“Can I recreate someone else’s photograph I found online, and use on my book cover?”

Q –

Angela,

I found the perfect picture for my cover online and I MUST use it! The problem is I can’t find any information on who took the photo. Can I hire a photographer to re-create the photo?”

-Name not published

A –

No. Recreating a scene from another photographer’s photo, taking that photo, and using it for profit is still copyright infringement. You will either need to find the person who owns the rights to that photo so you can obtain written permission to use it, or you will need to use a different photo. Copying someone’s work, whether in writing or in another medium, is still copyright infringement, and can lead to a lawsuit.

“Can I Copy This Without Permission?” Nope!

“Can Your Publisher Get YOU Sued For Copyright Infringement?” Yep!!

WritersWeekly Invoices Competitor Anne Wayman $38,250 for Copyright Infringement

Tracking Down Copyright Infringers – A Painful But Necessary Task

One Response to "“Can I recreate someone else’s photograph I found online, and use on my book cover?”"

Linda G March 8, 2019 at 5:39 pm

Especially in Canada where we keep copyright for our art. Yikes that person is looking for serious trouble. And will get it.

“Can I recreate someone else’s photograph I found online, and use on my book cover?”

Share this:

One Response to "“Can I recreate someone else’s photograph I found online, and use on my book cover?”"