Tip: How to give attribution -

'Even though attribution isn’t required, Unsplash photographers appreciate it as it provides exposure to their work and encourages them to continue sharing. Example: Photo by 'Artist Name' on 'Unsplash'." In this image,

That being said, I dug a little more.

Why? For what purpose?

Because I felt the need to share some information about some of those ‘free’ images.

Image acquisition is a touchy subject, especially for the artists who share their images with various carriers such as Unsplash, iStock, etc., and, conversely, with the people who are looking for free images to use.

As a photographer, I am careful as to where I post my images online and read the details before creating an account. Photography brings in an income for me, and when I share my images with certain websites, I either want to be paid or receive credit for the image.

Kind of like using a disclaimer for affiliate marketing. We must disclose that we receive compensation for ‘marketing’ products, do we not?

So why is it so difficult to share where you got the image?

Think about it. How does it make you feel when someone here gives a shout-out to those who have been very helpful with answering questions or providing solutions?

It feels great to be acknowledged, doesn't it? (total rhetoric, here)

I know that when my name is mentioned by someone who acknowledges me, it is validating, and makes me feel good that I could be of help to someone.

Don’t get me wrong.

Unsplash, et al., offer free image use without requiring you to cite the source. Yet, as we have learned, most things, unless you created them yourself, have to come from somewhere…

We forget that it takes a village. Even the award shows recognize the folks who work tirelessly behind the scenes in order for the show or movie or event to be successful.

So, a little shout-out to the artists, illustrators, cartoonists, photographers, etc, wouldn't hurt.

Maybe footnote at the end of the article. Jus sayin...

@JeffreyBrown gave kudos to Dan for creating a couple of logos for him, quite well, too, I must add. (sorry Dan, can't recall your 'handle', but I know Jeff will help me on this one...grin).

Without going into detail, next time your there, read the terms of service regarding using images on your social media accounts.

Thanks.

Now, for those of you who are moving on to find other image sources, well, geez, folks, do a browser search for free images...lol.

While I was researching for this post, it dawned on me that this is the kind of post I 'could have' posted in my blog on a site I didn't think needed one....DOH!

Anyway, I found some free source sites of a different nature...

Free Illustrations and vectors. And yes, here are the links to grab for yourself AFTER you have read the entire post, which is why I'm adding this at the end...

Rudy

OK. Check it out:

http://retrovectors.com/ exactly that. retro....not to be confused with 'Rhut rho'...

https://www.openpeeps.com/ No, not the little chicks...People READ SMALL PRINT!

Here is an example image from: https://2.flexiple.com/scale/all-illustrations

This is one I downloaded. It's called 'social media'. Cool, huh. Can be modified and changed to fit your needs (colors, gender, etc.)

https://design.dev/ - All kinds of illustrations: banners, icons, etc.

Check out this page for social media. https://design.dev/downloads/category/social/

All you do is enter an email address and you can download the file.

I have personally opened and checked these links. I have bookmarked them all, as I find them very useful!