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6 min read

Safe Ways to Obtain Photos for Your Website

One of my clients was unfortunately caught up in some legal wrangling because volunteers creating blog posts grabbed images from another website but as it turned out that other website did not have permission to use those photos from the original source. As website creators it is very important that we take care to make sure the images we use are clear of any restrictions. I did use AI to assist me in writing this post, however I have reviewed every word to make sure it lines up with my thoughts and made edits as necessary.

A client guide to avoiding copyright issues

Using images found online (Google Images, social media, random websites) can create legal and financial risk. Even if an image is “public” or doesn’t show a watermark, it is often still copyrighted.

This guide outlines the safest, simplest ways to get website images that you have clear permission to use.

1) The Gold Standard: Use Your Own Photos

Safest option. Best for credibility.

Examples

Why this is safest

If your team created the photos, your organization owns them (unless a contractor agreement says otherwise).

✅ Best practice: Store original photo files in Google Drive/Dropbox with clear folder naming.

Important note about photographing people (including famous people)

If you take a photo of people at your event, you can typically use those images for normal nonprofit storytelling, event recaps, and program documentation.

However, extra care is required when:

✅ Generally safe:
Using event photos of speakers/attendees to document the event (blog recap, “news” post, program updates).

⚠️ Permission recommended / sometimes required:
Using a public figure’s image in a way that implies endorsement, including:

Simple rule: Editorial/documentary use is usually fine. Endorsement/advertising use is where permission matters most.

Facility / building photos: watch for copyrighted artwork

Facility/building photos are usually safe — but be careful with artwork:

Even if the building is yours, the art may be copyrighted.

✅ Best practice: Make sure artwork is only secondary/background or cropped out, unless you have permission from the artist/rightsholder.

2) Hire or recruit a Photographer (or Designer) with a Written Agreement

Very safe option, and often a big quality improvement.

When you pay someone to take photos, it does not always automatically mean you own the photo rights.

✅ Best practice: Ensure the invoice/contract includes:

✅ Bonus best practice: If they are photographing:

3) Use Licensed Stock Photo Platforms

Safe and easy, if you use reputable sources.

You pay for a license to use images. This is a great option when you need professional images quickly.

Recommended paid libraries

I do have a membership to scop.io so many of the photos there you can use as long as you are a client of Lowthian Design.

✅ Best practice: Download and store the license receipt/screenshot in your organization’s records.

4) Use Reputable Free Stock Sites (With License Terms)

Usually safe, but use carefully.

Some websites provide images free for commercial use, but each site has its own rules and limitations.

Recommended free libraries

✅ Best practice:
Take a screenshot or PDF copy of the license page at the time you download the image.

Even free licenses can change later. Keeping proof protects you.

5) Use Creative Commons Photos (Only with Correct Attribution)

Creative Commons is a great resource for many images, but needs to be used with care. Before searching for images, understand the image labels first by reading their license information

Safe if followed properly. Easy to mess up.

Creative Commons licenses range from very flexible to very restrictive.

Some licenses allow:

Some do NOT allow:

✅ Best practice: Only use:

🚫 Avoid:

Creative Commons has a filtering option so you can make sure the images you select are clear. Here is an example.

Public art note (murals / sculptures / installations)

Some Creative Commons uploads may include public art (murals, sculptures, etc.). Even if the photo is labeled as Creative Commons, the artwork inside the photo may still be copyrighted.

✅ Best practice: Avoid using photos where copyrighted public art is the main subject unless you have clear written permission from the artist/rightsholder.

6) Use AI Images Carefully (Allowed, but with guidelines)

AI images can be great for abstract backgrounds, conceptual images, icons, and illustrations.

However, AI is not recommended for:

✅ Best practice:

What NOT To Do (High Risk)

These methods create the most legal risk:

❌ Google Image search downloads
❌ Taking images from other nonprofit websites
❌ Screenshots from social media
❌ “We found it on Facebook so it must be ok”
❌ Images from news websites
❌ Images without a clearly stated license

Even if you:

“Permission Checklist” (Simple Rule)

An image is safe only if at least ONE of these is true:

✅ Your organization created it
✅ You paid for it AND have license rights
✅ It comes from a stock platform with a valid license
✅ It comes from a free stock platform with a stated license
✅ It’s Creative Commons and you followed the license requirements
✅ You have written permission from the copyright owner

Recommended Workflow for Clients

To keep everything clean and safe:

Make sure that all images uploaded to your website are safe to use so you can use your media library as a resource of images to use whenever you create a new post. Read my image best practices before uploading.

Optional Add-On Policy Statement

When you feel confident you are in complience, you can include a document on your website that explains:

Our organization uses only photos we own, have licensed, or have permission to use. We do not download images from Google Image search or copy photos from other websites.

Let me know if you need help drafting this document.

-Geoffrey

Geoffrey Lowthian

Written and cared for, as always.