While graphical images are not necessary for a website, they can be quite useful for improving the look and feel of any site.

Finding image files to use on your website can be as simple as searching Google Images . One important thing to consider is who is the original owner of the image and what copyrights are the owner retaining. If you take a picture with your digital camera, then that image file is yours to do with as you please. You can display it on your website, modify it, or print it and owe no one anything for its use. However, if you find a image that was taken by a professional photographer, they have the legal right to its exclusive use, or the right to be paid for its use by you. This legal environment existed before there was a World Wide Web. You can find online stock photo agencies that sell usage rights for image files.

With the widespread use of digital cameras, there are now many skilled amateur photographers producing pictures for the fun of it, not to be paid. Many of these images are available for free use on websites and in printed materials.Some websites distributing these image files include: 

• MorgueFile - http://www.morguefile.com/

• Palouse Open Source Image Bank - http://palousephotography.org

• PD Photo - http://www.pdphoto.org

• Stock.XCHNG - http://www.sxc.hu

• Mayang's Free Textures - http://www.mayang.com/textures

Wherever you browse for image files be sure to check the terms and conditions under which the file you want is offered. The photographers usually like to see feedback on what you liked about their picture and how you are using it.

from SWCP Portal, May 2007