Can I use images I found on the internet?

Lynchburg can’t endorse using “free” images found online because such images present risks.

• People depicted in photos — even “public domain” photos — may not have given permission. You/Lynchburg may be liable for use.
• Even “free” photo sources carry warnings. Examples:

U.S. government agencies such as the Library of Congress, which tends to share public domain images, warn regarding copyright, “The information we have may not be accurate or complete. As a publicly supported institution, we generally do not have the right to materials in our collections. You should determine whether an item is protected by copyright or in the public domain and then satisfy any copyright or use restrictions when publishing or distributing materials from our collections. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond what is allowed by fair use or other exemptions requires written permission from the copyright holder.”

Adobe Express automatically adds credit lines but warns, “Adobe doesn’t vouch for the images turned up through image search. We have filters that try to screen for Creative Commons-licensed images but are imperfect. You must verify that you have the right to use any image you place in your project.”

• All use must follow U.S. Copyright restrictions and Principles of Fair Use. Any photograph, the moment it is created, is copyrighted, whether it’s by a professional or an amateur. “Fair use” is a defense in copyright cases, not a blanket waiver to use copyrighted material.

Photos You Can Use

• Contact Staff Photographer Caroline Gerke at [email protected] to discuss the photos you need. You may find that what you need already exists in our photo library. Caroline or a student photographer may schedule a time to take the photos.
• Stock photo companies such as iStock, Getty Images, or Pond5 (for a fee) provide licensed images for use. They require model and location releases from their contributors to safely use those images for any purpose.
• You could recruit someone to take photos or hire a freelance photographer.

NOTE: Images used for printed pieces must be high resolution (300 dpi or more). Most images downloaded from the internet are low resolution and only for screen use (emails, websites/web pages, etc.).