Finding Images

Need to find an image to include in your work?  There are plenty of images on the web, but you need to be sure you have a legal right to use it.  On this page there are a few options for finding images with open or non-commercial licenses.  

Read the terms of use for any image you use, to ensure you're not breaking copyright law.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia Commons logo

At the bottom of the Wikipedia search page, find a link to the "Commons".  This gets you to the Wikimedia Commons, "a database of freely usable media files to which anyone can contribute".

Each image you find this way provides information about re-use.  Attribute the image using the details provided.

Flickr

Flickr has a creative commons option for images.

  • Use the Advanced search option.
  • Click "Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content".  Find the box at the bottom of the screen. Here's a screen shot:

Screen capture of the Flickr Creative Commons option

  • Search.
  • Click on an image you like.
  • Click on  "ooo" (More Actions) in the right side menu.
  • Click on "Download / All Sizes" to see license restrictions.  Look for non-commercial use.
  • Most of the time you need to provide "attribution"; a link to the image on Flickr is enough.

The Commons

Click "Explore" in the top menu to find Flickr: The Commons.

  • These images have been provided by participating institutions, such as libraries and archives.
  • Look under "Additional Info" for "No known copyright restrictions".

Getty Images

This is a commercial photography website that sells images.  However, thousands of images are available to embed in a non-commercial website for free.  The embedding code includes information about the source of the image.

  • Navigate to www.gettyimages.ca/.
  • Search for photos you like.
  • Hover your mouse over an image to see the options. 
  • Look for an image with this option: .  Click this to obtain the code to embed the image in your website.  
  • Add the code provided to your page - as code, not text.

From Getty's "Terms of Use" (Mar/14):

Embedded Viewer

Where enabled, you may embed Getty Images Content on a website, blog or social media platform using the embedded viewer (the “Embedded Viewer”). Not all Getty Images Content will be available for embedded use, and availability may change without notice. Getty Images reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove Getty Images Content from the Embedded Viewer. Upon request, you agree to take prompt action to stop using the Embedded Viewer and/or Getty Images Content. You may only use embedded Getty Images Content for editorial purposes (meaning relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest). Embedded Getty Images Content may not be used: (a) for any commercial purpose (for example, in advertising, promotions or merchandising) or to suggest endorsement or sponsorship; (b) in violation of any stated restriction; (c) in a defamatory, pornographic or otherwise unlawful manner; or (d) outside of the context of the Embedded Viewer.

Getty Images (or third parties acting on its behalf) may collect data related to use of the Embedded Viewer and embedded Getty Images Content, and reserves the right to place advertisements in the Embedded Viewer or otherwise monetise its use without any compensation to you.