head shot by kwerfeldein@flickr
One picture is worth something and we all know it. Here’s a personal, secret tip on how to find some kickass FREE pictures for your blog or column or article. No need to pay for them, and you can help out a hard-working serious-amateur photographer at the same time. Writers and bloggers, tune in and pay attention – here is my secret tip for FREE pictures and images.
Start at my carefully guarded secret portal page at Flickr.com (yes, click this link, after you read a bit more.)
- Go there – all the photos you get to, via that link, are Creative Commons licensed. That means the owner gives you permission to use the image under certain conditions. In this case, they require you to cite the photographer’s name and link back to his/her flickr page.
- In the search box, top of my secret page, type your best keyword and then, on the next page, click most interesting, a tiny link right above the first picture returned.
- Now browse and once you find an image (and I almost always find one) copy the image and the shooter’s flickr page link so you can attribute the use. I always leave a comment on the display page where I get the image. Below each photo, there is a place to leave comments – I leave a note that says I used the image, and a link to my site. That promotes my column and gives the photographer a high-five.
- One more tip – I move away from using just a typical illustration of my article. Look at a few Ontext.com blog entries – I try to find interesting images that enhance the story and attract attention. Then, I name the picture with a name containing keywords that relate to my post or article. Bet ya a nickel you’ll get more hits and more response if you do the same.
- If you think the advice is worthwhile – I’d appreciate if you’d scroll up to the beginning of the Ontext.com writers blog and maybe sign up for email updates. Thanks!
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You’re totally welcome – I use this process every single day.
mkp.