Start with reverse image search
The fastest way to find a photographer's name is to use reverse image search. Upload the image to Google Images, Bing Images, or TinEye, and the search engine will show you where that image appears online. If the photographer posted it themselves or if a news outlet published it with a credit line, you will see the source.
Google Images works on most devices: right-click the image, select "Search Image with Google," and wait for results. TinEye (tineye.com) is often better for older or less common photographs because it searches a different database. Bing Images also returns different results than Google, so if one search does not work, try another.
Key Takeaways
- Reverse image search through Google Images, Bing, or TinEye will show you where a photo appears online and often reveals the photographer's name.
- Check the image file itself for metadata — right-click, select Properties or Get Info, and look for an "Author" or "Creator" field that may contain the photographer's name.
- If the image came from a website, look at the page source code or the image caption, which often credits the photographer directly.
- Stock photo sites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and Unsplash let you search by image to find the original photographer and licensing information.
- If you cannot find the photographer through these methods, contact the website or publication where you found the image and ask them directly.
Check the image metadata for hidden information
Every digital photograph contains hidden information called metadata or EXIF data. This data often includes the photographer's name, the camera used, the date taken, and the location. To view it, right-click the image file on your computer and select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac).
Look for fields labeled "Author," "Creator," "Artist," or "Copyright." If the photographer filled these in when they saved the file, the name will appear here. Online tools like Jeffrey's Exif Viewer or Verexif.com also let you upload an image and read its metadata without downloading anything to your computer.
Look for a caption or credit line on the original page
If you found the image on a website, blog, or news article, the photographer's name is often printed directly below or next to the photo. Captions typically read "Photo by [Name]" or "© [Name]" or "Credit: [Name]." Scroll down to see if there is a caption below the image, or check the article text itself — photographers are usually credited near the first mention of the image.
On social media, the photographer's name may appear in the post caption or in the comments. If the image is pinned on Pinterest, click through to the original source rather than relying on the pin itself, because pins are often shared without proper credit.
Search stock photo and image licensing sites
If the image is a professional photograph, it may be hosted on a stock photo site. Getty Images, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy all let you search by uploading an image. These sites show you the photographer's name, the license type, and where the image can legally be used.
Free stock photo sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay also have search functions. Many photographers post their work on these sites and include their name or a link to their portfolio. If you find the image on one of these sites, the photographer's profile is usually just a click away.
Use a reverse image search on social media
Photographers often post their work on Instagram, Flickr, or their own websites. If reverse image search does not when ready show you the source, try searching for the image directly on Instagram or Flickr. Both platforms have search functions, and many photographers tag their work with keywords that make it easier to find.
On Instagram, search for relevant hashtags related to the image content — for example, if it is a landscape photo, try #landscapephotography or #naturephotography. Photographers who post regularly often have a consistent style, so browsing their feed may help you confirm you have found the right person.
Contact the website or publication directly
If you have tried reverse image search, checked metadata, and looked for captions but still cannot find the photographer's name, contact the website or publication where you found the image. Email the editor, webmaster, or social media account and ask who took the photo. Most organizations keep records of their image sources and can tell you in a day or two.
Include a link to the image and the date you found it. Be specific about where on the page it appeared. Publications are usually willing to share photographer credits because it is part of their job to maintain accurate sourcing.
Understand copyright and usage rights
Once you know who the photographer is, check whether you can use the image. If it came from a stock site, the license terms are listed there. If it came from a personal website or social media, the photographer may own the copyright, and you may need permission to use it.
A photograph is automatically copyrighted the moment it is taken, even if there is no copyright notice visible. If you want to use someone else's photograph, contact them and ask. Most photographers are happy to grant permission if you are using it for non-commercial purposes or if you are willing to pay a licensing fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if reverse image search shows the photo on multiple websites?
The earliest source is usually the original. Look at the publication dates and follow the trail backward. The site with the oldest date or the one that includes a detailed caption is most likely where the photographer first posted it.
Can metadata be removed or faked?
Yes. Many photographers strip metadata before uploading to protect their privacy or prevent theft. If metadata is missing, it does not mean the photographer is unknown — it just means you will need to use reverse image search or captions instead.
What if the image is very old or from a historical archive?
Contact the archive directly. Libraries, museums, and government agencies that hold historical photographs keep detailed records. The Library of Congress, Smithsonian, and local historical societies can often identify photographers from decades ago if you provide the image and any context about where it came from.
Is it legal to use a photo if I cannot find the photographer?
No. The photographer owns the copyright whether or not you can find them. If you cannot locate them after a reasonable search, you should not use the image without permission. Some organizations offer licenses for "orphan works," but the safest choice is to find a different image or contact a lawyer.