Week 4: A guide on how to source images

This post is part of my Visual Design module online portfolio 

Finding the right image is an important part of the designers process. However you have to be careful that you source the image correctly and that you are actually allowed to be using that image and there is no copyright attached to the image. Top tips:

1) Don't use google images. Using google images could be dangerous - if you are taking an image of the internet then make sure you find out where the original photo is from, the context of the photo etc. It is important that there is no bad ethics associated with that photo or these could then represent the company using the image in a bad light e.g. the frog holding a leaf umbrella. 

2) In order to use stock photos in your work you must first purchase the photos to have the right to use them. Stock websites include shutter stock and fotolia. Even if you have purchased the rights to the photos you should still check again with the buyer and elaborate on the purpose and context of the use of their photos. 

3) Why not use your own photography. However be careful that no one else can steal your photos and use them themselves. 

4) The BCU Libraries image archive, the library at Uni holds the rights to many images which you can access from the library portal on moodle or by asking a librarian in the library who will assist you in finding the images. 

5) Creative commons licences stops you from being able to use an image without paying for it. Photographers can now obtain licenses on their photos which means if you use one of them without paying for it it is an infringement of copyright therefore it is important to always double check the images. There is an easy to follow guide to the creative commons licences on the website.