Are stock photos copyright free?
The quick answer: No, stock photos are not copyright free. All stock photos are copyrighted, meaning that the original creator owns the rights to the image. This means that you cannot simply download a stock photo and use it without permission.
Stock photos are sold with a license of use:
Royalty-Free (RF) Licenses
- Allows multiple uses of a photo for a one-time fee.
- Users do not have to pay additional royalties for subsequent uses.
- RF licenses have certain restrictions and conditions.
Rights-Managed (RM) Licenses
- Provide more specific usage rights and restrictions.
- Usage is typically priced based on factors such as duration, size, and distribution.
Carefully review the license agreement when purchasing and using stock photos to ensure compliance with the specified terms and conditions. This helps prevent copyright infringement and legal complications related to the use of the image.
Some websites that provide high-quality RF & RM stock:
Shutterstock, Depositphotos & Pond5
Copyright-free Stock Images
There are several websites that offer copyright-free stock photos. These websites typically have a Creative Commons license, which means that you can use the photos for free, but you must give credit to the original creator.
Websites that offer copyright-free stock photos:
When using copyright-free stock photos, it is important to read the terms of use for the website where you downloaded the photo to make sure that you are allowed to use it in the way that you want to. For example, some websites may require you to give credit to the original creator, while others may allow you to use the photo without giving credit.
It is also important to note that copyright-free stock photos are not always free. Some websites may charge a fee for downloading the photos, even though they are copyright-free.
If you are not sure whether stock photos are copyright free, it is always best to contact the original creator to ask permission.
Public Domain Images
Public domain pictures are images that are not protected by copyright and can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone without permission or attribution.
Websites that provide public domain pictures:
- Rawpixel
- National Gallery of Art
- Unsplash
- Wikimedia Commons
- The Library of Congress
- Getty
- Public Domain Pictures
FAQ
Are stock photos copyright free?
No, stock photos are not copyright free. All stock photos are copyrighted, which means the original creator owns the rights to the image. As a result, one cannot simply download a stock photo and use it without obtaining the necessary permissions.
What are Royalty-Free (RF) Licenses?
Royalty-Free licenses allow multiple uses of a photo for a one-time fee. Users don’t need to pay additional royalties for subsequent uses. However, RF licenses come with certain restrictions and conditions.
What are Rights-Managed (RM) Licenses?
Rights-Managed licenses provide more specific usage rights and restrictions. The usage is typically priced based on factors like duration, size, and distribution. It’s essential to review the license agreement carefully when purchasing and using stock photos to ensure compliance and avoid copyright infringement.
Are there websites that offer copyright-free stock photos?
Yes, several websites offer copyright-free stock photos, often under a Creative Commons license. Some of these websites include Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, and Freepik. However, it’s crucial to read the terms of use for each website to ensure proper usage.
What are public domain images?
Public domain pictures are images not protected by copyright. They can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone without requiring permission or attribution. Some websites that provide public domain pictures include Rawpixel, National Gallery of Art, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons, The Library of Congress, Getty, and Public Domain Pictures.
What should one do if unsure about the copyright status of stock photos?
If uncertain about the copyright status of stock photos, it’s always best to contact the original creator or the platform from which the photo was downloaded to ask for permission or clarification.
Is it true that copyright-free stock photos are always free of charge?
No, copyright-free stock photos are not always free. Some websites might charge a fee for downloading the photos, even if they are copyright-free. It’s essential to check the terms and conditions of each platform before downloading.
