Photos: "In the public domain"?

[Dry Rot]

I'd like to post pictures of ponies on my web site to demonstrate the different colours possible in the breed and the names of the colours.

I did a quick search of Google images and lots of lovely pictures come up. Of course, the polite thing to do is to ask the owner of the copyright if I can use the picture but I know many can't be contacted or won't reply. But, since they are on the Internet and have obviously already been copied by Google, are they "in the public domain" and free to use by anyone?

I realise this is a grey area. Things are changing rapidly in this electronic age, but I thought I'd ask! What do you think?

 

[SusannaF]

No, they're not in the public domain unless the copyright holders say they are. There have been mutterings about charging Google for things like this (and news items etc).

Try WikiCommons.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Horses

Coat colours:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Horse_coat_colors

Huge number of images of horses. Check the info underneath (do they allow re-use?) and credit the source and photographer.

 

[crabbymare]

If you have used photos without permission most photographers will screenshot the page as proof then try to find out via historic sites how long the picture has been up and then charge you NUJ rates if you are lucky they will invoice you for less but you should always get permission before you use pictures and then choose them from people who licence you to just give them a credit

 

[PandorasJar]

No. They are not in the public domain unless there is a clear statement with it or over a certain age. (the laws differ on country so careful with that too) I believe if the original is on fb or Twitter you can use and just note the original photographers name and any details with it due to the agreement on signing up.
There are lots of sites with public domain or free stock on the to use. Also lots of cheap stock sites (matter of pennies to use each image)

 

[hcm88]

No, you don't have permission to use them and I wouldn't risk it either. Try looking for stock images which are royalty free, perhaps try http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/ and look for Attribution photos (but you must give credit).