Using copyright free images in poetry

OK, here's a follow up on Charlene Phare's excellent post about using images to complement your poetry. One thing that leaves me cold is when poets share an image on Facebook (other social media platforms are available) and don't bother to acknowledge the source. Some may write 'credit to the copyright owner' or 'thanks to Google' ... but this is simply lazy, and could end up in a lawsuit. 

Look, I'm not exaggerating. I have heard of people who have used copyright images and have later been successfully sued in court. Getty Images are one of the most active litigators in this area, but there have also been private individuals who have successfully sued those who use their copyrighted images without permission or acknowledgement.

Let's start with a fact: All images on the Internet are copyright (owned by someone) unless otherwise stated. That means if you use an image belonging to someone else without their permission, you are stealing their property. That means that you need to be very careful about the images you use to complement your poems. Some avoid using images altogether just to avoid this pitfall. Some would even argue that poets trade in words not images, but that's a debate for another time. Here's the bottom line: if you really must use an image, then please, please check to see if you need permission first. 

Charlene shared some free image sites in her previous post, which I have personally used, and there are many great copyright free images waiting there for you to choose from. Even if you do use copyright free images, there is usually a clause that says you still need to acknowledge the photographer or designer who owns them. Check out for example, Creative Commons (CC), which lays out several universally accepted rules for you to follow. 

But wait for it... here's probably the best and easiest method for obtaining copyright free images on the Web. Go to Google. Select images. Search for anything you wish (in the screen capture above I have searcher for Paris). The images it shows you are not copyright free. Now click on Usage Rights on the right side of the menu. The box that drops down gives you the option to select Creative Commons licences. Go there and every image Google displays next will be copyright free. Hint: Do check that the image you select is indeed licensed under CC before you use it. Sometimes a rogue image might be listed that is in fact copyrighted. 

I hope this short blogpost helps you to navigate the minefield of web images and photos. Keep writing, and ... don't get sued!

Steve Wheeler