Q - Can I use a picture that I find on the Internet? A - The Internet is an outstanding source for locating photos. However, there are two primary concerns: copyright restrictions and image quality. Images in the USDA Photo Library are considered public domain and are, therefore, free of copyright restrictions. Those restrictions, however, apply to many, if not most, Internet images. Images can be purchased from online stock photo companies. It is important to understand the terms of the contract, because often the purchase price is for one-time use only. This means that each time a brochure or poster is reprinted, another payment is required. Royalty-free images are also available from online sources. In certain cases, Internet photos can be used without violating copyright restrictions. Photos may be used for educational purposes, providing there is no monetary compensation involved. Internet photos also may be used on Web pages, but restrictions apply if the images are to be downloaded and printed. It is important to determine the copyright status before using an Internet photo. Please contact Alice Welch at 202-720-0901 or alice.welch@usda.gov for information about specific photos and their use. Image quality also must be considered. Low-resolution photos, which are satisfactory when viewed on a computer monitor, usually are not sufficient for printing. For assistance in choosing an Internet photo for a printed product, contact Issac Evans (202-720-6641 or issac.evans@usda.gov) or Alice Welch (202-720-0901 or alice.welch@usda.gov).
Q - Do I need a model release? A - In many cases, yes. Please contact Alice Welch (202-720-0901 or alice.welch@usda.gov) for information about model releases.
Q - How can I get permission to use photos found in the USDA Online Photo Library? A - All photographs in the USDA Online Photo Library are in the public domain. You may use them as you wish; however, they may not be used to infer or imply USDA endorsement of any product or position, nor should they be used to distort the reality of the image they portray.
Q - Can I get larger, high-resolution copies of the photos found in the USDA Online Photo Library? A - Yes, 4.5MB and 18MB files are available through the USDA Online Photo Library. Contact us at user.photo@usda.gov, or USDA Photography Branch, Room 535A, Whitten Bldg., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone at 202-720-6633 for details.
Q - Can I get transparencies or prints of the photos found in the USDA Online Photo Library? A - Yes, duplicate transparencies and color or black-and-white prints are available. Contact us by e-mail at user.photo@usda.gov, or USDA Photography Branch, Room 535A, Washington, DC 20250, or by phone at (202) 720-6633 for details.
Q - Are there other materials within USDA? A - Yes, the online selections represent only a portion of the material in the total collection in the USDA Photography Branch. If you would like one of our photo researchers to investigate a particular area for you, or if you would like to come in and search for yourself, you may contact us for an appointment:
Vivian Thomas
Photography Branch, Creative Services Center
Office of Communications
U.S. Department of Agriculture
541A Whitten Bldg.
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
