High-quality images are key for making your content shine both online and in print. But before you start pulling images off the internet, there are a few key things to note to avoid copyright infringement. To help you create amazing visual photo prints the right way, we have created a list of the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to using images found online for printing.
DOs
1. Use FREE Public Domain Image Websites
To most people’s surprise, there are many resources available for free, high quality public domain photos. It can also be used for any legal purposes. Here are some of our favorite websites for FREE photos:
2. Use stock photo images
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, there are always stock images that you can purchase for very reasonable rates. Websites such as istock.com or shutterstock.com provide amazing search filters that allow you to find very specific images. For example; you can narrow down your search results to find images that are only a specific orientation (horizontal, vertical, square, etc.) or within a specific colour range.
3. Request Permission to Use Photos
If you find a particular image you’re interested in using, send an email to the owner requesting permission to use it. It helps to include a description of how you want to use the photo. Make sure the person you are contacting actually has the rights to the image, and didn’t just copy it from another source. Having a response in writing stating the use is approved is important before moving ahead. Moreover, you may want to include credit to the original source in your photo print.
DON’Ts
1. Don’t Use Low Resolution Photos
Most images may appear high definition online but not in print. Most online photos are normally created at a resolution of 72 DPI. This low resolution is great for the web, but will show blurry when printed. Hence, having a recommended (high) resolution of 300 DPI, is critical to printing a photo print with crisp graphics, sharp definition and beautiful color depth. It’s important to check your image resolution using Photoshop and any design software before you print.
Learn how to check for image quality, give our past blog: HOW TO CHECK IMAGE QUALITY? a read!
2. Don’t Copy or Use Images from Other Websites
Did you know that you could get sued for copying and printing images from other websites or using another’s pictures without permission? To avoid any legal complications, make sure that you use only original images or images that you have a legal right to use on your website.
3. Avoid Using Pictures From Google Images
How many times have you used Google or another search engine and found the perfect image, illustration or photograph?
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The temptation to browse Google Images (or any other search engine) and just use an image that best suits your photo prints can be quite high. However, those images aren’t free for the taking. They belong to people—and using one without permission could land you in legal trouble! Once you find that perfect image or photo, you must treat it (from a copyright perspective) like any other images you find online!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have an idea of what photos you can print, printing professional photography photos you want for your home decor or frames will be so much easier. If there’s anything we’ve missed or if you need help get in touch with us!
Till next time, cheers!