Using Public Domain Photographs in Your Associated Content Articles

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And attaching a photograph to the articles you submit to Associated Content can make a world of difference.

There's so much information available on the Internet. And, when wading through all of that information, we are much more likely to be drawn to content that includes a photograph, a visual reference that relates to the topic. Readers like to see what they are reading about.

But you can't just use any picture you want in your Associated Content articles. Many of the photographs you see online are copyrighted. There are restrictions on who can use them, and how they can be used. In fact, unless otherwise stated, you should always assume the photographs you see online are copyrighted, and you can't use them without their owner's permission.

So where can you find photographs that you are free to use, both in terms of price and copyright, with your articles?

If you have a digital camera, you can take the photographs yourself. But what if you don't have a digital camera? Or what if you submit several articles to Associated Content a day, and don't have time to try to take a photo to go with each one?

The answer is public domain photographs.

What Are Public Domain Photographs?

Public domain photographs aren't copyrighted. These photos can be used, free of charge, and by anyone, in any commersial or non-commercial projects. You don't have to pay a penny for them, or ask for permision to use them. In fact, your only investment will be the time you spend searching for exactly the right public domain photographs to fit your articles.

Aren't All Public Domain Photographs Old and Outdated?

Not at all.

A lot of the photographs you'll find in the public domain are there because the copyright on them have expired. So, yes, in those cases, the photographs and illustrations can be pretty old.

But there are currently countless talented, not to mention generous, photographers who post their photographs online as works in the public domain. If you can find these photographs, you are free to use them.

How Do You Find Public Domain Photographs?

Finding recently created public domain photographs is simple. Just go to any search engine and type in terms like "public domain photographs," "public domain graphics," or "public domain clipart." With one quick, simple search, you will find dozens of sites offering public domain photographs.

Just be sure to read each site's guidelines or terms of service before taking and using public domain photos. Usually, there are no strings attached when photographs are advertised as being in the public domain. But it doesn't hurt to check.

Public domain photographs are the easy, free, and legal way to add spice to your Associated Content articles.