Guidelines for Responsible Image Usage

This guide outlines best practices for using images responsibly to avoid copyright infringement. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing free stock photo resources such as Unsplash, Pexels, and Freepik while adhering to their licensing terms, including proper attribution. The document also advises using personal photographs to circumvent copyright issues and suggests obtaining images from paid stock sites like Shutterstock and Getty Images, ensuring to check their licensing agreements for any restrictions. Furthermore, it details essential dos and don’ts, such as avoiding unverified images from Google searches and respecting copyright terms even for educational use. The guide stresses the necessity of crediting images correctly to prevent copyright fees and recommends consulting a professional if there is uncertainty regarding an image's copyright status. Additionally, it provides tips for identifying copyrighted images, including the use of reverse image search tools to trace the source and check for copyright notices.