I want to use images on my site. Where do I find them?
Adding images to your pages adds interest, and helps to break up text with more engaging visual material. The images you choose should be related to the content on the page, current (taken within the last year or so), seasonally appropriate, and freely available for web usage.
If you have questions about image copyright and fair use, you can consult with the IT copyright policy for more information. The major point to remember in image copyright is that images should either be owned by the department, owned by the college, purchased with proper licenses, or be available on the internet with a license that allows unlimited noncommercial use with modification. When in doubt about whether an image is available for reuse, do not use it - search for another that you will be certain is freely available.
There are four major resources for images to use on your website:
- images that you have taken (with proper photo releases where appropriate)
- images from the college photo library
- images posted on the internet that are free of copyright and available for reuse with modification
- images purchased from a stock photo service with a web use license
Images that you have taken
When you take a photograph for your website, keep in mind that most images used on your websites are horizontal in nature, so frame the subjects with that in mind. Also keep in mind that a quality camera takes a better photograph, and whenever possible use a camera rather than a mobile device to take your website photos. Finally, make sure to scan your photograph for any unintended "photo bombs" or inappropriate gestures, particularly if it's a group shot or wide-angle campus shot.
Information about photo releases will be added as soon as the policy is finalized.
Images from the college photo library
Images from the photo library are available for use on your site. The photo library focuses on college-centered events (Reunion, graduation, etc.) and may not have images available from student-focused events (trick or treating, Wafflefest, etc.). If there is imagery you are looking for but cannot find, contact the staff photographer.
Images posted on the internet that are free of copyright
Not all images found on the internet are free for use, and copyright does matter on the web! You can refine your image search through Google to narrow the search to only images that are free of copyright. We recommend that the category you choose in your search is "labeled for noncommercial reuse with modification", so that you are free to crop the image or place text onto it if you choose. You can find directions for how to do an advanced image search here.
When you do a Google Search, you can filter your results to find images, videos, or text that you have permission to use. To do this, you’ll use an Advanced Search filter called "usage rights" that lets you know when you can use, share, or modify something you find online.
Images purchased from a stock photo service
There are many stock photo companies that you can purchase images from, for use on the web. Make sure if you do so that you are choosing a license that allows for unlimited web use, and allows for modification (so that you can crop or otherwise alter the image.) Companies with positive reputations include:
You should always edit the full-sized image using your choice of image editing software, PRIOR to attempting to upload it to the web.