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Help me, please!

Question about images.

HollieT
Posts: 379
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on 04/16/2013

OK, so as a very amateur artist I'm not too clever when it comes to sketching and painting from memory, therefore, I'll usually paint or draw an image and use photograph to copy from. This is fine when it comes to my photographs, or photographs which I know I'm allowed to use. But, what about when I just want to use something from an image, say a flower which I'd like to paint. How do I stand legally and might this be seen as some kind of copyright infringement? 

Paul
Posts: 256
Message
on 04/16/2013

To be honest, if you're using a photo as a reference, I don't see an issue. Unless you're directly copying the image, I'd say it's okay.

HollieT
Posts: 379
Message
on 04/16/2013

Ok, thanks Paul. Just really needed to know where I stand on the issue. I'm copying it as in the detail etc. but not photocopying it or anything.

LizM
Posts: 66
Message
on 04/16/2013

If you are making a painting that looks like the photograph you have a copyright issue.  However, if you are doing it for personal use, and not to be sold, most photographers wouldn't care.

 

If you are using it for reference, as in a photo of a bear in a field and you use the photo to get the general shape of the bear right but don't copy the exact form, it isn't an issue.

 

HollieT: 04/16/2013 - 05:30 PM

Ok, thanks Paul. Just really needed to know where I stand on the issue. I'm copying it as in the detail etc. but not photocopying it or anything.

 

HollieT
Posts: 379
Message
on 04/16/2013

Ah, thanks Liz. So it's an issue. The reason I use photographs is because I'm not great when it comes to memory and detail. I need a reference.

HollieT
Posts: 379
Message
on 04/16/2013

Having said that, it's often the colours needed to shade it correctly that I need. I suppose I could just add my own form and style. I just wouldn't want anyone to feel that I'm ripping off in someway if it's their work.

I'll attempt to work from memory more, I think.

Tolovaj
Posts: 144
Message
on 04/17/2013

My advice would be to use photos which are Public Domain and Royalty Free. You can find many on Pixabay and Wikimedia and you can use them for whatever you like. And there are MANY great photos.

If you use copyrighted image for whatever reason things can (not necessary, but CAN) become very complicated. So start with copyleft and you are safe. And always make a print screen of your source for your archive.


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