Why you should be careful about using free image services

Not that deep down, you know that getting something for free doesn't come without consequences.

My paranoia got me reading the Unsplash licence.

OMG.

"Please keep in mind our photos are provided on an “as is” basis, so any liability for continued use of a removed photo remains with you."

A photo has been removed — can I still use it?

Unsplash Help Center

I barely have time to brush my teeth, let alone monitor Unsplash.

Here's another good one:

"If you download photos with [B. People’s images if they are recognizable in the Photos], you may need the permission of the brand owner of the brand or work of authorship or individual depending on how you use the Photo. Please see our FAQs for more information and, if you still aren’t sure, you should probably talk to a lawyer who knows about these things."

Probably talk to a lawyer who knows about these things?

Wait.

What?

Yeah, all of those recognisable faces on Unsplash.

I then found this article covering a story about Simon Palmer, a photographer who was threatened with legal action for using an image that was uploaded illegally. I don't know what happened, but I strongly assume he lost some sleep.

I like my sleep.

Some alternatives to using free image services

Stock Photos and Royalty-Free Stock Images | Shutterstock

Do your best creative work with Shutterstock stock photos. Explore millions of royalty-free images in our curated stock photography collection. Start your free trial, download free stock photos today.

Shutterstock

iStock

iStock. Explore the official iStock website for millions of exclusive, royalty-free, stock files. Find the perfect stock for your project, fast. Search now.

Never use an image without permission. It is very easy for a copyright protection agency to scrape the Internet to source images used without copyright and request payment for their use retrospectively.

AI for image generation

Midjourney is truly amazing at creating any type of image imaginable. But you need time and patience:

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