FREE PHOTO REFERENCE MATERIAL

[mahlstick]

Hi everyone.

I don't know if I am preaching to the already converted, but I have been using a fantastic website for FREE photo reference pics for ages now. It is www.flickr.com.

There are literally thousands upon thousands of photos, just type in your required subject and it will most likely be there. Some pics cannot be downloaded, but most can, and they come in a range of sizes. So if you haven't explored this site yet I suggest you do so real soon, it's GREAT.

I also store my photos in a programme called iPhoto on my computer, and just print them out as and when I need to.

Hope this helps someone, happy hunting.

Mahlstick

[Leana]

Mahlstick - thank you for the reference link, however as far as I know, a lot of these sites, like flicker...(although you can download photographs)... you need to get the photographer's permission to use it or even if you use a portion of a photograph.  Even some sites that says free reference photos...when you want to use a specific photo, you need to clarify if the photographer needs some form of recognition... especially if you want to sell the paintings.  So one has to be very careful when using reference photos from the web, because as an artist you might use it unknowingly of copyright issues... but end up in being sued.   So the best in this case scenario would be to make sure what the photographer requires or expects

[Lillian]

That's very sound advice, Leana and thanks for posting.

I don't think any of us want to tread on dangerous ground.

[Maryna]

On flicker you have to get permission, however if you use Morguefile those are free to use. Rather source from them.  http://www.morguefile.com