Post by Crash on Apr 3, 2008 13:30:45 GMT -5
Originally posted on another site, so excuse any random crap.
Hokay. I'm here to address the issue of stock images. I've noticed that a lot of people either: use images that are not stock (whether due to ignorance or simply disregard for the rules), or are just not crediting or following the stock provider's rules. They just waltz onto Flickr or Google or Deviantart and think they can take what they want. WRONGO. So now you get a Batty-made lecture. Yay! I'll be addressing the appropriate images to use, appropriate search techniquies (yes! there is a technique!) and appropriate crediting techniques.
And remember even Photoshop brushes and textures, especially if they're from dA, must be credited appropriately.
Appropriate Images:
First, I would like to address the matter of Google. Most people think that, because they are easily accessible, they are free to use. Yeah... no. As a matter of fact all images from google are copyrighted. Surprise, eh? All those images are from websites, blogs, public domains, etc. And all are copyrighted to those places. Taking them is stealing. Yeah, I didn't know this for a while either. Or, well, if you think about it, it makes sense. But I never thought about it. So you really shouldn't be using them. If you do, you should ask permission, and credit appropriately, which will be displayed below.
Next, will be Flickr. Prior to contarary belief, you cannot just go onto Flickr, type what you want, and take whatever shows up. This is stealing. Don't feel bad if you've been doing this, cause up until a few weeks ago, I did too. I had no idea what a CC License was.
Important: Read
Well, a CC License is a creative commons license. "The Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit organization devoted to expanding the range of creative work available for others legally to build upon and share. The organization has released several copyright licenses known as Creative Commons licenses. These licenses, depending on the one chosen, restrict only certain rights (or none) of the work." -Wikipedia.com on the CC License.
This means that while some photos have been approved of by the artist's behind them to build upon, use, etc. some have not. I have noticed that a lot of people will go to Flickr or Deviantart, type in a word in the main search bar, and take what they're given. This isn't how it works. I, personally, was aware of this on dA, but not on Flickr. About a month or so ago, I figured out how it worked.
In other words, if it's CC Licensed you can use it but you must credit. (These rules only apply unless otherwise stated by the artist; for example on Deviantart, the image providers have personal rules you must follow as well) If it's not CC Licensed, you must ask. You'll probably get a 'no'.
On Deviantart:
Relatively easy. Just follow these screenshots. Remember, you cannot use any old image. You may only use a Stock Image, and then you must follow the terms set by the artist.
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Remember to follow all rules. If they say 'Link Back' this means to copy the URL of their profile page onto your picture. For example, if I did use that horse image I would say: 'Horse by: nyaorestock.deviantart.com/'. If they say 'notify me' then (if you have dA) post on the picture, their profile, or send them a note. If you don't , you can email them.
Remember, you cannot use images that are not stock images. It is stealing.
For Flickr:
Ha ha, enjoying my smexy computer writing?? I need a tablet... xD
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Credits:
Saying 'THIS IS MINE DON'T TAKE IT' is not a credit (in other words, just putting your name). Credits are not for your benefit. They are for the benefits of the people behind the pictures you used. Yes, many people say 'photomanip [c] name here 08' which is fine. You're claiming the finished product as yours. But you need to credit the images you used. The background, the brushes, the cat. Not you.
Hokay, now for credits. This is relatively short.
Bad Credits:
Cat: Flickr.com
Horse: Google
Background: Deviantart
NO. NO, NO, NO.
It should be:
Cat: So-and-so at Flickr.com
Horse: NOT FROM GOOGLE BECAUSE GOOGLE IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED!! Try dA or flickr or whatever.
Background: So-and-so at Deviantart.com OR (if the stock provider requires a link back) the link to the profile. Get it, got it, good.
To find stock images, try googling 'Free Stock Images' or 'Stock Image Provider' or whatever. And remember even Photoshop brushes and textures, especially if they're from dA, must be credited appropriately.
Another good image site is Morgue File. All images are stock. Also, check out sxc.hu. Also all stock, though you have to sign up.
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