Writing for Associated Content: Using Legal Stock Images

Associated Content's Image Submission Guidelines allow for the use of stock images from three free sources: Stock.XCHNG, morgueFile, and Wikimedia Commons. These are not the only sources of legal images for your AC articles, but when you need to find a stock photograph in a hurry and don't want to pay for it, they are the place to go.

Stock.XCHNG (SXC) is a free stock photo web site owned and operated by Getty Images. You can browse content on the site by just visiting, but if you want to use the photos you need to sign up for a free account. The site claims a membership of 2.5 million users, and some 400,000 free images available to those willing to accept their terms of use.

Crediting a Stock.XCHNG photo
Not all SXC users ask for attribution when you use their work, but Associated Content requires it. Put the user's name in the "credit" field as you submit the image to AC. In the "copyright" field you put "sxc.hu/user's name". Take note that some users at Stock.XCHNG require you to apply for permission before you use their images, and some want to be notified when you use their work. Check restrictions for each image before you use it.

Using the lightbox to stay organized
SXC users can create one or more lightboxes and add images to them. Once you sign up for your free account, you are a user. Take advantage of the lightboxes to organize graphics you have used in past, or create new lightboxes for themed images. Since I am a Featured Contributor in Education and Diseases & Conditions, I have created lightboxes for these categories. I add to them if I see a graphic that may be useful one day. This cuts down on search time if I need it later. If you write a lot of articles about crafts, plants, food or holidays like Halloween, Christmas or Easter you could make lightboxes for them too.

When you use an image from your lightbox, check to be sure you have complied with its usage restrictions. Clicking on the image takes you straight to the page where you will find that information. It even has a handy place to leave the photographer a comment. I like to comment and leave a link even if it's not required. Photographers are curious about how their work is used, and they love to get feedback the same way we like to get comments on our articles and slide shows. It's also a little extra publicity for your own work, which never hurts!

Sources:
"About us." Stock.XCHNG

"Image license agreement." Stock.XCHNG

"Image submission guidelines." Associated Content