External links

What is copyright?

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content on external sites

When searching for a picture, think about what kind of image it is that you’re actually looking for.

Is it a news picture, something historic, fashion, art, a celebrity shot, is it travel related?… then research which libraries can supply you with what you want.

If you’re looking to protect yourself from infringing copyright, then this works much better than starting out by using something like Google Image, where you might find the right image, but then can’t find out who the rights holder is and the image you find may be too low resolution to use anyway.

Right clicking and hoping for the best is certainly NO guarantee of protecting yourself against infringement! Agencies give you peace of mind and quality of image.

If that sounds like hard work, then you can start right here on this website. BAPLA is a not-for-profit trade association representing well over 350 UK and international picture agencies – our members include the very big global stockists all the way down to the small libraries who have very specialist areas.

I know what sort of image I want, but I don’t know where to find it:

You need to find out which picture library offers the type of images you need. This link will help you with that and takes you to the Image Category Search.

So for example, if you’re looking for a picture of a steam train standing at a station, the Image Category Search will offer you a list of subjects.

In this case, you’d click on ‘Transport’, then hit ‘Railways’.

The next list reveals all the BAPLA members supplying the images you need – and you’ll be able to view their profile and their websites which will offer you more train pictures than you can shake a stick at – we assure you that you’ll find a picture that absolutely suits your needs!

I have an idea of which library I’d like to use but I can’t find their contact details:

In which case, you’ll need this link that carries you off to the Image Supplier A-Z.

If you already have an idea of which library you want to search, then the Image Supplier A-Z will list all our members in alphabetical order.

Again, clicking on their names will take you to their profiles and their websites. The profiles also showcase a sample selection of images.

I want an image that will help my website stand out, but I don’t know where to look:

If it’s inspiration you’re after, the ‘Themes’ page might help.

Here you’ll find themes, new ideas, new collections and different imagery from a selection of image libraries. It’s updated every month, so it’s well worth checking out on a regular basis.

I’ve tried the above and can’t find what I need:

Which would mean you could try the ‘Image Request’.

Fill in the online form, press send and the BAPLA office will disseminate your request to all the libraries relevant to your search. It may take longer than going direct to suppliers, but it’s another vehicle to help you find the image you need.

Once you’ve found the right picture, you should in most cases be able to licence it directly from the web.

If at any point you’re not sure what licence suits you, if you want advice on which picture would suit your requirements most or if you’re getting your Royalty Free mixed up with your Rights Managed or Microstock, then you can always pick up the phone and talk to a human voice.

You may be surprised at how nice they are and what they might be able to offer you!

Happy searching…!!