Nothing adds spice to an article better than a visual image to grab the reader's attention. The problem with posting photos in Xombytes and Xomblurbs is that many photos are copyrighted. Violating copyright for photo use can get you into a heap of trouble. Financial trouble - who needs that? Sourcing your photos isn't adequate protection.

Why not choose photos that are available for use in the public domain instead? These photos are often found on government websites at the federal or state level. The very activities of federal, state, and local governments make their graphics part of the public domain.

Despite the ability to copyright almost anything, many photographers choose to provide their content to the public for use. Some ask for attribution while others simply release the photo for use without any restrictions. A general rule of thumb is this: if you can't understand the language in the documentation license, then you shouldn't use the photo on Xomba or anywhere else without contacting the provider.

Tip-toeing through the photo copyright minefield doesn't have to be the nightmare everyone thinks. Here's a set of links for many sites that offer photos for commercial use in articles, blog, and on websites at no cost to the user.

Wikimedia Commons

*Wikimedia Commons contains thousands of photos for use with and without restrictions. Each photo has a specific licensing section that explains acceptable use, including links describing the type of license.

.gov Watch

*One of the most comprehensive articles available describing the photographic contents of major government websites.

Morgue File

*Morgue file allows you to search among their thousands of royalty free photos. All photos are free.

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

*This site offers users the ability to search based on topic. Photos are free and the site provides high-resolution digital photos for a reasonable fee.

FreePhotos.com

*Allows the use of photos for personal or commercial purposes. FreePhotos encourages users to upload their own work, participate in rating, and sharing in their community.

Public-Photo.net

*Public-Photo.net offers photos free for commercial use. Scroll down to see the various photo albums, broken down by subject.

Visit a photo search engine designed to hunt among the various photo websites for the perfect picture for your article at Everystockphoto.com

Remember that each photo has a specific licensing agreement. Never assume a photo can be used until you read the "fine print." Many photographers request attribution with the free use of their photos. A note below the photo stating "Image by ABCDEFG" should be sufficient. Other photographers request that you send an e-mail to them with a link showing where the photo has been used. A simple request considering many of us are making money on said articles.