Using stock photo as author picture?

[GuerrillaIM]

If I buy a stock photo from somewhere like Istock photo, Is it legal for me to ad it to one of my blogs as a picture of the author?

The person obviously gave permission for their face to be slapped across the internet. But am I crossing a line to say its the author of a blog post?

[Johnny]

Read the terms. It's not allow "legally".

[Bill Farnham]

If you ever become an authority in the niche and get invited to speak at a function just be sure the photo you choose is worse looking than your real life mug.

That way those folks will be in for a pleasent surprise.

If you choose a photo that makes you look like Brad Pitt, and you show up looking like Woody Allen your credibility will go out the window faster than a beekeeper with his fly unzipped.

KJ

[GuerrillaIM]

Hehe, I don't think that will ever happen, just wanna slap a picture on my affiliate blogs to try and make reader connect more with my reviews and recommendations.

[nicholasb]

people do this all the time, all the people you see selling products on clickbank are the same gurus you heard of every like John Reese and Frank Kern.

if you do this you would want to buy exclusive rights to the photo

[Trader54]

You could always just photoshop your own pic that way you know you have exclusive rights.

You would not have to make much of a change to your pic and no one would recognize it.

[GuerrillaIM]

Originally Posted by nicholasb

people do this all the time, all the people you see selling products on clickbank are the same gurus you heard of every like John Reese and Frank Kern.

if you do this you would want to buy exclusive rights to the photo

Would I have to buy exclusive rights?

In their terms they prohibit "Use that depicts personal endorsement by model". I think this may come under that.

[Jesus Perez]

Here's the TOS to iStockPhoto:
Articles - Top 5 License Faux Pas | iStockphoto.com

Would you like it if someone took your photo and then an advertiser or political group used it with text that attributes a sensitive statement or endorsement to you, for example: "I have a mental illness" or, "I voted for Ferrets Against Furs"? No, you probably wouldn't like it. That's because it's a violation of the rights of both the model and artist. Neither iStock's Standard or Extended License allows you to use any iStock file in a way that depicts a model in a sensitive way i.e. mental or physical health issues, substance abuse, criminal behavior, sexual activity or preference. Even if you need an image to promote a good cause please be careful not to violate these sensitive licensing permissions.

Faux pas fix: Double check that you are not using an iStock image with attributing or endorsing statements next to a model. If you want to use images of people, be sure not to impose anything onto the model that's an endorsement or copy/design elements that are inappropriate, unflattering or sensitive in nature.

Looks like there may be a loophole...but I wouldn't mess with iStockPhoto. They do not play well legally.

[rushindo]

Posting a picture of someone else and claiming it is you is a lie and is deception, legal or not. Would you want people deceiving you like that? But hey, everyone has their own personal code of ethics.

Not trying to be mean. You may have never even thought of it that way. Just making a point.

Brandon

[GuerrillaIM]

Where can I get photos that I can legally use as author photos?