Having our photo being displayed and featured are some of our proud moments especially for hobbyist, like myself. For me, it’s a childhood dream came true since I always admire Windows picture wallpaper on our PC and laptop. My dream has always been really simple, having my photo being wallpaper worthy and that people would use it one day.

Recently, I found myself googling my Instagram account and Unsplash account username. To my surprise, I found a picture fromy Instagram account was featured as the headline of an article in quite well-known media sites.

They include my Instagram handle but I never got any DM or request for permission to use the image.

My Instagram itself was a mix of my photography from my travels for friends and such to display. It was never intended for any commercial activities nor I state that it all free to use.

That is another story with unsplash where I upload my pictures with CCO license and free to use. I’ve seen it being used for the same reason, a thumbnail/headline in some local media. My unsplash account was intended for that and I haven’t updated that one for the purpose that well, I don’t just giveaway some of my work for free even if I am a hobbyist.

It's not easy as 1 2 3....

I suppose even after years; people are still undermining the work that is put into capturing a picture. It’s not as easy just 1,2.3 click.

There is more to that and I am sure everyone here in this line of work/hobby understand what it takes to take a proper picture. Some images are quite laborious and expensive to make and I can tell you as much, not all places are aesthetic / something that people like to see, for example this comparison of image below :

That's trash!

I am sure you would rather see something like a blue sky, beautiful mountain, any scenery /activities that takes your breath away than some random roof or just wires.

You might even think, “what the fuck, that’s trash” if you think that way, then I suppose I made my point that not all image is worth capturing and even if it’s angled in a certain way, it’s not something everyone wants to see.

The pictures you’ve probably seen around any photography community is perfectly curated spot, angled and more than just one two three clicks.

Where do you find beautiful spot? Unless you’re lucky living nearby one, you probably have to travel.

How can you find the best angle and the best time to take certain moment? You probably have to visit a little early and ensure that you arrive before everyone else.

How can I refine the picture? You probably need to spend time editing and probably using tools that aren’t free (unless it’s pirated).

So, taking just one or two shots that are genuinely good requires that much effort. It doesn’t take too much of anyone’s time to just say “Can I use your picture for this, that” it is less laborious than doing all the said activities above.

Let this be a reminder and to give credit where it’s due and to ask for permission when it isn’t something you’ve produced/own.