So, you found the perfect photo online. It’s crisp, it’s beautiful, and it fits perfectly in your blog post, presentation, or design. But before you hit “Download,” wait! Do you know how to give credit where credit is due?
Let’s talk about how to properly attribute a stock photo. Yes, it might sound boring, but it’s actually pretty simple—and important!
Why Attribution Matters
Imagine you spent hours taking a photo, and someone else used it without giving you credit. Not cool, right? That’s why photo creators want attribution. It’s a way of saying “Thank you for your great work!”
Also, some stock photo licenses require it. If you don’t follow the rules, you might get into legal trouble. Yikes!
Check the License First
Before you use any photo, check the license. Different sites and photographers have different rules. Some require attribution, some don’t.
Here are a few common types:
- CC BY – You can use it, even commercially. But you must credit the creator.
- CC0 – Public domain. No need to credit anyone, but it’s still nice if you do.
- Royalty-Free – Usually no credit needed, but read the fine print!
Sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay often offer free images with relaxed rules. But always double-check!
So… How Do I Actually Attribute?
Think of it like this: you’re showing who made the photo, where it came from, and the license. The most common format is:
“Photo by [Photographer Name] on [Website]”
For example:
“Photo by Jane Smith on Unsplash”
Even better, link the photographer’s name and website. Like this:
“Photo by Jane Smith on Unsplash”
Where Should I Place the Credit?
Some tips:
- Place it near the image
- Or at the bottom of the page
- Or in a dedicated “Credits” section
Just make sure it’s clear and easy to find. Hidden credits = bad vibes.
Don’t Modify Without Permission
Some licenses let you edit the photo. Some don’t. If you’re adding filters, cropping, or changing colors, make sure it’s allowed.
And if you do edit, you might want to say:
“Photo by Jane Smith on Unsplash (edited)”
This keeps things honest.
What If I Bought the Photo?
If you purchased the image from a paid site like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, attribution often isn’t required. But again—read that license!
Some creators still appreciate a nod. And if you’re sharing the image online, it’s always classy to give credit.
Watch Out for Google Images!
Big warning here:
Just because a photo is on Google Images doesn’t mean it’s free to use.
Find the source. Look for the license. If it’s not clear, don’t risk it!
Helpful Tools
There are tools that can help you create attributions:
- Image Finder – Searches only Creative Commons images.
- Creative Commons – Learn about licenses.
- Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay – Great sources for photos and easy attribution instructions.
A Quick Do and Don’t List
Do:
- Check the license
- Give proper credit
- Link to the source when you can
Don’t:
- Assume all images online are free
- Skip the reading (licenses matter!)
- Hide or skip attribution if it’s required
The Bottom Line?
Giving credit is easy. It keeps image creators happy, and it keeps you safe.
So next time you use a stock photo, take a moment and do it right. It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big difference. 💛
