Art & Art History: Cite Images

Citation and Attribution

When using an image in a paper or presentation, it is essential to provide proper attribution for the image, both in any reference list or bibliography and on the page or screen on which the image appears. Attribution typically includes:

  • the name of the work
  • the name of the image's creator
  • a link to access the work.

If you are working in a particular citation style, such as MLA or APA, you will also need to cite your image using that citation style's guidelines. Find your citation style below. 

Fair Use in Student Media Productions

Most images, text, video, and music are protected by copyright laws that forbid reproduction without the permission of the creator. However, there are fair use exceptions to these laws that let students use some images for non-profit, educational purposes, as long as the student provides attribution and adheres to the following guidelines:

Guidelines
Motion Media Up to 10% or 3 minutes, whichever is less
Text Material Up to 10% or 10,000 words, whichever is less
Music Up to 10% or 30 seconds maximum
Illustrations and photographs Up to 5 images from a single artist of photographer; no more than 10% or 15 images from a collective work