What Is Copyright Free?
Some of the photographs I use on this blog are COPYRIGHT FREE. What does this mean? It means that I took them and that you can use any of the images with the tag ‘Copyright Free Image’ ALMOST any way that you’d like. Use them to illustrate your blog posts or articles, when making jewelry, in your mixed media artwork, and much more. The only way you CAN’T use these images is by selling them as your own. I’m doing this as a way to share my love of photography with others and give blog readers some creative inspiration. I work really hard to take lovely photos {even though it might not seem that way sometimes}. So, please don’t put your name on them and sell them as is.
When you use them, give me a little credit. All I ask is that you include an attribution of ‘Blacksburg Belle’ and link back to my blog. Thanks! You don’t have to let me know that you’re using them, but it’s always nice to hear that someone else appreciates my work.
Why Copyright Free?
Many photographers expect to get paid when you use their images. I completely understand and respect this. But, I’m not a professional photographer and I don’t make my living through photography. Even though I think that would be pretty freakin cool. I’ve always had a dream in the back of my mind of being photographer, and this is a way for me to hold myself accountable and share my photography.
I’ve been reading photography books, the amazing blog, Digital Photography School, playing with my camera and attempting to improve my photography skills to reach one of major life goals of taking beautiful photographs. I don’t have a fancy camera—yet—but I’m saving my hard-earned pennies to get something better than my simple point and shoot.
The bottom line is I want people to have access to my photographs in a way that feels right to me. This is it.
Which Pictures Are Copyright Free?
Any pictures with the tag that states “Copyright Free Image.” If the picture doesn’t have copyright free written underneath it, it’s NOT. Almost all of my pictures are copyright free, so it probably means that it’s someone else’s work and not up for the taking. Please respect the fact that most people don’t want their pictures taken willy nilly. If you want to request permission to use one of those photos, click on the attribution link underneath the photo to find the original source. Then request permission from that person. Thanks!