I'm just working on creating a new effect I came up with.
Does anyone know a good free database of old portrait pictures from
people that lived in 1800-1930, that are royalty free?

Thanks for your help!

Http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/1800s-portraits.html

I remember there is any database from the USA that contains royalty free pictures that are free as well. I don't remembering the name of it though.

The Library of Congress has you covered, I think:

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/search/?st=grid&co=dag

They have some really amazing collections of old historical photographs.

It may not be ethical to simply "grab" any of those pictures. Delve a little deeper into the website and read their rules and restrictions about using copyrighted materials.

Most of those images were created in the 1800s and thus the copyright has expired unless otherwise noted.

Also every image I've clicked on in that collection has "No known restrictions" in their Rights Advisory category, which according to their page on copyrights and usage is in the public domain, at least as far as the Library of Congress knows. I would only consider it unethical if you went ahead and sold the effect and didn't at least credit the Library of Congress with the images used.

Why Royalty free?

Doesn't like the Queen.

Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUOtCLOXgm8

Or perhaps

Which Queen? Could you elaborate?

Am I missing something here fellas?

Anyone?

Ooooooookay then...
I have some antique portraits books in my library. Gorgeous volumes. Rough edged pages, colour portraits protected by tissue paper etc. Much is non royalty but there are several portraits of reigning monarchs and their family members as can be expected for the publication date.

It was just a joke--based on the two meanings of royalty(s); that is, (1) payment for use of intellectual property, and (2) the monarchy.

If you do a google search on images, using the tools button you can filter on licensing.

Im lost. How could anyone receive royalties for putting a bunch of random pictures online, and why would anyone pay?

Photographs, like magic books, are intellectual property. Someone put work into creating them. Creators generally ask to be compensated when their work is utilized, especially if it's for a commercial enterprise.

They would pay, because they believe they should comply with the law.

If you own something rare, like a rare picture, then you can charge a fee for the use the image and those who who pay those who would want to pay to use it I guess.

Exactly