When you browse through websites online, or look at advertisements in magazines, you probably see a lot of photographs of people. The Internet is huge on using pictures to accompany articles and news bites, though the people in the photographs aren’t always related to the story. In many cases, they are models or just regular folks who have agreed to be photographed. There is a huge market for photographs of people for online use, and a smart photographer will want to take advantage of this.
There are a few rules about using photographs of people, however. If a picture of anyone is used for a commercial purpose, the model must have signed a release form. Model is a blanket term for anyone who poses for a picture. A release form states that the model knows their likeness or image is being used for a public purpose, both commercial and non-profit. When you look for photographs of people for this type of use, you have to be sure there has been a release signed. Rarely is this ever a problem, as most photographers know what they are doing, but it is in your best interest to make sure before you proceed.
Many writers online must have pictures to go with their articles. They can find many photographs of people, but some are going to cost them a lot of money. There are many sites out there that have photographs of people, as well as just about anything else you can think of, but you can’t just download and use them on your website. There aren’t many sites that offer totally free stock photos, but there are some out there. If you have a constant need for quality photographs of people and other things, you should subscribe to a good stock photography website so you know you always have access to great picture when you need them.
If you find photographs of people that are truly free to use for any purpose you want, make sure you give proper credit to the photographer. In many cases these people just love what they do, and they offer their photographs for use with no strings attached. Others are new photographers, and they are hoping to see their work in print so they can add that to their portfolio. In both cases, it is important that you credit them fully, and then email them thanking them for the use of the photograph.