Image Copyright
Online Images
The internet is full of beautiful images that you may want to reproduce as a canvas or an acrylic print to display at home or in your office. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as you know about image copyrights.
Although most images available on websites are way too small to print, that is not always the case. For this reason, you might be tempted to download this image and make a large print on canvas.
But not so fast, you can get into much trouble if you decide to do it without the owner's permission.
Once an artist finishes an art piece, copyright is secured automatically. The artwork is considered copyright protected from "the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device." For example, if someone takes a picture and posts it on Instagram, legally it's a copyrighted photo.
If you decide to download the image and have a copy printed without prior permission from the owner, you are breaking the law. It would be best if you always asked the owner of an image for permission before making a print of it.
I bought this painting, can I make prints of it?
Hmm...not quite.
Just because you purchased a photograph or a painting from an artist, it does not give you the rights to make copies. That is unless you made arrangements with the artist, in which case you should have it in writing.
Prints Giclee Shop will always ask for written documentation regarding image copyrights. The document needs to say at a minimum, that you have permission to reproduce the image in question.
I Have a Disc With High-Resolution Images, Can I Make Prints From It?
When a photographer provides you with high-resolution images, they usually allow you to print them. You should review any papers presented and call the photographer if anything is unclear.
Can I Print Images Purchased From Stock Photos?
Before you purchase pictures from stock photo websites, make sure you are paying for the correct license.
As far as image print quality, always look for the biggest file, you can get. Try to always go for a TIFF rather than a JPG whenever possible. You can always contact us with any questions or if you would like us to check image details before you purchase.
Free Images and Where to Get Them
Many websites offer free images that you can download and print without breaking any copyright laws. Such sites can be a stock image or stock photo websites. Most of these companies will require you to create a free log-in account before you can download any free images.
Usually, there is a limited amount of free images available, with a more extensive inventory of higher quality images for sale.
You can also use images that are public domain, such as pictures taken or made by the US Government.
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