Original photographs on my home page - Is this legal?

[JoyDivision]

I have taken a picture of a building in Manchester and edited to use on my home page, so all you can see the glass effect, its used as art work if that makes sense.

However its obvious what the building is (Urbis) even though I took the picture could I get into trouble over using a photograph of it in my site?

[stagetec]

I think the answer is yes, generally you need permission to use a picture of anything that anyone owns.

Andy

[JoyDivision]

Its probably safer to go back to the drawing board on that one then :(

There must be limits though, for example who owns a skyline?

[Eagle]

*
If you took the image standing in a public place... it's yours to use as you see fit.

However, certain rules apply. As far as I'm aware you can't photograph a National Trust property and use it commercially (sell it).

You also can't use an image (people, building, logo, product etc) if it could be construed as 'endorsing' your product or service or you are implying affiliation with it. Suffice to say, you can use it for portfolio/decorative use but not to make money on.

The way you've deployed it sounds fair and legal.

:)

[MinuWeb]

I would agree with the public place thing, TV newspapers and magazines would have a very hard time otherwise......

[JoyDivision]

I am not sure where it was taken but my camera has very nice zoom lens so it could have easily been in public, the building is owned by the city council anyway. So where it ever it was taken I am 100% sure it was on council land.

[Amber]

We used to come up against this issue all the time when I worked in newspapers, and as long as the photographer is not tresspassing, there is nothing to stop you taking pictures of buildings.

If you're concerned, though, maybe you could contact the owners of the building and ask if they'd have any objections to you using the picture?