We all have movie stars that we have grown liking or admiring. It may be because of their unique accent, their fashion sense or just how they act. Whatever you reason you have for admiring your favorite movie personality, once in while you may find yourself looking for their images online. But did you know that there are a few limitations to how you can use your favorite movie star pictures? Well, as you shop for the celebrity’s picture, it’s important to know what you can do with it and what you can’t.

As a guide, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts that you should be aware of:

Dos

1. Use a Stock Photo

A stock photo is an image that comes with an editorial license. The license allows you to use the image for a non-profit cause. You can find such movie star pictures for sale online at Depositphotos, Shutterstock, iStockphoto, and Getty Images.

2. Use the Image in Publications

You are allowed to use the images that you buy in print publications like magazines and newspapers for illustrative purposes. So, you can use it to explain an article but not to promote the publication.

3. Use the Image in Digital Media

Like in print publications, you can also use the movie start image in your blogs and newsletters. But still, it has to be for a non-promotional purpose. In this case, you can use it to illustrate your blog or email post.

4. Get a Commercial License When Using the Image for Promotion

The stock images do not come with this license. You’ll have to talk to the celebrity to get the legal permission to use the image to promote your business. Alternatively, you can buy a photo with a creative commons license. This allows you to first understand the terms of usage before buying and do not require permission from the movie star.

Don’ts

1. Alter the Image

Other than restricting you from using the stock photo for commercial purposes, you are also forbidden from altering it. This means that you can’t crop or resize it. You also cannot give the image excessive retouch as this equals an alteration.

2. Leave a Defamatory Remark

Once you buy the image, you can’t post it online to leave a negative remark. Simply, you can’t talk bad about the movie star’s persona.

As you shop for movie star pictures for sale online, it’s important to understand the editorial license terms. This will help you use the image correctly so as to avoid a lawsuit. You can start with the above basics.