Crystal Booth asked in the forums recently if you can use images pulled straight from a Google image search. Without getting into a bunch of copyright issues, you can only use one of these images if it is ‘fair use’.

From the Copyright office:

the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered �fair,� such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Section 107 also sets out four factors to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair:

  1. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
  2. the nature of the copyrighted work;
  3. amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
  4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

The distinction between �fair use� and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined. There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission. Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission.

As a general rule, The Captain will use images off of Google Image search if the lens is about a person (SquidWho) but that’s about it. I will not use logos or brands unless I’m specifically discussing that product.

For natural or general pictures, I sail on over to Stock Xchange. This is only one of many free or low cost stock photo sites and the artists and photographers actually want to see their work published on the web.

Captain’s Tip: Send a message to whoever you use images from. They will often come and check out your lens, and I have never had anyone ask me to remove any images as a result. More traffic, less legal hassle.