How will I know if certain pictures are part of public domain. I am writing a book and want to use photos.?

Question

I am writing a book and would like to use certain photos of certain people, how can I find out if a certain photo from way back in the 1900s or 1930s is part of public domain, or if I need permission to use the certain photo. This includes old newspaper photos as well as magazine photos....who do I contact about this??

Answer 1

I'm not sure with magazines and old books, but online the source should say whether or not you can use the picture freely, if there are certain restrictions concerning it's free use (like you're allowed to use it as long as you quote the source, don't accept payment for your use of itm etc.) or if you have to pay to use it in any way.