If you have come across a good photo that you would like to use in your business, it may be possible to sell the photo. However, you will need to make sure that you follow the rules pertaining to using these photos and do not compete with the creator of the image. Also, you should be prepared to remaster the photo before selling it.
Do not compete with the creator of the image
A public domain image is free to download and use for all purposes. This includes copying the image as long as it is used for non-commercial purposes. However, if you're looking to make a mint from selling these images, then you might want to think twice. There is some truth in the claims that museums and copyright holders are able to restrict the number of times an image is used. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure you're doing right by the creator of these photos.
The most important step is to make sure you have a license to use these images. This can be done by using a site like Flickr to search for and license images. It is also a good idea to ask the person who uploaded the picture to see if they have any objections. In some cases, the person may be willing to negotiate a fair deal.
Do not claim to own the copyright
When selling public domain images, you must be careful not to claim the copyright. You should always acknowledge the original creator, the license, and the source of the image. If you are a photographer, you should also be aware that you are able to release your photos through Creative Commons, which is a license that allows the use of the images for free.
The majority of works in public domain are not governed by any intellectual property laws, which means that they can be used by anybody. However, the rights statement does advise about certain cases in which restrictions might apply. This includes photographs of government buildings, which are in the collection of the U.S. federal government. Also, you should remember that the Metropolitan Museum of Art launched the Images for Academic Publishing initiative in 2007, which provides high-quality images from the collection.
Some websites have a Creative Commons license, which allows you to use the image for non-commercial purposes. These websites include Wikimedia Commons, Flickr Commons, and many others. It is also possible to buy copies of these photographs. But if you want to publish them online, you have to ensure that the website is licensed with a CC license. To learn more about this type of license, check out our blog on the topic.
If you use public domain images, you should always consider whether or not you are in violation of the law. If you are, you may face charges of up to $150,000 for each infringement. In addition, you could end up spending a lot of time in jail. Keeping these things in mind can help you avoid any legal pitfalls and lower the risks of copyright.
Remastered photos
If you are looking to earn a little extra cash on the side, you may be wondering if you can legally sell remastered images on the internet. This is certainly possible and a great way to make money. However, there are some pitfalls that you should be aware of. For starters, you should be careful to use only public domain images and not those from monetized photo blogs. The best way to avoid being hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit is to ask the creator for a license to use his work.
Getting the most out of your remastered photos is also not as easy as you think. You may have to wait for others to find and buy the pictures you have to offer. In addition, you will need to be a bit more creative and savvy. One option is to put your pictures on a site like Big Cartel. Aside from not charging fees, this site offers some pretty cool features including real-time shipping rates and customizable email templates.
In addition to these sites, you can sell your remastered pics on Etsy, Redbubble, or WordPress. Depending on your needs and business model, you may even have the option to set up a storefront. Some of these sites do charge for listing products, though. It is best to research the cost of setting up your own store before you decide to get started.
One site that deserves a mention is Society6, which is a good source of hand-made and vintage items. Among its many offerings are art supplies, books, and t-shirts. While the site is not for everyone, it is certainly worth checking out.
NASA's web site
The US Space Agency, NASA, has made a great effort to comb through its image and audio collection and make them available to the public. This includes 140,000 photographs and videos. However, the agency does not claim copyright for the images. If you want to use them in your work, you need to follow these simple rules.
First, you must acknowledge the source of the images. You should also credit the agency. For example, if you are using a photograph of a NASA scientist, you should say "Photo courtesy of NASA."
Second, you must be sure that the use of the images does not violate the privacy or publicity rights of the people. For instance, if you are distributing an image of an astronaut on a jigsaw puzzle or mug, you should not include the photo of the person. Likewise, if you are distributing an image that features a recognizable person in the context of a book or magazine article, you must obtain separate permission from the person.
Third, you must use the NASA logo properly. You should not include the NASA Logotype (the blue "meatball") or the NASA Seal (the worm) as a link to another site.
Fourth, you must be certain that the NASA material does not convey the agency's endorsement of commercial products or services. This may require a clearance from the agency, but it is usually not necessary.
Fifth, you must be careful about how you use the images. Using them to create advertisements, for example, is not permitted. Instead, you should use them for non-promotional purposes.
Sixth, you can also use the NASA data files for informational purposes. These files are not copyrighted, but you should use them with permission from the author.