Filmmaking / Directing : A question about - Free Stock Photos/Images may be subject to copyright. by J Anthony Ramos

J Anthony Ramos

A question about - Free Stock Photos/Images may be subject to copyright.

Hello everyone. I have a question about free Stock Photos. I'd like to use a single image of Miami, Las Vegas, and Hawaii as inserts in a short film I've already shot. The image would last about five seconds at the most of each place. I looked up free images of these particular places but even though they say Free Stock Photos, there is the disclaimer of Images may be subject to copyright. I don't want to put the film together and then have to remove them. How do I go about making sure this doesn't happen or that I get in trouble for having used these images that are stated to be Free Stock Photos? Thank you.

Doug Nelson

Suggestion: Be specific about what you want and ask some of the S32 members who reside in Miami, Las Vegas and Hawaii if they would be willing to shoot some stills for you.

Beth Fox Heisinger

Usually with stock image companies, what you are paying for is the usage of an image or video clip, not the copyright. "Free" usually does not apply to something that may be commercial, like a film. If you read the small print and/or their explanation of their policies and prices it should make it clear. Or call and talk to a customer service person. Hope that helps! ;)

Karen Stark

Look at the terms and conditions the company gives to be sure you have full usage.

J Anthony Ramos

Thank you Doug, Beth, and Karen.

Pat Savage

Look at the terms and conditions of usage mate! Be sure before producing anything!

J Anthony Ramos

Thank you Pat.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg
  1. find the photographer. 2. ask permission. 3. done.
Pete Conrad

Wikicommons?

J Anthony Ramos

Thank you Shadow Dragu, Pete and everyone else again. Asked folks that have traveled more than I have and BAM, got some photos I can use. So again, I'm reminded of the saying, El que no habla, DIOS no lo oye. He who does not speak up, GOD does not hear.

Phil Parker

Pay for the photographer's art by getting a temp subscription from somewhere like Getty Images. That will cover the legal issue and won't cost a fortune.

Doug Nelson

I just don't get it. Why not use the assets available to you right here on S32?

J Anthony Ramos

Thank you Phil and actually Doug, I did use the assets on S32, mainly you, when you gave the advice of asking folks that actually live in those cities to take photos for me. I took that advice, twisted it a little by asking friends and family (who I never thought of asking) that live in or have visited those cities to allow me to use their photos for the short film, and I received many I can use, but I understand what you mean, it would have allowed me to reach out and network even more, and it's something I love to do and will do more so now and in the future and for many things. I did also learn more about where and how to obtain photos for permission if I didn't have Stage 32 folks to ask. Thank you again Doug, and everyone.

Nancy Fulton

I use POND5.COM to get stock footage and stock images very cost effectively. The licensing is clear and that is actually critical because if an image or footage is copyrighted and you violate that copyright in a work you distribute the creator can sue for statutory damages and they will almost certainly win. https://copyrightalliance.org/ca_faq_post/statutory-damages-why-do-they-...

J Anthony Ramos

Thank you Nancy.

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