Before deciding to go to images.google.com, flickr.com, Youtube, etc to grab(aka stealing) some photos to use in your blog or on your web site, here are a few tips that might interest you. I actually don't take the time to insert a bunch of photos into my blogs, but I know others do. But when I do need a photo that is related to a certain topic, or just need a photo that I can use without restrictions, I start with www.creativecommons.org Here you can search several sites, set search criteria like: "Only search within creative commons licensed content", " Find content to use commercially", " Find content to modify, adapt, and build upon". Search for " Easter" and I find eggs, rabbits, etc, or search for " jail" I find jail cells, handcuffs, etc., enter " houses" and get a huge variety of houses. Just be sure to read the rules, because some photos will still require you to cite the photographer or writer, or some might have a minor license agreement, some give you a CC license so you can use their content non-commercially. Usually what they mean by using " non-commercially" is that you can't print their photos on t-shirts to sell for example. If you like to add flower photos to your blog, I suggest you make a folder and save whatever flower images you can find that don't have any restrictions on use. In another folder you might keep some better quality photos that if you use, require you to cite the name of the photographer, etc. You can find some nice professional images that are free to use with nothing more than the requirement that you write" Photo by Tara Gibson" or whatever the photographers name is.
Taking your own photos is always best, but I think creativecommons.org is the next best thing. I could write a lot more on this topic, but this will have to be all for now. Learn what " Public Domain Dedication" means while you're checking out creative commons. There is lots of good info on their site that we should be familiar with. Always read and understand the terms of use before using a photo that you didn't take.
Jeff Pearl / REALTOR / RE/MAX Distinctive Lic in VA MD DC / 703-727-4876 / jeffpearlhomes.com / Equal Housing
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