"I Just Grabbed a Nice Photo From Google"
This is one of the most common mistakes when building a business website in Australia. Most images that show up in Google Image search are someone's copyrighted property. Using them without permission can lead to takedown requests, or in serious cases, demand letters seeking compensation from the copyright holder or image agency. These cases really do happen in Australia.
How to Source Images Safely
1. Your Own Photos Are Best
Actual dishes at your Korean restaurant, before-and-after results at your salon, your cafe's interior — photos you take yourself carry no copyright worries and feel authentic, which builds customer trust. A modern smartphone camera is more than enough these days.
2. Use Free Stock Photo Sites
- Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay: Free, high-resolution images that can be used commercially
- Always check each site's licence terms before downloading
3. Paid Stock Photos
If you need a specific concept, purchase a licence from Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. It costs money, but it's legally safe.
Key Points to Remember
- Logos & branded images: Don't use well-known brand logos without permission
- Photos with people's faces: There may be personality/likeness rights issues, so only use images with confirmed model consent
- Check attribution requirements: Even free images may require crediting the creator
- Keep download records: Note where and under which licence you got each image — it protects you later
Small Habits Prevent Big Risks
The "it'll probably be fine" mindset is the most dangerous. If you build the habit of only using images with a clear source from the start, you'll avoid nasty disputes down the track.
PICKTECH helps you choose copyright-safe images and even offers photography guidance when building your website. If you want a safe, trustworthy site, feel free to get in touch.