What counts as proper photo credit
Proper photo credit means naming the photographer and, when required, stating the license or usage rights that explore to the image. The exact format depends on where the photo came from and how you are using it. A photo from a friend needs different credit than one from a stock site, and a Creative Commons image needs different credit than one you bought.
The core rule is straightforward: if you did not take the photo yourself, the photographer's name should be visible to anyone looking at your work. Where you place the credit matters too. Buried in a footnote on page 47 is not the same as a caption next to the image.
Some photos require nothing more than a name. Others require a link back to the original source, a statement of the license, or an acknowledgment of modifications you made. Ignoring these requirements can result in takedown notices, legal claims, or damage to your reputation with photographers and publications.
Key Takeaways
- Always place the photographer's name near the image itself—in a caption, byline, or footer—not hidden elsewhere on the page.
- Creative Commons images require you to state the license type (such as CC BY or CC BY-SA) and often require a link back to the original source.
- Stock photos you purchased usually require credit only if the license explicitly states it; check your purchase agreement or the site's terms.
- When you edit, crop, or modify a photo, you may need to state that you changed it, especially with Creative Commons or open-source images.
- If a photographer gives you a photo directly, ask them how they want to be credited rather than guessing.
Credit format for different photo sources
The format of your credit depends on where the image came from. A photo from a friend, a stock site, and a Creative Commons repository each have different standard practices.
Photos from friends or colleagues: Ask the photographer directly how they want credit. Some prefer their full name, others a first name only, and some may ask for a link to their website or social media. Write down their preference and use it consistently. A straightforward format is "Photo by [Name]" or "Photograph © [Name]" placed in a caption or footer near the image.
Creative Commons images: These require more detail. You must include the photographer's name, the title of the work (if one exists), the license type (CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC, etc.), and usually a link to the original source or the license itself. A standard format looks like: "Photo by [Name], licensed under CC BY 2.0, source: [URL]." The exact wording varies by license, so check the image's page on the platform where you found it.
Stock photos you purchased: Check your purchase agreement or the site's terms. Many stock sites (Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock) do not require credit if you bought a standard license, but some do. Royalty-free does not mean credit-free. Read the fine print before you use the image.
Photos from news sources or publications: These almost always require credit. Use the format the source specifies, which is usually "Photo by [Name]/[Publication]" or "© [Publication]." Contact the publication if the credit format is not stated.
Where to place the credit on your work
The location of the credit matters as much as the credit itself. Readers should see the photographer's name without having to hunt for it or click through multiple pages.
In print: Place credit in a caption directly below or next to the photo. If the image spans multiple columns or pages, put the credit on the same page as the photo. For a photo essay or gallery, each image should have its own credit line. If space is tight, a small credit in the corner or margin is acceptable, but avoid placing it on a different page entirely.
On a website: Include the credit in a caption, alt text, or a visible footer near the image. Do not hide it in the page's HTML code alone—readers should be able to see it. If you are linking to the original source (as required by some licenses), make the link visible or clearly label it as a source link. A common format is "Photo by [Name]" with the name linked to the photographer's website or portfolio.
On social media: Tag the photographer in the post if the platform allows it, or mention their name and handle in the caption. For Creative Commons images, include the license type and a link to the source in the caption or a comment. Instagram and Twitter both allow you to tag users; use this feature when possible.
In presentations or slideshows: Add a credit slide at the end listing all images and their sources, or include a small credit on each slide with the image. If you are presenting to a live audience, you can read the credits aloud, but written credits are better for anyone who views a recording later.
How to credit edited or modified photos
If you crop, filter, color-correct, or otherwise change a photo, you may need to state that you modified it. This requirement depends on the license and the extent of the changes.
Creative Commons images with the SA (Share-Alike) license: You must state that you changed the image. A note like "Photo by [Name], modified by [Your Name], licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0" makes this clear. Some photographers also appreciate knowing what you changed, so consider adding "cropped and color-corrected" if the changes are significant.
Creative Commons images without SA: You do not have to state that you modified the image, but it is good practice to do so anyway. It shows respect for the original work and helps readers understand what they are looking at.
Stock photos and purchased images: Check your license agreement. Most allow editing without notification, but some restrict certain types of changes (like removing watermarks or using the image for competing products). Follow the terms you agreed to when you bought the image.
Photos from friends: Ask the photographer whether they want to be credited for the modified version or if they prefer you to note that it has been edited. Some photographers care deeply about how their work appears; others do not mind.
Credit when you do not know the photographer
Sometimes you find a photo online and cannot identify the original photographer. This happens often with images that have been shared many times across the internet. You have a few options.
Search for the source: Use reverse image search (Google Images, TinEye, or Bing Images) to find where the photo originally came from. Upload the image to the search tool and look through the results. Often you will find the photographer's name, the original publication, or the platform where they posted it. This takes a few minutes but is worth the effort.
Check for watermarks or signatures: Look closely at the image itself. Many photographers embed their name, initials, or website URL directly on the photo. If you see one, use that as your credit.
If you cannot find the source: Do not use the image if you cannot credit it, especially if it is for commercial work or a publication. Using an uncredited photo when you could not find the source is still a violation of copyright. If you must use it, state clearly that the source is unknown: "Photo source unknown" or "Photographer unknown." This is not ideal, but it is better than no acknowledgment at all.
For personal or educational use: The stakes are lower if you are using the image in a school project, a personal blog, or a non-commercial context. Still, make an effort to find and credit the photographer. If you cannot, a note that the source is unknown is acceptable.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several habits can undermine your credit practices. Watch for these.
Crediting the wrong person: If you find a photo on someone's social media account, that person may not be the photographer. They may have reposted it. Use reverse image search to find the original source before you credit anyone.
Assuming "free" means "no credit needed": Free stock sites like Unsplash and Pexels do not require credit, but Creative Commons sites do. Read the license before you assume credit is optional.
Linking to a repost instead of the original: If you find a photo on a blog or social media, do not link to that post as your source. Trace it back to the original photographer or publication and link there instead. This gives credit where it belongs and helps readers find the photographer's other work.
Placing credit so small it is unreadable: A credit in 6-point font at the bottom of a large image is technically there, but it defeats the purpose. Make the credit legible. It should be straightforward to read at the same size as the image itself.
Forgetting to credit in reprints or reposts: If you use the same photo in multiple places, credit it every time. Do not assume that because you credited it once, you do not need to again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to credit photos from Unsplash or Pexels?
No. Both Unsplash and Pexels release images under licenses that do not require credit. However, crediting the photographer is still appreciated and builds goodwill. If you do credit them, use the format "Photo by [Name]" and link to their profile if possible.
What if the photographer asks me to remove their credit?
Honor the request. If a photographer changes their mind about how they want to be credited or asks you to take down the image entirely, comply. This is a matter of respect and can prevent legal issues.
Can I use a photo if I cannot find the photographer?
It depends on the context. For personal or educational use, you can note that the source is unknown. For commercial or published work, do not use the image unless you can identify and credit the photographer. The risk of a copyright claim is not worth it.
Do I need to credit a photo I took myself?
No. You own the copyright to photos you take, so you do not need to credit yourself. However, if you want to sign your work with a watermark or byline, that is your choice.
What is the difference between CC BY and CC BY-SA?
CC BY requires you to credit the photographer and link to the license. CC BY-SA requires the same, plus you must release your modified version under the same license. If you edit a CC BY-SA image, anyone who uses your version must also credit both you and the original photographer.