We’ve already covered the many benefits of using Creative Commons when searching for beautiful, free images for websites and social media, but with great power comes great responsibility. The reason you’re able to access this wealth of photography is thanks to the people who provide them.
Image credit: SMALLORBIGOFMEN
Just because they aren’t charging, doesn’t mean these talented people don’t deserve a bit of (online) lovin’. So, if you’re up at night sweating about the poor, uncredited masters of the lens, let me show you how we at Brightspark like to pay our dues:
Credit Where Credit’s Due
It’s simple: just credit them! It takes two seconds to provide a link for a Flickr account but it could result in a lot of traffic for them. And isn’t that what we all want? A few clicks and potential new connections?
Image credit: JD Hancock
But What About Facebook?
Facebook is an image eating machine, but if you’ve ever wondered how you can be on the right side of the law image wise, while still use free images, then here’s how.
If you’ve never made use of your Notes tab before, you’re about to!
It’s the perfect place to do a weekly (or monthly) round-up of the fantastic sources of your images. Plus, it’ll make you look sound to your Facebook fans.
Image credit: Moyan_Brenn
We Go The Extra Mile
We don’t just post the image on notes, we also reach out using Flickr to let the photographer know that their pic is being used, when, where and how. For anyone who has ever had anything to do with Yahoo! products, you’ll know how rigorous it can be, but if you want to be doubly sure you’re staying on the right side of Creative Commons, it’s a good thing to do.
Image credit: GoonSquadSarah
Feeling inspired? We have all the know-how on crediting free images for websites because we love to make great, visual websites and content. So feel free to get in contact with us for more of our expert advice!