Thanks for the detailed answer on the “Fair Use” doctrine. I agree, a bit of a minefield, as it's not really a clear cut definition as you say. Thanks also for the link provided, I'll read some more as it's obviously quite relevant with regards to blogging.

All the best.

The fair use doctrine provides that copyrighted material may be used even without authorisation from the copyright holder for purposes including, but not necessarily limited to, “criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.”

It is, however, a minefield. Applying 'fair use' to a particular instance can be difficult.

I always attempt to contact the copyright holder first, and ask permission (the only way you can be 100% sure). If that fails, does your article fit the above description? A review of a book seems to fall squarely into the 'fair use' description. In order to make sure that I am not publishing anything that could harm the copyright owner's income, I only use low reolution images that could not be used to provide a decent print.

Oh, and although it has nothing to do with copyright, I always correctly attribute the original photographer, and where possible, link back to their website.

There is a good article and follow-up discussion on the subject at http://malor.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/what-blog... .

Great review Mike, also touching on some of the non-war photography McCullin has done.

Just out of curiosity – are you able to reproduce these images under “Fair Use” or did you get actual permission? I have wondered about this for some of my own reviews.