Image Crediting & Use Policy

Effective Date: June 25, 2025

At herthoughtlounge.com, we deeply respect the work of content creators, influencers, and photographers. This policy outlines how we source, credit, and use images, particularly those taken from social media platforms such as Instagram.

1. Purpose of Image Usage

Our website curates lifestyle inspiration from across the internet, especially visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. These images are used:

To inspire and inform our Gen Z and lifestyle-loving readers.
To showcase fashion, aesthetic, decor, and creative trends.
As part of editorial commentary, often embedded in blog posts.

2. Source of Images

We source images from

Public Instagram profiles, respecting platform terms of service.
Pinterest posts, embedded or redirected with clear attribution.
Stock photo libraries (free or paid, with appropriate licenses).
User-submitted content (with express consent).
Influencer marketing campaigns where we have permission to share.

3. Image Crediting Protocol

We are committed to giving clear and prominent credit to all original creators whenever their image appears on our site. This includes

Mentioning the Instagram handle or display name.
Linking back to the original post or profile whenever possible.
Including credit in the image caption or within the blog post content.
Never claiming ownership of influencer or photographer content.

Example:
Photo Credit: Instagram @username

4. Copyright and Fair Use

We use influencer content under the assumption of editorial fair use, particularly when

The image is used for non-commercial commentary or educational inspiration.
The image is used in low-resolution or embedded form.
Attribution is provided, and the content is not altered.

If you are a creator and believe your image was used improperly or would like it removed, please email us at herthoughtlounge@gmail.com. We respect all takedown requests and will respond within 3 business days.

5. How to Request Credit or Removal

If you’re a creator and would like us to

Add/Correct a credit
Link to a different source
Remove your content from our website

Please contact us with the following details

Your name and Instagram handle
Link to the image on our website
Original source of the image (if available)
Your request: (credit, remove, replace, etc.)

We will act in good faith and respond professionally.

6. User Submissions

If you submit images to us (via email, contact form, or social media tags/DMs), you grant us non-exclusive rights to publish them on our site and social platforms, with credit. You can revoke this at any time by contacting us.

7. Image Modifications

We generally do not edit or modify influencer photos. If we do crop, resize, or apply filters (for aesthetic layout purposes), we ensure:

The core subject is not misrepresented.
A clear credit still accompanies the image.
The modified image is not used in a misleading context.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy as our site evolves or our image-sourcing strategy changes. Any changes will be reflected with a new effective date.

9. Original Image Creation

In addition to curating inspiring content from around the web, Her Thought Lounge also produces its own original imagery. Our in-house team creates photos, graphics, and visual assets that reflect our unique style, brand voice, and editorial themes.

These self-produced images are fully owned by us and may appear across our website, newsletters, and social channels without external credit. When we feature our own visuals alongside curated content, we strive to maintain a cohesive aesthetic that inspires our readers while also respecting the work of outside creators.

10. Contact Us

For any copyright or credit-related concern, you can always reach out to us at herthoughtlounge@gmail.com.