The method
- Define a project and criteria such as colours, materials, shapes or atmosphere. For each reference, note the feature that interests you rather than adding it simply because it looks attractive.
- Find the original page and record author, title or description, address and stated rights. An image in a collection or search engine is not, by itself, permission to reuse it.
- Before sharing, examine each image’s conditions. Use a source link where reproduction rights remain uncertain; add required credits to reproductions you retain.
Fictional worked example
A fictional decorating board contains one photo for its blue palette and another for a furniture shape. Each note explains that choice. A third image with no identifiable origin stays a research link rather than being inserted as a freely reusable visual in the published version.
The record to keep
Keep source, selection reason, rights statement and sharing decision for each item. Retain rejected references when they explain a limitation.
What this method can establish
The board establishes neither product effectiveness nor general permission to copy images. Examine rights for the reproduction and intended use.
Supporting documentation
Documentation consulted on
An editorial method, a fictional example and references for further reading.