Is it illegal?

[Big]

I want to use an image I found on Google for the background of my new "website" for my 365 project that I am starting. I don't know if it's illegal, there's no way for me to really give credit to whomever it is. Here is the image. http://www.amblecote.dudley.gov.uk/images/Landscape_Photography.jpg

I want to check before I actually use it.
Thanks guys!
-BIG

 

[Overread]

Short answer - Yes it is. You are using the image on your own website (and I assume hosting it on your own uploading space) whilst not seeking permission from the owner of the image (its on a .gov website which means that the photographer might not even own the image itself = the local council might own the rights).

If you are very keen to use the image contact the website owners and inquire as to who the photographer is who is responcible for the image (as its 4 in one you might even find that it was taken by more than one person) and then contact them with regard to usage rights.

Honestly though if you are promoting your own photography on your website and your own project I would (personally) only want my photography (or any others contributing to a project if it is a group effort) to be displayed on the website, not someone elses.

 

[Josh66]

Yes.

Here's the website those pictures are from, and here is the copyright notice they have posted in the upper-right corner.

According to that notice, even my posting a link to their website in this post was illegal...

 

[usayit]

You could ask them: Amblecote Primary School

 

[Big]

Thanks guys!

 

[Annamas]

Picture is coming from a primary school website. I'd put money on the images either taken by one of their staff (not sure about that) OR the school board purchasing the photo (likely from a stock company).

If it was me, my gut would be telling me not to use it unless I can be sure I'm alright using it.

Why not shoot something of your own for your website. Might give it a more . . . "true" feeling.

 

[Big]

I think I'll just make a small collage of my shots and set it as my background. That way I'll know I'll be safe.

 

[Big]

Picture is coming from a primary school website. I'd put money on the images either taken by one of their staff (not sure about that) OR the school board purchasing the photo (likely from a stock company).

If it was me, my gut would be telling me not to use it unless I can be sure I'm alright using it.

Why not shoot something of your own for your website. Might give it a more . . . "true" feeling.

That's exactly what I'm going to do. Thanks for the support!

 

[epp_b]

I don't know about UK copyright, but in the US, anything publicly owned cannot be copyrighted.

Whatever the case, don't you think it's misrepresentative to display someone else's photos for a photo project of your own? It doesn't exactly show you have confidence in your own work.

 

[Big]

That's why I made a background of my own images. I never thought to do that...I like it much better.

 

[Garbz]

According to that notice, even my posting a link to their website in this post was illegal...

Gotta love stupid disclaimers. I also like the one that comes in via email saying you're obligated to immediately destroy the email, and let the company know that I received it. (No I'm not), or even some laws that state if you "accidentally" come in contact with child pornography you must report it to the authorities (yeah like anyone would be stupid enough to do that).

 

[Big]

^^^ Wow, that's insane! haha