Using Photos in Your Blog

Photo by Dawn M. Hamsher, 2013

Everyone wants to use photos in their blog and for good reason. Photos draw in readers, add to your content, and just look pretty, but you need to know the rules. Here is the question:

Q: Can you legally use photos off the internet in your blog?

A: No, not unless you get permission from the owner of the photo.
 
5 Rules about Using Web Images in your Blog

Photos are copyrighted. Just as you wouldn't want someone else printing a poem you published on your blog, you shouldn't publish someone else's photo (even if you give credit). In the past, I thought it was okay, as long as I gave credit.

What to do? How do you get photos?
1. Take your own digital photos.
2. Find photos on-line and email owner to get permission to use them.

Do you have any other suggestions or tips for photos usage?