Is Downloading An Image Stealing

Short answer, YES!



It seems that with the advent of applications and websites that make it easy to publish content, people have the need to add images to their sites. I can understand this as text is very boring by itself. The problem is that many people don't seem to understand that if they take images from other sites they should make sure they are not violating the law. In many cases the deed is done without the individual knowing they may be violating the law. Most of the violators are simply showing an image they like to their friends and probably will never buy a fine art print. In such cases all I really ask is if you want to put one of my images on your personal website just ask and I'll be glad to allow it if you link back to my site and/or give credit. I'm most interested in the link back as that leads to better Google rankings and possible sales.

This policy applies to 99% of the image downloaders out there. I have yet to find anyone actually trying to sell my work as their own and if I did that would involve possible legal action since all of my work is copyrighted. Having said that here is the copyright statement from my website and this same copyright would apply to my images here at Fine Art America.

Copyright 2006-2009 Pete Hellmann Photography. All rights reserved. Pete Hellmann copyrights all site contents, including digital reproductions of photographs in the U.S. and internationally. Permission is granted to you for use of this site as a shopping resource allowing you to view, copy and print any page on this web site provided that it is used for informational purposes only, personal use only and this copyright notice is included in any copied or printed page. Any unauthorized dissemination or retransmission of materials within this site including, but not limited to, republication from other servers on the Internet, is forbidden without written consent of Pete Hellmann. Please contact me if you would like to use any of my images.

Alright, you read the copyright notice above, but let's be real. Everyone knows that images on the web are downloaded daily and used by individuals. If you really like any of my images, and really need to download them, please use them for informational purposes only, personal use only and include my name and copyright on any printed or published image.