Getting Images Without Buying a License - Just Ask!

bylawnis04

199 followers

5 years ago

This is just a quick note to offer an idea for those of you who may be stuck on images.

Today I wrote an article on Disney World snacks. Obviously, I want my post to be rich with photos, but I was struggling with the images not appearing in any royalty-free sites.

So I took to Instagram, where people are snapping pictures of their food all the time. I searched each food that I wanted a photo of and contacted a person whose photo I liked. I simply stated that I'm writing an article on Disney World snacks for my website (and sent them the website) and would it be alright if I used their photo of ____ snack. I told them they would be credited.

So far, I've already had two lovely humans reply that it would be perfectly fine! If they say no, I'll respect that and ask someone else.

If you're going to do this, I have a few tips.

1. Use Recent Posts rather than Top Posts

When you search, on Instagram, you then have the possibility of viewing those searches through Top and Recent. Use recent. The reason why? Top Posts usually come from blogs or corporations who already have a large following and likely won't let you use their photos for free.

2. Ask People with Low Follower Counts

Once you get into the thousands with followers, those people are likely less interested in getting exposure for free. They've already got a large following. They won't feel like they need your help as much. This may not be true of everyone, but you're far more likely to get a yes out of someone with only a few hundred followers. Especially if they look like they're trying to build a following. If you're struggling to find an audience on Instagram, you're more likely to be thrilled when a website reaches out to you.

3. Screenshot the Conversation

After you get a yes, screenshot your conversation. This just adds an element of protection for you in case they try to claim later that you had no permission to use the photo. If you want to get really safe, you can draw up a contract.

4. Give Details

I made sure that it was clear if they didn't want me to use their photo, that would be fine. Upon saying yes, I told them when I expect the article to be published. I also intend to send them a link to the article once it is. Making people feel a part of your process makes them more likely to agree again in the future. Also, sharing the link with them may encourage them to share the link with their friends when it features their photo. Exposure for you too!

5. Use Other Websites

I like Instagram. I find it has pretty much anything I need, embedding is simple, people often want to be noticed, and I can navigate it pretty well. But you can use other platforms as well. DeviantArt, Flickr, Facebook, anything you can think of!

Happy photo hunting friends! Remember, the worst someone can say is "No"!