There are websites that offer legitimate stock images. They may or may not be free but the images on google certainly are not for public use.

Pictures in google images are not always free. Some people have added images which if you download, the owners can trace back to you. I don't know how they do it ? They will then bill you hundreds of dollars or take you to court for the money . Reputable owners who wish to charge you usually put a company name watermark across the image. You should always click on the image and get redirected to the site owner who posted it for permission to use it, before posting it. Its is probably best to join a good image selling site, buy your images then there are no problems. I have heard that some images on wikipaedia MAY be free others will be charged for, but again you must check it out for yourself.

Wow ok...i had no idea about that....guess id better look a bit closer...thanks guys

Hey Kevin. Unfortunately, several Members have received substantial bills and others had DMCAs filed against their sites for using images that were labelled free. It pays to read the terms and conditions of every site you're thinking of getting images from. If the source takes no responsibility and allows anyone to upload images, then it's at your own risk. You've no idea whether the copyright holder is the one who gave permission, ie. I can upload this http://d.pr/i/WlKs and label it free to use and someone else could then decide to download it to illustrate a site about child abuse. You would not only have a claim as the copyright holder against that website, but potentially a claim for damages. Free isn't necessarily risk free. :) Rich.

They may be free but there is a warning some images may be subject to copywrite. Because an image is free does not mean that an image is available for public use to do what the person wants. Most images are not available for commercial use. Commercial use includes using on a website that makes money. Debbie