Expert: Peter Gabany - 11/21/2010

Question
Mr. Gabany,
   Hi, the other day I asked a question pertaining to using online images.  I asked a follow-up too, but I'm not sure if it went through.  My question is can I use a simple image, like say an orange?  Just a basic orange; the fruit.  Also, if I did a campaign for Masonite, a door company, and used the image from their website of the door is that ok?  I did alot to it on Photoshop and such.  It's just that I would never have access to getting these pictures myself, and all they are is the doors from the catalog on the company website.
Thank you, and sorry for all the questions.

Answer
I am not a lawyer so not confident on usage issues. But I would imagine that if you are using images - 1 only - for the purposes of creating a portfolio only then the use of any image would be allowed. It's when you use images for personal gain or the image can damage the reputation of the creator is when financial compensation is required.

We make certain that we have licensed software and purchase Royalty Free or Rights-managed images when we do work on behalf of our clientele.

FYI, you can get an account for stock images for free on iStockPhoto and you can purchase images for VERY little so this may be an option.

I say - go for it. You have to get a start, get a great portfolio and get accepted so that you can go to school so you can graduate to work for someone like me.

Thanks for your followup

Pete