Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I share my photos?
• How do I obtain permission to use Photoshare?
• Why are there restrictions on using Photoshare images?
• What is the cost of using Photoshare images?
• After I submit a request, how long will it take for my request to be processed, and what will be sent to me?
• Can I keep an image and use it for various purposes in the future?
• Can I submit one request form for various materials I am working on?
• Most of the images are in color. Can I get them in black and white?

How can I share my photos?

Sharing photos is easy. There are several ways to submit your images and captions, according to what is most convenient for you. Photoshare can reimburse the cost of shipping and duplicating select photos. Please review the section "How to Share Your Photos." Feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

How do I obtain permission to use Photoshare?

Anyone designing materials for non-profit, educational use promoting international health and development is welcome to search the Photoshare image database and submit a request at any time. You are not required to register as a Photoshare user. Please keep in mind that requests are screened on an individual basis to ensure compliance with Photoshare Terms of Use. Permission to use photos is based not only on your non-profit, educational mission, but also on how you intend to use specific photos in specific materials, with respect to principles of editorial photography.

To submit a request, please use our on-line request form (i.e. "photo basket"). However, feel free to send us an email or call 410-659-6280 to follow up on your submitted request with additional information, a copy of your draft document, or questions.

If your request is denied, we will do our best to identify alternative, appropriate photo choices. In some cases, we may ask you to incorporate original captions and/or a disclosure statement. If we are unable to help you with your request, we recommend that you work with a stock photo agency, professional photographer, or other photo resource to obtain appropriate photographs.

Why are there restrictions on using Photoshare images?

The Photoshare collection falls under the category of editorial photography. Unlike commercial photography, which is usually obtained for promotional purposes through contracts with professional photographers and stock agencies, editorial photography calls for a journalistic approach to taking and using photos. In other words, editorial photography is intended for objective, accurate representation or illustration of a real situation, subject, or physical location.

Photoshare images are available strictly for non-profit, educational use promoting international health and development, under the principles of editorial photography. They may be used to visually portray the people, stories, and issues referred to in Photoshare captions. Above all, we expect Photoshare users to respect human photo subjects and take into consideration whether photo subjects may experience negative consequences of having their photo used. The value and importance of using a photograph should always be weighed against regard for the photographic subjects' reputation, privacy, and integrity.

There is currently a high demand for photographs of persons affected by HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and other highly sensitive and personal issues. However, the Photoshare collection contains very few relevant and appropriate photos on these topics. We cannot approve any request for photos if they will be used in a way that falsely or harmfully associates, or seems to associate, a particular health status, attitude, or behavior with any person who appears in the photographs. Photographing and using photos of vulnerable populations requires extreme care and sensitivity. If you request such photos, please be prepared to answer additional questions about your request or provide a draft copy of your document.

What is the cost of using Photoshare images?

If your request is approved, you will receive copies free of charge for one-time, educational, non-profit use promoting international health and development. Photoshare cannot be involved in paid transactions between photographers and for-profit entities.

After I submit a request, how long will it take for my request to be processed, and what will be sent to me?

Please allow 1-3 business days for us to process your request. If you are submitting an urgent request, please indicate your deadline on the request form, and we will do our best to rush your request. In most cases, we are able to process last minute requests the same day they are received.

If your request is approved, you will receive an email with Photoshare captions, credits, instructions to download free copies for one-time use. You may indicate on the request form your preference for low or high-resolution and JPEG or TIF format. JPEGs are usually sent as email attachments. For TIF requests, you will be directed to a private, temporary web page where you can download TIF files. Photoshare does not distribute prints, slides, or negatives.

Can I keep an image and use it for various purposes in the future?

Images supplied by Photoshare may not be copied or stored by any means, electronic or otherwise, except for the purpose for which they were originally supplied. Permission must be sought and given from Photoshare before each and every use of an image. The user must provide Photoshare with publication/presentation details and an explanation of how Photoshare images are intended to be used.

Can I submit one request form for various materials I am working on?

The Photoshare request form is designed to handle one request at a time (i.e. one title per request form). If you have placed a large number of images in your photo basket intended for use in a series of documents (e.g. separate presentations on various health issues in Indonesia), you must clearly indicate which photos you wish to use under which titles. You may use the "Title" or "Special Instructions" box to explain your request (e. g. 43-45, and 23-64 for "Maternal and Child Health in Indonesia"; 54-23, and 34-64 for "Reproductive Health in Indonesia"). Alternatively, you can insert watermarked thumbnails into your documents and send us the drafts so that we can properly review the context of photo use.

If you simply wish to produce the exact same title/material in various formats (e.g. "Immunization in Nigeria" as a print document, PDF, and web document) you need not submit separate requests. However, we ask that you let us know if you plan to produce the material in multiple formats.

Most of the images are in color. Can I get them in black and white?

Yes, we can convert all color images to black and white. You can also do this yourself with an image editing program. However, if a thumbnail appears as a black and white image, we cannot convert it to a full-color image.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government.

Background Photo © CCP